NMNG members support inauguration

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Soldiers and Airmen of the New Mexico National Guard supported the 59th Presidential Inauguration in Washington D.C. Jan. 20.

To facilitate this, NMNG members arrived in the nation’s capital in the days leading up to the inauguration and remained for several more days afterward.

“Our role is to protect and secure the capital and the 59th Presidential Inauguration,” said Lt. Col. Gabriel Vargas, commander of the NMNG’s 226th Military Police Battalion and commander of Task Force Capital Response. “D.C. is a little different with all the restrictions and troops around, but—when it’s all said and done—it’s still our nation’s capital and this is what we serve for—to protect our capital.”

Approximately 200 New Mexico Guard members deployed to Washington, D.C., joining some 25,000 other Guard members from across the country. Soldiers and Airmen worked in shifts to secure their assigned zones.

“So far it’s been a really good experience,” said Pvt. Jaime Portillo, a Military Police officer with the 126th Military Police Company. “Unfortunately, we’re here under certain circumstances, but everybody has been very helpful. We have somewhere to sleep, something to eat, and a mission to do.”

Troops expressed appreciation for being able to support a historic event.

“It’s an honor to be able to serve my nation and to be able to be here to protect the capital and to be a part of history,” said Senior Master Sgt. Paul Durham, a Security Police officer with the 150th Security Forces Squadron. “Everything from our food to lodging, I have no complaints.”

Due to COVID-19 limitations, Guard members were required to wear masks at all times, maintain social distance when possible, and lodge in individual rooms. Troops who showed symptoms entered quarantine until receiving medical clearance to return to duty.

“We’re making sure that all troops are wearing their masks, washing their hands, social distancing, and sanitizing as much as they can—and it’s working pretty well,” said Staff Sgt. Jose Fuentes, a Military Police officer with the 919th Military Police Company. “I want to make sure everybody gets home safe.”

New Mexico Senators Ben Ray Luján and Martin Heinrich visited with the NMNG Soldiers and Airmen, who enjoyed a tour of the Capitol at the end of the mission.

“I’m sorry that it’s under these circumstances that we have to have security from all over the country deployed to our nation’s capital, but it’s an immense, immense honor to have so many fellow New Mexicans,” said Luján. “It reminds us of the heroes in our communities that sacrifice every day and are called away from their family on behalf of the United States of America. I’m honored that we’re able to be here with every one of you to see the swearing-in of the next president.”

At the end of the mission, the Task Force held promotion and re-enlistment ceremonies on the Capitol steps. Such a setting will likely be a lifetime memory for the honorees, which included 1st Lt. Jacklyn Jablonski, a platoon leader in 1st Battalion, 200th Infantry.

“As a Guard unit, this is what we sign up for—we sign up for both continental United States and outside the contiguous United States deployments,” Jablonski said. “It’s an honor to be here not only to represent the National Guard but to represent our state.”

As always, NMNG members remained focused on mission accomplishment.

“We answered the call, and we have shown that we can be a rapid force,” Vargas said. “There’s going to be New Mexicans who know what they did and when they put on their uniform, they’re going to know how much of a difference they made.”