WASHINGTON, DC – This week, Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) sent a letter to the Ohio National Guard Adjutant General, Major General John C. Harris, Jr., thanking him and the brave men and women of Ohio’s National Guard for their part in ensuring the safety of those present for the inauguration on January 20, 2021. Joyce also met numerous Ohio National Guardsmen and women in person to thank them.

“I am incredibly thankful for these Ohioans who left their jobs and families to secure the peaceful transition of power on January 20th,” said Joyce. “I couldn’t be prouder of their unwavering professionalism and service to their country and communities back home. From protecting the U.S. Capitol, to helping distribute vaccines to our seniors, to assisting our local food banks, these men and women are truly some of Ohio’s finest.”

Approximately 25,534 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from 50 states, three territories and the District of Columbia, including around 1,500 Ohio National Guard soldiers, were assigned to the National Capital Region to assist civilian law enforcement authorities responsible for inauguration support. They did so by:

• protecting Members of Congress and Congressional personnel;
• securing the grounds and property of the U.S. Capitol;
• staffing traffic control points;
• providing point/area security;
• providing crowd management;
• providing parking coordination;
• providing medical and logistical support; and
• supporting other missions mutually agreed upon with civilian law enforcement authorities.

You can read the full text of Joyce’s letter here and below.                                                             

Dear Major General Harris,?

I wanted to take a moment to thank you and the brave men and women of Ohio’s National Guard for their part in ensuring the safety of those present for the inauguration of now President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on January 20, 2021.

I have had the honor of attending five presidential inaugurations, and while it is deeply troubling that the support of our National Guardsmen and women was necessary to preserve and uphold the rule of law in our nation’s capital during yesterday’s ceremony, I am proud that their efforts helped ensure the American people had a peaceful transition of power, which is a pillar of our democracy.

I continue to be in awe of the Ohio National Guard’s unwavering professionalism and dedication to the security our nation. As the son of a World War II veteran, I know these brave men and women and their families have made sacrifices for their community and their country, and for that I am forever thankful.

It is an honor to be one of the Buckeyes representing the Ohio National Guard in the United States Congress. If there is anything you ever need, please do not hesitate to contact me.

God bless and stay well.

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