JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The Greater Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital and National Capital Wing Civil Air Patrol cadets from NCR contributed to the success of the 57th Presidential Inaugural Parade on Jan. 21, 2013.
The Girl Scouts and cadets rallied at Joint Base Andrews at 2 a.m., to assist Airmen from across the National Capital Region prepare for the Inauguration.
"Youth groups like the Girls Scouts and Civil Air Patrol develop our future leaders by ensuring they have basic fundamentals to grow into great leaders," said Lt. Col. Julie Grundahl, Director 11th Wing Commander's Action Group. "Their desire to participate in supporting the AFDW Airmen, when called, says a lot about their character and the future leaders they will become."
Showing their dedication and desire to support the Airmen, the scouts and cadets arrived in the wee hours to serve coffee, pass out earmuffs, hand warmers and scarfs to Airmen as they headed to the 57th Presidential Inauguration Day Parade.
When the last bus rolled out of the JBA gates heading to Washington D.C., the troops and cadets were treated to a behind -the-scenes tour of how the remaining Joint Base Andrews Airmen will support the 2013 Inauguration.
Girl Scouts and Civil Air Patrol Cadets got a first-hand glimpse into the day-to-day mission of JBA operations.
During their visit, they were given a tour of the base Command Post and Crisis Action Team center -- the nerve centers for Joint Base Andrews Airmen who prepare, plan and execute missions in support of contingencies and National State Security Events like the inauguration.
The tour culminated with a visit to the 1st Helicopter Squadron where the scouts and cadets were briefed on the roles and responsibilities of the 1st Helicopter Squadron. In addition, they took turns sitting in the cockpit of a helicopter and trying on night vision goggles.
The Girls Scouts and Civil Air Patrol provide a wide variety of community service projects year round throughout the nation. Supporting the military is just one way of giving back.