Tech. Sgt. Michael Lewis, Ellsworth Air Force Base Honor Guard NCO in charge, presents the shell casings from rounds fired during the rifle salute to the family members of a fallen military retiree during a funeral at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, S.D., Jan. 6, 2012. Ceremonial Guardsmen retrieve the shells and place them in the hand of a loved one, signifying the loss to both the family and our country. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kate Thornton/Released)