Joint Task Force-D.C. welcomes 7,500 National Guard troops in support of the 58th Presidential Inauguration

WASHINGTON, DC (01/17/2017)(readMedia)-- WASHINGTON -- More than 7,500 National Guard soldiers and airmen, representing 44 states, three U.S. territories and the District of Columbia, will serve with the specially created Joint Task Force-District of Columbia (JTF-DC) in support of the 58th Presidential Inauguration. The District of Columbia National Guard created JTF-DC in response to requests for assistance from local and federal agencies in the National Capital Region. As a whole, National Guard soldiers and airmen will augment the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Capitol Police, Metropolitan D.C. Police, and eight other agencies, providing a range of support, including traffic control, crowd management, logistics, and communication.

JTF-DC invites members of the media to two media availabilities on Wed., Jan. 18 and Thurs., Jan. 19. Media should RSVP by email to the JTF-DC Press Team, jtfdcpress@gmail.com by 5 p.m. Jan. 17 for either media availability. In your email, please include which states you may have particular interest for soldier and airmen interviews.

WHAT: Joint Reception, Staging, Onward Movement, and Integration (JRSOI), is the mass in-processing of the more than 7,500 National Guard troops from around the country are invited to observe the logistics of in-processing a large number of Guardsmen in a short-time; capture photos and video; and interview National Guard soldiers and airmen from the 44 states, three U.S. territories, and D.C. A schedule of states by arrival times are below.

WHEN: Wed., Jan. 18, 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.

WHERE: D.C. Armory, 2001 S. Capitol St. SE; Main entrance

ITINERARY (subject to change):

Pennsylvania (250 troops) 1 p.m.

Rhode Island (127 troops) 2 p.m.

Michigan (160 troops) 3 p.m.

South Carolina (30 troops) 3 p.m.

New Mexico (125 troops) 3:20 p.m.

Oklahoma (41 troops) 3 p.m.

Florida (340 troops) 6 p.m.

Kentucky (265 troops) 6 p.m.

WHAT: Officers of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department will administer an oath of duty to more than 3,500 National Guard soldiers and airmen. Upon taking the oath, the National Guard soldiers and airmen will be in an official capacity as D.C. Metropolitan Special Police to support our civilian authorities such as traffic control and crowd management.

WHEN: Thurs., Jan. 19, 9 - 10 a.m.

WHERE: FedEx Field

Media should enter the administrative offices at Gate A.

National Guard support to presidential inaugurations dates to April 30, 1789 when local militia members (today's National Guard) joined the U.S. Army and revolutionary war veterans to form an honor detail and escort Gen. George Washington to his inauguration ceremony in New York City from Mount Vernon, Va. Over the years, National Guard involvement has grown and is designated to honor the commander-in-chief, recognize civilian control of the military, and celebrate democracy.

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CONTACT:

JTF-DC Press Team

jtfdcpress@gmail.com

dcng-inauguration.com

(202) 685-9700