National Guard members support inaugural mission

  • Published
  • By Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill
  • National Guard Bureau Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  About 9,300 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen joined thousands of active-duty and Reserve military members from all services to support President Barack Obama's inauguration Jan. 20 here. 

"We've always depended on the National Guard," Al Roker, the weather anchor for NBC's "Today Show" said from the parade staging area outside the Pentagon.

After the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, "Suddenly, the National Guard took on a whole new meaning," Mr. Roker said. "So, it's only fitting that at one of the most secure inaugurals, the National Guard would be involved. When it comes down to our security, both domestically and internationally, the National Guard is obviously an integral part of that."

The inauguration marked the Guard's largest contribution to a presidential inauguration since Minutemen gathered for the first muster in Massachusetts more than 372 years ago.

"This is a historic first," said Gen. Craig R. McKinley, the chief of the National Guard Bureau. "The National Guard is contributing not only to the federal response overseas, but we're also working very closely with our states and our governors. The inauguration is another example of how all our states, territories and the District of Columbia are performing their jobs."

While National Guard members from a dozen different states and the District of Columbia provided communication, transport, traffic control and medical and logistical support to civilian authorities staging the inauguration, others marched in the inaugural parade.

"This is a historic moment, and I wanted to be a part of history," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Gardner, of the District of Columbia National Guard's recruiting and retention command who was a parade participant. "The National Guard is the oldest military organization in the country. It's fitting that the National Guard is represented."

The day began as early as 2 a.m. for participating military members, and their duties were scheduled to run into the evening. But troops said they would not trade the opportunity, and many said they were proud to be a part of the inauguration on both a personal and professional level.

Senior Airman Jodi Leininger traveled here at the start of the year for a two-month mission to document the military's contribution to the inauguration for historical purposes.

As a result, this self-proclaimed "small-town girl," who serves with the 180th Fighter Wing from the Ohio Air National Guard was able to photograph the president-elect during the run-up to the inauguration.

"That was, to me ... the biggest opportunity of my life," Airman Leininger said. "Having the opportunity to take a picture of our first African-American president -- my new commander in chief -- was exciting."

It was 20 degrees and windy outside the Pentagon when parade participants gathered before dawn Jan. 20. Army Spc. Angela Harper, of the District of Columbia National Guard's 276th Military Police Company, called it "bone chilling."

Despite the cold, "This is a wonderful moment in time, and I'm privileged to have this opportunity," Specialist Harper said. "I would do it again, and again, and again."

Airman Leininger said the National Guard made a huge contribution before and during the inauguration, but what struck her most was how military members from the active and Reserve components pulled together as a team. 

"It was just one big group," she said.

(Courtesy of American Forces Press Service)

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