Snowstorm Jonas Didn't Keep These Soldiers from Their Post, Guarding the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington

Aimee Herd : Jan 26, 2016
WTMJ.com

"These guys will be out in the snow, no matter what. They love what they're doing and they're dedicated."

(Washington, DC)—While nearly the entire DC area was shut down this past weekend, dealing with the effects of the massive snowstorm 'Jonas' that blew in on Friday, there was one group of ultra-dedicated solders who remained unmoved. (Photo via Army Times)

They are the Sentinels from the Army's 3rd Infantry, also known as "The Old Guard," who keep constant watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

In fact, according to one report, members of The Old Guard often look forward to big weather situations, because to them it's an honor to keep up the guard through every challenge.

That means they've been dedicated to guarding the Tomb of the Unknowns through not only Jonas, but also Hurricanes Sandy, Irene and countless other storms over the years.

"These guys will be out in the snow, no matter what," said Major Russell Fox, a spokesman for the Army's Old Guard, according to an ABC News report. "They love what they're doing and they're dedicated." (Photo via Twitter)

The Sentinels have been guarding the Tombs since April 6, 1948; that's 24 hours a day, 365 days a year regardless of the weather.

Here's how it works, the three Tomb squads are called "reliefs," each having 5-8 soldiers. While they are on duty, they reportedly "live and work in the Tomb Quarters below the Memorial Amphitheater."

According to the ABC News report, the Sentinels that are on guard "walk the mat" marching 21 paces before the Tomb, then stand at attention facing north for 21 seconds, and then march 21 paces back.

The ABC report noted that they do have a small enclosure which is known as "the box" in which they can stay while on guard during inclement weather and at night.