Tomb Guard Earns Badge After His Final Watch

Conducting a final walk at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a high honor for a Tomb Guard of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), as is earning the Tomb Guard Identification Badge. However, to do both on the same day is a rare event. That’s just what happened to Staff Sgt. Thomas Tavenner on March 11, 2024.

At noon, when Tavenner completed guarding the Tomb, he walked to the southern end of Memorial Plaza, where the ceremony's host, Spc. Wyatt Stearns, told him “Staff Sgt. Thomas Tavenner, for the last time fall out.” Instead of leaving the plaza, Tavenner handed his rifle to a waiting Tomb Guard and returned to the center of the plaza, where a sergeant first class, along with Tavenner’s parents and grandfather, awaited him.

Tavenner took off his sunglasses and gloves and gave them to the sergeant, who, in return, handed Tavenner five red roses. Tavenner shook his father’s hand and hugged his mother, giving her a rose. Then, in the disciplined cadence the Tomb Guards are known for, he walked to the Tomb of the World War I Unknown, dropped to one knee, and laid a rose at its base. He did the same for the Vietnam War, World War II, and Korean War Unknowns.

Once he finished, Tavenner saluted the Tomb as a bugler sounded Taps. He then escorted his parents and grandfather away from the Tomb for the last time.
But the day was not over. Soon after, Tavenner stood in the center of the chapel under the Memorial Amphitheater, in front of his family, his fellow Guards, and guests as he awaited the presentation of his Tomb Badge. Tomb Guards earn the badge after completing five phases of testing. It is considered one of the most challenging badges to earn in the U.S. Army.
Commander of the Guard, 1st Lt. Henry Newstrom, overseeing the ceremony, explained why Tavenner had his last walk on the same day as earning his Tomb Badge. “Despite our best efforts to retain Sgt. Tavenner,” said Newstrom, “our Army Human Resources Command needs recruiters, so he will be recruiting in Norfolk, Nebraska.”

Then Newstrom read out a list of Tavenner’s accomplishments. “Over the past eleven months, Staff Sgt. Tavenner has completed 210 walks and 102 public wreath-laying ceremonies,” he said. “He has walked ceremonially for over 111 miles while guarding the Unknowns —a distance that will get you to Richmond, Virginia, Ocean City, New Jersey, or Philadelphia.”

Then Newstrom explained something even more impressive: A twelve-hour post guarding the Tomb from dusk to dawn is known as a vigil. Similarly, an ironman consists of performing a back-to-back guard change, followed immediately by a vigil. Newstrom said that Tavenner conducted 14 vigils, with two of those being ironmans, an average of one vigil per month. “That is honestly incredible,” said Newstrom. “What you did to support your relief and our team as a whole is awesome.”

✍🏻 Kevin M. Hymel
🎥 Daryl Vaca

[brandonseyfried]

He understood that the ceremony wasn't about him.
We cannot honor this man enough.

[secondcavalry]

I wish our politicians would show the dedication, honor and discipline that you have demonstrated. We would have a better country.

[jaycee]

One of the rare and one of the hardest badges to obtain in the military. You sir, deserve every bit of it. God bless

[johnkissam]

These soldiers are more rare than you know. Less than .04 percent of Americans are on active service today. There are fewer Tomb Guards than any Tier 1 unit. Passing the assessment and selection process alone distinguish them. They meet the highest standard set for them every tour, every day regardless of conditions. They are indeed rare and they are chosen from the rare. God please grant your grace to all who serve our nation and stand as its guards. SSG Travenner, Well Done. You stand relieved.

[LCafran]

As a retired Naval Officer and prior Enlisted Marine, thank you Staff Sgt Tavenner for your professionalism and service to our country. You are one of the very few selected to guard the tomb(s) of the American unknown soldier(s), what a great honor. When someone does an outstanding job in the Navy, it is naval tradition to tell them Bravo Zulu (BZ). By selecting these two letters “BZ” together on a signal flag, it means “job well done.” BZ is a great honor and I would like to say to you, “Bravo Zulu, ” for a job well done. God bless!

[donaldblair]

I'm a 70 year old man trying to stop crying so I can write something. America and Americans are lucky you have individuals Represent them like you. Thank you for your service, thank you for your honor. Thank you for your dedication.

[paulcormier]

As a Vietnam Era Veteran stationed at Ft. Belvoir, VA. from 1970 to 1973, I spent every Sunday for 3 years at Arlington National Cemetery watching the changing of the guard, sometimes standing for hours but I never had the opportunity to see the "Final Walk"!!! Thank you Staff Sgt. Tavenner and God bless you for your service to this wonderful country we live in!!! Makes me proud to be an American and even prouder to say that I observed over 250 changing of the guards at Arlington!!! That is something I will cherish till the day I die!!! GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

[belmarmom]

The Tombs guards are the best of the best, the pride of America. You, sir, are one of them. Congratulations. America thanks you.

[MrPOTC]

Thank you for protecting our fallen. Your honor will never be forgotten.

[WolfieD-ypez]

66 year old wheelchair vet here (7 years USArmy) with my bad feet just saw this action now! I stood up and Salute You Sir! it hurt but YOU are worth every tear! Congratulations! ❤🤍💙

[nightwatchman]

If this doesn't put a tear in your eye, you need to learn more about Honor, Duty, Respect and Commitment. Freedom didn't come free and never will. Thank You Staff Sgt. Tavenner well done.

[r.h.rickcarey]

Brings tears to this old veterans eyes. God bless all those who serve.

[davidmills]

As a soldier then officer in the British Army (1961-1991), I too salute SSgt Tavenner on his dedication and duty at the tomb. Total respect from me and my peers.

[kiefermomcm-c]

My eyes is full of tears watching this. I am an Asian but my heart is bursting with pride and deep respect for Staff Sgt Thomas Tavenner. Thank you for your service and for showing us somekind of utmost pride and respect. May God bless you in your new journey in life...

[johntrueblue]

Im Australian....Thank for your service..im not any way military, marine, army ect but saluted.
This comes no where near anything that we see here in Australia apart from Anzac day.
Tomb of the unknown soldier i have admired for so long, the dedication the men a women who strive to be a Guard to this tomb, my hat comes off for you.

[yvonbarrier]

As a wife of a Uk soldier, thank you, Sir, for your service at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

[gregorall]

Old retired army warrant here. I am just so damn proud of you all. May God richly bless you and surround you with His love, grace, and guidance in your mission of honor. We, the general public, could never thank you sufficiently, but know that you have our gratitude from the absolute bottom of our hearts.

[nolagreene]

To the young man in the audience, God bless you for putting your hand over your heart!

[johnnyshell]

That's honestly the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. Those guards are in a class of their own. Hats off

[macsloan]

I can’t even begin to imagine his dedication and also how exceptionally proud his parents must be. They raised a hero. Well done parents. Well done soldier.