Senior Airman Salem Rhea was nervous on Jan. 20, standing outside the U.S. Capitol.
Two weeks earlier, the spot where he was standing was absolute chaos as rioters stormed the building. But security was not his concern.
The West Monroe High School graduate was carrying the U.S. Air Force flag as part of the Armed Forces Color Guard. He said it s the biggest task the honor guard undertakes.
He had plenty of time to dwell.
The honor guard woke up at 2 a.m. for on-base processing and clearing their rifles and bags to go to the Capitol. After the police-escorted convoy, it was a matter of waiting for their time to shine.