Kelly Carr, a 2016 graduate of Avon High School, has been pictured in news reports over the past 24 hours — from the New York Times to USA Today — for his role in welcoming French President Emmanuel Macron to the White House for the Trump administration’s first official state visit.

Carr, an Airman First Class, is a member of the Honor Guard, a group that represents the Air Force at official ceremonies like White House arrivals and military funerals. He stood at attention as President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump welcomed the French president and first lady to a state dinner Tuesday evening.

“The experience was an amazing one,” Carr said.

He added that it was an all-day event that required plenty of practice. “I was at the White House from 4 a.m. until about midnight for this job,” Carr said. “It took multiple days of practice. In all we were down at least 72 hours at the White House perfecting the ceremony — that way it would be perfect when the event happened.”

As for whether he heard much of the conversation between Trump and Macron, Carr said, “I was locked up at attention the entire time Trump and Macron were in front of me, but from what I could see out of the corner of my eye and from what I could hear, they talked about how France is our oldest ally and that they want our relationship between our counties to continue and grow stronger.”

He added, “At the dinner [Trump and the First Lady] appeared very happy to be with Macron and his wife. They did spend some time at their home last summer, so it appears they all have a good relationship.”

Carr was AIM president his senior year at Avon High School. He was also a yearbook photographer for two years, the mascot for three years, and a four-year member of the choir.

He will be marching in the Indy 500 Parade as part of the Honor Guard over Memorial Day weekend.

Photo credit: Nicholas Kamm, Getty Images