Spring Creek soldier named to “Old Guard”

Friday, Nov. 28, 2003 | 8:42 a.m.

SPRING CREEK, Nev. - Brett Nyrehn may be a new recruit in the military, but he'll be joining an elite Army group known as the "Old Guard."

The 2003 Spring Creek High School graduate and six other soldiers from his company of 209 graduates were chosen for the duty by recruiters during a reception and interview at Fort Benning, Ga., the Elko Daily Free Press reported

Based at Fort Myer, Va., the Old Guard is part of the U.S. Army's 3rd United States Infantry Regiment.

Dating back to June 3, 1784, it was called the 1st American Regiment before being designated the 3rd U.S. Infantry in 1815.

The regiment performs ceremonial functions, including guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, honoring veterans at burials in Arlington National Cemetery and acting as an escort to the president.

Members are chosen based on height, test scores and moral qualifications. Also, a soldier may not have any visible tattoos.

Nyrehn will report in mid-December to Fort Myer, across the river from Washington, D.C., where he will be stationed for three years.

Information from: Elko Daily Free Press