WASHINGTON –
More than 2,000 Airmen gathered in Washington Jan. 21, 2013 to support the 57th Presidential Inaugural events. Many of the Airmen marched down Pennsylvania Avenue with the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard, Band, Active, Guard and Reserve units, as well as the U.S. Air Force Academy. Additionally, there were many Airmen working behind the scenes to ensure all operations went smoothly during the 10-day inaugural period.
"The most visible Airmen are those in the ceremony, and Air Force District of Washington had a large part in that with the cordon and marching elements," said Col. Ron Baldinger, AFDW director of operations, plans and readiness. "We also provided military assistants and ushers as well as folks participating in the balls and church services."
The Joint Task Force-National Capital Region conducted an intricate selection process to find 46 service members from all branches of service to serve as military assistants. The AFDW Airmen selected to be among that number served as escorts to senior officials.
"The military assistants went through an in-depth selection process and interviews," said Steve Doss, AFDW Deputy Director of Operations, Plans and Readiness. "The selection board made sure they picked the cream of the crop."
JTF-NCR also selected three AFDW chaplains to support the joint operation. Capt. Christopher Conklin, a chaplain at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, served as one of the 22 DOD chaplains assigned to JTF-NCR.
"My primary mission was to serve as the chaplain for the Air Force cordon members on Inauguration Day," said Conklin. "It was nice to see that folks were doing a good job of watching over each other."
Conklin also served as a backup chaplain for the Joint Operations Center on Inauguration Day.
"This is the first time I've been in D.C. while the Inauguration is going on," he said. "It's exciting to see all the preparations and see that we are participating in something so many countries wish they had - a peaceful transition of power where folks know that their vote counts. It's a unique opportunity."
In addition to marching in the parade on Jan. 21, members from the Air Force ceremonial elements participated in the official swearing-in ceremony and Inaugural balls. More than 50 U.S. Air Force Honor Guardsmen served as cordon members and ushers while several U.S. Air Force Bandsmen performed at the various events.
"It's always an honor and privilege to perform honors for the president, but it was especially thrilling to do it in an environment so rich in energy and celebration," said Master Sgt. Patrick McDermott, U.S. Air Force Band director of ceremonial operations. "(During the Inaugural ball) the roar of the crowd was deafening when we played the Ruffles and Flourishes to announce his arrival."
Preparation for the ceremonial units began months in advance and drew media attention weeks before. More than 20 local, national and international media attended the Joint Base Andrews Media Day Jan. 11 and countless Airmen worked behind the scenes to make that event happen as well.
The Air Force provided ceremonial units as well as contingency response forces during the 10-day inaugural period - the five days that immediately precede the Inauguration and the four days that follow it. Approximately 1,200 Airmen made up the contingency responders for consequence management ranging from planners and those in operation centers to helicopter aircrews, security forces, communication specialists and medical technicians.
Staff Sgt. John Goodhile, radio frequency transmission specialist with the 744th Communications Squadron, 844th Communications Group stationed at Joint Base Andrews, Md., was part of the mobile command post with JTF-NCR prepared to provide contingency response, if needed.
"In the case of an emergency, cell phones aren't guaranteed to work but our radios are capable of performing any kind of communications needed whether talking with airplanes or to other command posts far away," said Goodhile, a Lehighton, Pa., native. "It was fun working with the joint team because it allowed me to gain some extra experience and learn about the other branches of service."
AFDW Airmen who joined Joint Task Force NCR Medical (JTF-CapMed) provided medical capabilities during the parade for non-contingency and contingency operational support.
The numerous DOD-run medical tents set up throughout the 1.5-mile-long parade route were comprised of active-duty military members from various services as well as members from public health services and Disaster Medical Assistance Teams.
"We helped with military but we also helped out with civilians as needed," said U.S. Army Maj. Melinda Morton from Fort Belvoir, Md. Morton was the officer in charge of her specific aid station at 7th St. and Pennsylvania Avenue.
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jessica Ross, medical technician with the 779th Medical Group stationed at Fort Belvoir, Md., was one of the medics who helped man Morton's aid station.
"It's awesome to be part of the joint team here," Ross said. "It's nice working with the different forces and seeing how everyone else works within their force, and then learning to adjust to make sure we work together."
The support from the Air Force was part of a joint effort with more than 10,000 service members who participated in the celebration on Inauguration Day, both in view of the public and behind the scenes.
"It was a gigantic effort and there were a lot of moving parts and, as Airmen always do, they performed with absolute perfection," said Baldinger. "They did a fantastic job."