PHILADELPHIA –
Many of the more than 5,000 service members participating in the 58th Presidential Inauguration ceremonies Jan. 20 will wear clothing items provided by Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support.
The Clothing and Textiles supply chain provided more than 3,500 coats – raincoats, overcoats and more – to the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, which includes the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, or Old Guard.
“Supporting the peaceful transition of government after a presidential election is a historic event and one that many countries do not have,” Col. Jason Garkey, the regimental commander of The Old Guard, said in an Army news release. “I have participated in two previous inaugurations, and they both highlighted the unique characteristics of our government and how it brings the nation together."
C&T also provided the following items to the U.S. Army Military District of Washington:
- 9,000 men’s gloves
- 221 men’s shoes
- 59 women’s slacks
- 1,076 men’s trousers
DLA Troop Support’s Medical supply chain also provided materials to build nine medical aid stations for use during the ceremony.
While more than 2,000 Old Guard soldiers will support the inauguration, Joint Task Force National Capital Region, with members from all the services, leads the military’s participation.
Nearly 8,000 National Guard members from 40 states will work in support of local authorities and federal agencies for the inauguration. They shouldn’t go hungry as Troop Support’s Subsistence supply chain provided 7,000 Meals, Ready to Eat and 980 unitized group rations to the D.C National Guard. Each UGR is designed to serve 50 meals.
The military has participated in presidential inaugurations since April 30, 1789, when members of the Army, local militia units and Revolutionary War veterans escorted President George Washington to his first inauguration ceremony at Federal Hall in New York City.