Iowa Guard on duty for Obama inauguration

8:55 AM

Posted: Monday, January 12, 2009

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- About 1,000 members of the Iowa National Guard will be on duty in Washington D.C. for the Jan. 20 inauguration of Barack Obama.

Officials say the National Guard Bureau asked for Iowa's help because of increased operational requirements and growing crowd estimates, which could reach the millions. They are among 7,000 soldiers and airmen from at least 8 states that will help.

The Iowa members will have duties such as traffic control, transportation and personnel support.

Guard units from Boone, Carroll, Des Moines, Le Mars, Sioux City, Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Davenport, Council Bluffs, Denison, Red Oak, Shenandoah and Camp Dodge in Johnson will be activated for the inauguration.

Story Comments

Setting up wrote on Jan 12, 2009 4:05 PM:

" This will be a big crowd so I am glad they will have extra people to help with security. I do not like the privatization of security, but usually don't police from different areas around the city help out in previous inaugarations? Is this the first time that the National Guard enters the picture? I realize the N.G. be there to help in times of national disaster , but I am not so certain that this sets a good precedent that we assume and get used to having the military around at all times- this 'Vaterland ' thing. Also many people , the elderly, unwell, and families with children will not be able to attend or face hardships due to some of the security requirements set to be in place. As much as we need to have good security, I personally think H.S. is going way too overboard anymore. "