JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md –
Synergy is abundant here as the 11th Wing and mission partners rehearse their roles in support of the 57th Presidential Inauguration slated for Jan. 21 in nearby Washington, D.C. Airmen from every unit here are slated to join members of their sister services in the DOD rehearsal this Sunday.
Members of the United States Air Force Band and Honor Guard rehearsed at Joint Base Andrews January 10 and 11 as they perfected each note and step of their Inaugural Parade routine. These premier ceremonial units are no stranger to high-profile performances, and rehearsal is a daily task. Many members of the Band, for example, have participated in several inaugural events throughout their careers.
"This is my seventh time marching in the Presidential Inauguration," said Chief Master Sgt. Ed Teleky, the Band's drum major. "I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in the world's biggest ceremony and it's an incredible honor represent the Air Force and all of the members of DOD to the world at this global event."
Tech Sgt. Daniel Walley, the United States Air Force Band's newest tubist, is excited as well. This will be his first opportunity to participate in a presidential inauguration.
"I'm excited and a little intimidated that I am able to be a part of something this important to the country and to history," Walley said. "I am really glad I get to see it all from the inside and not through a camera lens."
While the inaugural events may not have changed much over the years, the way in which the Air Force is supporting the event has.
"The Air Force is taking a different approach to this year's inauguration," Teleky said. "We always have the total force marching in the parade, but this is the first time we have all trained together."
These active-duty Airmen, guardsmen and reservists are all different pieces of the same puzzle. Some will march with the Band and Honor Guard in the parade while others will serve in the honor cordon and salute the commander-in-chief while en route to take the oath of office at the Capitol Building. Many more, however, will play pivotal supporting roles as they work the logistics behind the scenes.
When these pieces come together Jan. 21, the result will be a picture-perfect example Total Force Integration -- the joining of different military components to achieve a common goal.
"It's a great honor to be able to represent the total force to our nation," said Col. Bill Knight, 11th Wing/Joint Base Andrews commander. "Active duty, guard and reserve Airmen will flawlessly represent our United States Air Force in this inauguration, showcasing the precision and excellence instilled in every Airman."