35 V.I. Guardsmen Deployed To DC For Presidential Inaugural Support

Thirty-five Virgin Islands National Guardsmen (V.I.N.G.) departed the territory on Wednesday to support the nation’s events in Washington, DC for the Inauguration of the 45th President of the United States, the V.I. National Guard announced today. On Friday, President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn in as the president and commander-in-chief.

More than 7,500 National Guard soldiers and airmen from 44 states, three territories and the District of Columbia, will serve with the specially created joint task force, according to the release. As a whole, National Guardsmen will augment the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Capitol Police and D.C. Metropolitan Police forces on a range of support, including traffic control, crowd management, logistics and communication. National Guard support to presidential inaugurations dates back to April 30, 1789.

The group of V.I. Guardsmen consists of members of the 23rd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team, the 661st Military Police Law and Order Detachment, the ministry team, operational planners and a liaison to the mission. This is the second time the V.I.N.G. has supported a presidential inauguration.

In January 2013, over 50 V.I. Guardsmen deployed for this homeland assignment for the second term of President Barack Obama. “The Inauguration of our Nation’s President is a historical event that spans over a century,” said V.I.N.G. Captain Mario Brooks, Commander of the 661st MP L&O. “To be selected once more is attributed to the professionalism and dedication of the Soldiers of the Virgin Islands National Guard. As in all that we do, this is yet another team effort by the V.I.N.G.”

Like Captain Brooks, about ten V.I. Guardsmen in this group were a part of the last VING contingency to support Task Force DC. Another V.I. Guardsmen who went on the last inauguration mission shared her experience. Staff Sergeant Debra Davis, 662nd Engineer Company, said deployment is a way of life for her and family who support her career. “It is an honor to volunteer for this occasion once again. I was truly born to do what I do as a Soldier for my country and for my loved ones,” she said.

Correction: January 19, 2016

A previous version of this story, because of incorrect info included in the press release (most likely a text error), mistakenly said that Donald Trump was the U.S.’s 58th president, when Mr. Trump is actually the 45th. The story has been updated to reflect the correct information.