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    Boots on the Ground: Iowa National Guard Soldiers Prepare For Inauguration Support

    Boots on the Ground: Iowa National Guard Soldiers Prepare for Inauguration Support

    Photo By Sgt. Cassandra Monroe | Iowa National Guard Soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 168th Infantry, 2nd...... read more read more

    WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES

    01.19.2009

    Story by Pfc. Cassandra Monroe 

    Joint Force Headquarters - Iowa National Guard

    By Pfc. Cassandra Monroe
    Iowa Army National Guard

    WASHINGTON, D.C. - Iowa National Guard Soldiers do double duty as they prepare to assist with security during the 56th Presidential Inauguration.

    Troops from the Company A, 1st Battalion, 168th Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, scouted out the area Sunday, looking for suitable locations to set up their security teams in support of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies during the inauguration.

    While walking through the area, these Soldiers timed and kept track of their distance so they would know how long it took to get between checkpoints. In addition, they introduced themselves to local businesses and residents within their area of operations.

    "We want to make sure that the local businesses know of the National Guard's presence and mission during the inauguration," said Spc. Andrew Hansen, an infantryman stationed in Storm Lake, Iowa. For Hansen, this will be one mission he will always remember.

    "The troops are excited," said Hansen. "This is a big honor and it's never been done before by the Iowa Guard. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity."

    Their recon ended near Capitol Hill, where the soldiers took the opportunity to pose for a group photo in front of the Capitol Building. These Iowa Guardsmen have been overseas in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, but for many of them, this was their first time seeing their nation's capitol.

    While Tuesday will be the president-elect's big day on the steps of the capitol, Sunday belonged to these Soldiers from Iowa. As the troops posed for a photo, tourist began snapping their own pictures of the group, some even asking to pose with them. In exchange, the tourists heaped praise on the Soldiers and told them how much they appreciated the National Guard's efforts in helping law enforcement agencies secure the city during the inauguration.

    The National Guard Bureau, Washington, D.C., requested approximately 1,000 Soldiers and Airmen from the Iowa National Guard to assist federal, state, and local agencies with support missions during the inauguration. The request was made as a result of increased operational requirements and growing participant estimates.

    Iowa sent Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, Iowa Army National Guard, and Airmen from the 185th Air Refueling Wing and 132nd Fighter Wing, Iowa Air National Guard to support this mission. These Iowa Soldiers and Airmen join approximately 9,300 National Guard personnel from 25 states and territories assisting Joint Task Force-District of Columbia, with providing communications, transportation, traffic control, medical, and logistical support, as well as participating in ceremonial activities.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 01.19.2009
    Date Posted: 01.19.2009 17:39
    Story ID: 29025
    Location: WASHINGTON, DC, US

    Web Views: 606
    Downloads: 561

    PUBLIC DOMAIN