Salt Lake City guard makes ‘last walk’ at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Andrew Jay, a 1st Class Sergeant of the Guard who grew up in Salt Lake City, has spent the last 29 months engaging with the public, hosting presidents and world leaders, and leading and teaching a new generation of Tomb Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

But on June 2, he made his “last walk” as a Tomb Guard.

The Arlington National Cemetery is the site of thousands of gravesites honoring those who served the United States and made the ultimate sacrifice. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the site’s most iconic memorial, serves as a gravesite for an unknown soldier from World War I. Since 1948, soldiers from the U.S. Army have guarded the Tomb 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

As is with tradition, Tomb Guards who are departing the Guard make a final walk and lay a white rose to honor the unknowns lost in battle. And Jay had the honor of doing it in front of his eight-year-old son, Finn.

During his last walk ceremony, Jay thanked the Tomb Guards he led in his 29 months, saying, “Any accolades I’ve gained since being here is because of you.” He then motioned to his son, adding, “Everything I do is in support of this little guy right here. You’re the reason that I get up every day and can be competent and successful in my job and everything I do.”

Commander of the Guard Capt. Sean-Paul Stolarski said that Jay had the exact personality you would want to be a Tomb Guard.

“He’s incredibly outgoing and a pleasure to talk with, which is key to interacting with so many people,” said Stolarski. “This job is tough on any family, but his ability to balance this job and family has been tremendous.”

Several Tomb Guards who served under Jay had nothing but praise for the outgoing Sergeant. One described him as a father figure, and another said he was one of the best platoon sergeants he had ever worked with.

“He was my friend, as well as my platoon sergeant, and I’m going to miss him,” said Staff Sgt. Isaiah Jasso-Campagna.

Sgt. Kaylee Johnston, who stood next to Finn while handing Jay his white roses during the ceremony, called Jay one of the best leaders she ever had, “not only at an Army level but on a personal level.” She noted that if she ever called, Jay was there for her.

Jay called his time leading the platoon of Tomb Guards a humbling experience. He said, “I had to turn into a trainee and then transition back into the man in charge, all the while getting critiques from younger soldiers.”

The hard work paid off for Jay as he watched the younger Tomb Guards mature under his guidance. He said, “They come in fresh from the outside and then they turn into these men and women who can train for ceremonies and brief generals, ministers of defense, and presidents. That’s the best part.”

After Jay finished laying the last of his white roses on the graves honoring the unknown soldiers of various wars, he took Finn by the hand and left the plaza for the final time. As for what’s next, Jay will head to Michigan State University to serve as an ROTC instructor.