Wing helps with Capitol exercise

  • Published
  • By Capt. Elizabeth Ortiz
  • 11th Wing Public Affairs
BOLLING AIR FORCE BASE, D.C. (AFPN) --  People from the 11th Wing here participated in a "State of the Union Address" field exercise at the U.S. Capitol in downtown Washington on Jan 10.

Nearly 20 men and women assigned to the wing filled in as role players to help the U.S. Capitol Police, U.S. Secret Service and District of Columbia fire and response workers practice several scenarios. The exercise was in preparation for President Bush’s annual address to the nation scheduled for Jan. 20, which has been declared a national security special event.

“This is a tremendous opportunity and wonderful insight into the State of the Union address,” said Maj. Michael Lundy, the wing public health officer. “It’s one of the unique benefits of being assigned to the [National Capital Region].”

Joining soldiers, Marines and airmen from Andrews AFB, Md., the Bolling Air Force Base, D.C., contingent gave up an entire Saturday starting with a 7 a.m. bus pick-up on base.

Because it is considered a living part of history, a high level of decorum is maintained in the Capitol chamber at all times. Though it is usually very restricted to outsiders, an exception was made for the individuals participating in the exercise who filled in as actual members of the federal government. Wing representatives played such roles as the director of the Office of Management and Budget, the secretary of Veterans Affairs and as members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

“I wish I was home sleeping, because I’m lazy. But, this is pretty fun,” said Airman 1st Class Michael Moret, from the 11th Security Forces Squadron, who filled in as the OMB director.

The exercise simulated the address ceremony seen on television each January. In keeping with tradition, the exercise House sergeant at arms bellowed the words “Mister speaker, the president of the United States” to announce the president’s arrival. The “president” walked in as those assembled in the House Chamber jumped to their feet and burst into applause.

“We’ll have a lot of important people here,” said James Rohan, the deputy chief of the U.S. Capitol Police.

These will include government leaders, Supreme Court justices and foreign dignitaries. They will be surrounded by powerful U.S. images, from the full-length portrait of George Washington, who delivered the very first address in 1790, to the words “In God We Trust” emblazoned over the American flag.

Using the actual podium, the stand-in president read Washington’s original State of the Union address several times throughout the day, each time highlighting American life in its infancy.

In all, almost 800 people participated in the daylong exercise, including several senior civilian and uniformed DOD leaders who served as observers.

“It was an incredible exercise for [the Capitol police],” said Mr. Rohan, who called it a “high-visibility example of inter-agency cooperation.”

“We’re fully prepared to respond,” echoed Terrance Gaynor, the chief of the Capitol police.

This marked the first time Bolling participated in the State of the Union Address exercise.

“I know what I’m doing on Jan. 20 now. [I’ll be] watching the State of the Union Address,” said Tech. Sgt. Leslie Walker, of the 11th Medical Group. “And, I’m going to get my kids to watch it, too.”