An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Jan. 23, 2017

Guard members reflect on their inauguration duties

By Tech. Sgt. Erich B. Smith National Guard Bureau

WASHINGTON, D.C. – More than 7,500 National Guard members from 44 states, territories and the District of Columbia were on hand Friday to support the 58th Presidential Inauguration.

"This is the Super Bowl event for the District of Columbia National Guard," said Army Lt. Col. Nicole L. Brugato, a personnel officer at the National Guard Bureau who was part of the joint task force supporting the event. "Everybody from a private first class to [our] chief of staff is energized and this is our opportunity to truly be the president's Guard."

Soldiers and Airmen provided security, crowd control, traffic management, and logistics and communications capabilities while working with the Secret Service, United States Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia, among other agencies.

"It [the inaugural event] took so many integral parts, so many pieces for it to come out smoothly," said Army Pfc. Michael Arthur, a military police officer with the Louisiana Army National Guard's 239th Military Police Company, who worked with officers from the Transportation Security Administration at a checkpoint along the inaugural parade route.

While boots on the ground played a key role in ensuring safety and security, Guard members could be found underground as well. Army Sgt. John Garnett, with the Tennessee Army National Guard's 251st Military Police Company, worked with officers from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Police providing added security in subway stations near the Capitol building.

For Garnett, the day was an exercise in being "vigilant and resilient, and dedicated to keeping everyone as safe as possible."

Other Guard members had similar thoughts on the day.

"Our job here is to defend and enforce the laws of our nation, and help with the smooth transition of presidential power," said Army Sgt. Kurtis Brown, with the South Dakota Army National Guard's 235th Military Police Company.

Air Force Master Sgt. Heidi Gibson, a service specialist with the Florida Air National Guard's 202nd REDHORSE Squadron, said remaining flexible was a key element needed throughout the day.

"This is about teamwork and communication and [being] willing to take on anything [while] making adjustments," she said.

In addition to providing support to local authorities, about 100 Guard members provided traditional ceremonial support, including marching in the inaugural parade.

Command Sgt. Maj. Wayne L. Bowser, the senior enlisted advisor of the District of Columbia National Guard, said he hoped young Soldiers and Airmen left with a sense of fulfillment and pride from taking part in the inauguration.

"There is a small percentage of folks who wear the uniform," he said. "There is a smaller [percentage] who will get a chance to be a part of this type of event."

The National Guard's presence in the presidential inauguration dates to 1789, when local militia units and members of the regular Army took part in George Washington's inaugural events in New York City.

 

 

Related Articles
U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 108th Medical Company Area Support, 213th Regional Support Group prepare dummies for a simulated casualty evacuation at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, July 17, 2025. The 108th Medical Company engaged in a weeklong field medical exercise to validate their readiness and elevate their medical and basic Soldier skills. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Christopher Booker)
Pennsylvania Guard Medics Simulate Chaos in Exercise
By Capt. Christopher Booker, | July 18, 2025
FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. - Soldiers assigned to the Pennsylvania National Guard's 108th Medical Company Area Support, 213th Regional Support Group, are engaged in a comprehensive two-week field medical exercise here.The...

Nevada Air National Guard's 152nd Maintenance Group and 152nd Logistics Readiness Squadron personnel load Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) equipment onto MAFFS #8, aircraft #554 at the Nevada Air National Guard Base on July 12, 2025. U.S. Northern Command activated two Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) Aircraft, one from the 152nd Airlift Wing out of Reno, Nevada, and one from the 146th Airlift Wing out of Channel Islands Air National Guard Station in California. Two C-130 aircraft equipped with MAFFS and their associated personnel will support firefighting efforts in the Western United States. The 152nd Airlift Wing’s “High Rollers” and 146th Airlift Wing's “Hollywood Guard” report on July 14, 2025, and will be initially based out of Channel Islands Air National Guard Base in California and are anticipated to be in place through August 14, 2025.
Nevada Air Guard Wing Assists in Firefighting Efforts
By Senior Master Sgt. Paula Macomber, | July 18, 2025
RENO, Nev. – U.S. Northern Command has activated two Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System Aircraft, one from the Nevada Air National Guard’s 152nd Airlift Wing out of Reno, Nevada, and one from the 146th Airlift Wing out of...

Air Force Gen. Steve Nordhaus, 30th Chief of the National Guard Bureau, and Senior Enlisted Advisor John Raines, SEA to the CNGB, join Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Air Force Maj. Gen. Thomas Suelzer, the adjutant general of Texas, for an aerial assessment of flood-affected areas in Central Texas and to visit Guardsmen on duty supporting civil authorities with response efforts, Kerrville, Texas, July 15, 2025. To date, National Guard search and rescue operations, led by the Texas National Guard, have resulted in the rescue of more than 525 Texans. Hundreds of Guardsmen remain on mission to continue working with interagency partners in search and rescue and recovery operations.
Nordhaus, Raines see Heroism, Partnerships in Central Texas
By Master Sgt. Zach Sheely, | July 18, 2025
KERRVILLE, Texas – Early on July 4, almost 30 inches of rain fell within hours across Central Texas’s Hill Country, surging the Guadalupe River and triggering catastrophic flash flooding.Within hours, Texas National Guard...