Portman, Ryan Thank National Guard for Work at Inauguration
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following the inauguration of President Joe Biden, U.S. Sen. Rob Portman and U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan have thanked members of the Ohio National Guard for their work in providing security during the event.
About 25,000 guardsmen were deployed to the nation’s capitol in the lead up to the inauguration, including nearly 1,000 from Ohio.
“I was honored to have a chance to thank a number of the Ohio National guardsmen and women who have deployed to Washington, D.C., to help protect the U.S. Capitol and assist with security for the presidential inauguration,” said Portman, R-Ohio, in a statement. “Time after time, our guardsmen answer the call to serve and they have carried out their mission here with dignity and the utmost professionalism. These men and women represent the very best our state and nation have to offer and I thank them for their service.”
In a letter to Gen. Daniel Hokansen, chief of the U.S. National Guard Bureau, Ryan, D-13 Ohio, said branch was “beyond transparent” in providing help to ensure a peaceful transition of power on Inauguration Day.
“Although it is impossible that you could personally pass along my thanks to every single member of your force that answered the call today, please know that the efforts of the National Guard will not be forgotten,” said Ryan, co-chairman of the National Guard and Reserve Caucus.
After guardsmen were deployed Washington, Ryan worked to ensure they had access to showers, hot meals and cots in the House of Representatives’ office buildings and free coffee and doughnuts in House dining halls.
“While the Capitol complex buildings are meant for conducting the people’s business and do not provide many comforts for sleeping, eating, and resting, any accommodations we can make to ease their stay is the least we can do to show our gratitude,” said Ryan in a letter co-signed by fellow Representatives on Jan. 14.
“While it is a sad state of affairs that we require such protection to defend our Capitol, we are deeply grateful for their service to our nation. They are not only defenders of our democracy but are welcomed guests during this time,” the letter continued.
Pictured at top: U.S. Sen. Rob Portman with Ohio National Guardsmen.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
