Final farewell for inaugural staff

By JFHQ-NCR/MDW Public AffairsFebruary 22, 2013

Final farewell for inaugural staff
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

More than 30 active duty, reserve and National Guard service members were recognized for their support during the 57th Presidential Inauguration by Joint Task Force - National Capital Region Inaugural Support Deputy Commander Brig. Gen. James P. Scanlan during an awards ceremony at Fort Lesley. J. McNair, Feb. 22.

"The Inauguration was my first joint force experience and I was excited to see how everything would come together in order to achieve the mission," said Navy Lt. Michael Sheehan, JTF-NCR command information branch chief. "I feel honored to be a part of history in Washington D.C."

Traditionally, military units from each of the five branches have marched in the presidential escort and in the Inaugural Parade. This support comprises musical units, marching bands, color guards, salute batteries and honor cordons, which render appropriate ceremonial honors to the commander in chief.

More than 2,100 military personnel marched in the parade, with approximately 5,000 service members supporting the inauguration overall.

This is the second and the final award ceremony that acknowledged the long hours and time away from their home installations military members spent providing DoD support during the inauguration.

"Camaraderie of all the team members is something he will take away from this experience," said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Alex Butler, JTF-NCR transportation fleet manager. "I'm so happy that I was a part of the 57th Presidential Inauguration."

Related Links:

Joint Force Headquarters - National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington

More photos from this ceremony