Air Force duo design smart phone application for Inauguration Day

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WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  Two Airmen with the Joint Task Force - National Capital Region Public Affairs created a free, public cellphone application that allows users to stay informed about the 57th Presidential Inauguration.

The program, called "Inauguration," was released Jan. 14 and compiles news and other material related to the event from a variety of official websites.

"Inauguration," collects real-time updates from websites, offering the latest press releases, videos and photographs covering the historic event. It contains a map of the inaugural parade route, complete with global positioning that automatically orients the map based on the user's location, and icons that pinpoint medical stations, indicate road closures and walking routes.

The app also includes security information released by the Secret Service and lists items spectators are prohibited from bringing with them on site.

On Inauguration Day, "Inauguration" will also provide a live video stream of the event via a redirect from CNN.

Senior Airman Daniel Burkhardt, who codesigned the app, has been apart from his home station, Joint Base Andrews, Md., for the last week as just one of hundreds of Department of Defense military and civilian personnel sent to JTF - NCR in support of the inauguration.

To build the app, Burkhardt used the knowledge and skill he gained while completing a degree in network engineering prior to joining the Air Force more than two years ago. His supervisor from Joint Base Andrews, Staff Sgt. Christopher Bevins, created the graphics and videos for the program and gathered information for Burkhardt.

Together, they created the program in less than a week.

"It's a huge opportunity," said Burkhardt, a native of Perkasie, Pa., and a broadcast journalist assigned to 11th Wing Public Affairs. "I'm super excited that I could lend the experience I gained over six to eight months."

Burkhardt also works to produce another application that will offer essential information on Joint Base Andrews to newcomers, visitors and family members.

"A lot of Airmen have smart phones," Burkhardt said. "It's a central place for all information regarding Andrews (AFB)."

The "Inauguration" program is currently available through Apple Inc.'s App Store. You can view the site here.

(Courtesy of Joint Task Force - National Capital Region Public Affairs)