Photo By Robert W. Mitchell | Army Spc. Jillian Risch, a military policewoman with the 273rd Military Police,...... read more read more
WASHINGTON - District of Columbia National Guard provides support and assistance to local agencies in the nations capital during the Fourth of July celebration.
As continuous waves of people, motor vehicles, bikes and pedicabs flooded the nation’s capital for the Fourth of July festivities, D.C. Army National Guard Spc. Jillian Risch used her background in public service and military training to help pedestrians cross safely and ensure traffic flowed smoothly.
“I often had to tell people to move with a purpose, because they were taking their time crossing the street, taking what seemed like a holiday stroll,” said Risch, a military policewoman with the 273rd Military Police Company.
Risch, a native of Eagle River, Wis., worked as a traffic control assistant during a July 4 operation involving the Metropolitan Police Department and the District of Columbia National Guard.
The D.C. National Guard deployed teams of Soldiers in smalls groups to designated traffic control points throughout the district. Their mission was to provide support for the local police and transportation departments during one of the busiest days of the year.
“I think the Fourth of July mission is a good opportunity for us to be seen by the public. It is good for the community to see the D.C. National Guard and to get to know us a little better. My mission here today is to ensure the safety of the people,” Risch said.
According to Risch, providing National Guard resources to support in the local area establishes positive relations between the military and the community.
“It is a good tool to help with recruiting. The community knows that we are here to help them,” she said.
Risch is no stranger to active community service and taking action that places the needs of others before her own. Prior to joining the Army National Guard three and half years ago, she voluntarily worked with first responders while in college.
“I worked in emergency services throughout college and with the police in a [crowd control] capacity. So I had an idea of what we would see before we came out here,” she said.
She performed other volunteer work as a full-time medic squad with the fire department on campus and found her calling.
“I fell in love with the medical field and decided I wanted to be a medic for the military,” she said. Risch said she looked to the Army because of “its access to medical training and equipment.”
Risch embraced the guidance and professional development she’s received during her three and a half years of service in the National Guard.
“I learned about leadership and people during my time here with DC National Guard. There are a lot of great mentors here and good people overall. I am glad that I can be a part of this operation. I am grateful for the opportunity to develop personally and professionally,” she said.
Risch is currently a military policewoman (31B) with the 273rd Military Police Company. She is pursuing a master’s degree at American University in Washington, D.C.
| Date Taken: | 07.04.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 07.08.2014 22:57 |
| Story ID: | 135582 |
| Location: | WASHINGTON, DC, US |
| Hometown: | EAGLE RIVER, WI, US |
| Web Views: | 113 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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