HOPKINTON, Mass. – Tradition runs deep in Massachusetts. The Commonwealth is home to the nation's first militia and world's oldest annual marathon. For the more than 30,000 runners, and the thousands of spectators, the 120th Boston Marathon was another emblematic continuation of the state's culture.
Soldiers and Airmen of the Massachusetts National Guard provided support to civil authorities at the iconic race on Monday. Along the 26.2 mile route, from Hopkinton to Boston, members of the National Guard were situated among local and state police officers, Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency personnel and other first responders to provide a secure atmosphere at this year's event.
Missions requiring cohesion with other agencies are common within the National Guard's scope of duties. An additional familiar element is the preparedness to tend to a large array of several issues that can arise.
Along with providing perimeter security throughout the route, Soldiers and Airmen were prepared to respond to the many instances that require their assistance.
"At my post on the corner of Commonwealth and Sutter in Newton, a runner had fallen out of the race…luckily I was heading down this way. I saw him, attempted to administer first aid and get him medical help as fast as I could…and then we handled it very well from there," said Army Pfc. William Corners, 772nd Military Police Company, Massachusetts Army National Guard.
"We're here for public safety, crowd control if needed, and looking for suspicious people," said Senior Airman Chelsea Potter, 104th Security Forces Squadron, 104th Fighter Wing, Massachusetts Air National Guard.
Events such as this exemplify the role of the National Guard. The expectations of the Soldiers and Airmen are to complete missions in–state, in concert with civil authorities, while also serving a critical role in homeland and overseas operations.
For the participants and spectators of this year's marathon, along with the civil authorities and Guardsmen, the 120th edition of the Boston Marathon will suffice to solidify the extension of tradition in Massachusetts.