Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. until 0400 est. February 15th

(e.g. yourname@email.com)

Forgot Password?

    Defense Visual Information Distribution Service Logo

    Bakersfield native joins Joint Task Force-National Capital Region in support of the 60th Presidential Inauguration

    Air Force Airman 1st Class Victor Lopez Leon

    Photo By Staff Sgt. Trevor Rhynes | U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Victor Lopez Leon, a native of Bakersfield,...... read more read more

    U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Victor Hugo Lopez Leon, assigned to the United States Air Force Honor Guard and a native of Bakersfield, California, will join the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) in supporting the 60th Presidential Inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025.

    The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard, based at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., will play a distinguished role in the 60th Presidential Inauguration, showcasing its precision and dedication to ceremonial excellence. The honor guard will join JTF-NCR, a task force comprised of service members from all branches of the armed forces, including Reserve and National Guard components. The honor guard’s participation highlights the military’s long standing role in supporting presidential inaugurations.

    Lopez Leon, a 2022 graduate of Bakersfield High School in Bakersfield, California, is assigned to the United States Air Force Honor Guard office as the ceremonial guardsman. He is responsible for rendering honors to military personnel.
    Lopez Leon is an active-duty member of the U.S. Air Force and has served for one year.

    “I believe what is important about the presidential inauguration is the kind of teamwork that each member has to put in,” said Lopez Leon. “It makes me feel proud to be part of a team who can keep continuing this tradition throughout the coming years.”

    The honor guard’s involvement is the result of months of rigorous preparation. Members undergo extensive training to ensure that every movement, from drill sequences to the presentation of the colors, is executed with precision. This dedication reflects their mission to inspire pride and confidence in the Air Force while honoring the nation’s leaders and traditions.

    JTF-NCR is the joint service command charged with planning, coordinating, and providing U.S. military support for presidential inaugurations. Approximately 5,000 service members from every branch, including active and reserve components, will provide ceremonial and operational support during the upcoming inauguration. Military support has been integral to presidential inaugurations since 1789, when a military escort and full ceremonial procession escorted the newly elected president to his swearing-in.

    The armed forces' participation in this tradition demonstrates their support for the nation’s newly elected commander in chief, reaffirms civilian control of the military, and underscores the peaceful transition of power, a cornerstone of American democracy.

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 12.18.2024
    Date Posted: 01.23.2025 13:51
    Story ID: 488654
    Location: US
    Hometown: BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA, US

    Web Views: 97
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN