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

    Sergeant Luna Ortiz joins Joint Task Force - National Capital Region

    JTF - NCR

    Photo By Tech. Sgt. Kristopher Levasseur | U.S. Army Sgt. Miguel Luna Ortiz, a Bayamon, Puerto Rico native, whose family resides...... read more read more

    DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, UNITED STATES

    12.05.2012

    Story by Staff Sgt. Kristopher Levasseur 

    Joint Task Force-National Capital Region

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Army Sgt. Miguel Luna Ortiz, a Bayamon, Puerto Rico, native, whose family resides in Baltimore, joined the Joint Task Force - National Capital Region in support of the 57th Presidential Inauguration, which will take place Jan. 21, 2013. The task force is charged with coordinating all military ceremonial support for the inaugural period. As a joint service committee, it includes members from all branches of the armed forces of the United States, including Reserve and National Guard components.

    Luna Ortiz is assigned as a financial management specialist for the JTF – NCR.

    “Being a part of the 57th Presidential Inauguration is a great experience,” said Luna Ortiz. “I’m excited that when I’m older I will be able to sit my children down and tell them all about it.”

    The U.S. Armed Forces have participated in the inauguration of the president of the United States since April 30, 1789, when members of the U.S. Army, local militia units and Revolutionary War veterans escorted George Washington to his first inauguration ceremony at Federal Hall in New York City. More than two hundred twenty years later, the participation of the armed forces continues to honor our commander in chief, recognize civilian control of the armed forces and celebrate democracy.

    Participation by the armed forces traditionally includes musical units, marching bands, color guards, salute batteries and honor cordons. Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen also provide invaluable assistance to the Presidential Inaugural Committee and the Joint Congressional Committee on Inauguration Ceremonies.

    The Secretary of Defense has authorized nearly 200 service members to be assigned to JTF-NCR by Inauguration Day to coordinate Department of Defense support in and around the District of Columbia. In addition to the JTF-NCR service members, historically as many as 5,000 service members have participated in the celebration, both in view of the public and behind the scenes.

    Just as military men and women show their commitment to this country while deployed around the globe, participation of service members in this traditional event demonstrates our military’s support to the nation’s commander in chief.

    “I’m extremely excited to have the chance to take part in this event,” said Luna. “I wouldn’t trade this opportunity for anything.”

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 12.05.2012
    Date Posted: 12.05.2012 11:28
    Story ID: 98778
    Location: DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US

    Web Views: 116
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN