Approximately 150 Soldiers and Airmen from the Tennessee National Guard have departed for Washington, D.C. to participate in supporting the 60th Presidential Inauguration on January 20. The contingent left on January 17 from Smyrna’s Volunteer Training Site via two C-17 Globemaster aircraft provided by Memphis’ 164th Airlift Wing.
These Guardsmen will assist the D.C. National Guard’s Joint Task Force-National Capitol Region by handling crowd management, traffic control, and various logistical tasks to aid in the event’s safety and success.
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Major General Warner Ross, the Tennessee Adjutant General, expressed pride in the Guardsmen, calling the inauguration a defining moment of American democracy. Tennessee’s National Guard has a history of supporting presidential inaugurations, with the most recent participation in 2021.
For some Guardsmen, this mission marks their first experience in supporting a presidential inauguration. Senior Airman Ashlyn Rail from the 134th Security Forces shared her excitement for participating in this historic event.
The Tennessee Joint Task Force, made up of Military Policemen from Jackson’s 194th Engineer Brigade and Security Forces from Knoxville’s 134th Air Refueling Wing and Memphis’ 164th Airlift Wing, spent the previous week training together to hone their skills before departure.
Captain Morgan Smith, commander of the Tennessee Joint Task Force, noted the opportunity for collaboration between Soldiers and Airmen, as they typically train separately. This mission allows them to work together and share best practices.
First Sergeant Erik Yatuzis praised the seamless transition in working with Air Guard counterparts, ensuring readiness for the task force’s operations. The Tennessee Joint Task Force is scheduled to return the following week.
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