Photo By Capt. Miranda Summers Lowe | Secretary of the Army John McHugh visits District of Columbia National Guard soldiers...... read more read more
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WASHINGTON - Secretary of the Army John McHugh visited the D.C. Armory Friday, July 12, 2013, where he met with Maj. Gen. Errol R. Schwartz, Commanding General, D.C. National Guard, thanked D.C. National Guard soldiers, airmen and youth, and received a capabilities brief.
The visit "helped me understand even more the sacrifices our Guard men and women make." said the Honorable John McHugh, Secretary of the Army. He added that he saw many guard men and women who thrived when faced with the challenges of a call-up.
The D.C. National Guard is the only National Guard under federal control and is commanded by the President of the United States, who, since 1969, has delegated that authority to the Secretary of the Army.
“The relationship between the SECARMY and the D.C. Guard give me a unique perspective on the partnership that exists here in D.C. between District officials and the national guard.” said McHugh. “Every National Guard has the responsibility to respond to civil authorities, but rarely do you see the level partnership between local officials and the National Guard that you do in D.C." that's witnessed to the number of city officials at the table today, he said to a number of local officials including Kenneth Ellerbe, Chief of D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services, Alfred Durham, Assistant Chief, D.C. Metropolitan Police, and Chris Geldart, Director, D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency who were present at the meeting.
As part of his visit, McHugh recognized the Guard for providing federal support to events such as the National Mall's 4th of July celebration. A group of area youth from the Youth Leaders Camp were also present to receive a handshake and a coin from the Secretary.
“Events like this reinforce the unique relationship between the Secretary and the D.C. National Guard.” said Errol R. Schwartz, Commanding General, D.C. National Guard. “We have a responsibility to be the District’s first responders and be ready to fight the Nation’s wars overseas.”
The program also included a tour of the new drill floor-sized map, the D.C. National Guard museum and a display of Army and Air Force equipment.
| Date Taken: | 07.12.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 07.16.2013 10:59 |
| Story ID: | 110255 |
| Location: | WASHINGTON, DC, US |
| Web Views: | 124 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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