No matter which Presidential candidate ends up taking the election on November 8th a Susanville native, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Lynda Wilson, will be a part of the Joint Task Force supporting the 58th Presidential Inauguration, which will take place January 20th, 2017.
The task force is charged with coordinating all military ceremonial support for the inaugural period. As a joint service committee, it includes members from all branches of the United States Armed Forces, including Reserve and National Guard components.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of history,” said Wilson. “After this inauguration, I believe I can accurately say that my Air Force career is complete.”
Wilson has a distinguished career as a scientific analyst and is one of a handful of airman providing input on the next futuristic space concepts. She was born in Susanville and dreamed of becoming a pilot or an astronaut since grade school. She decided the best course to fulfill that dream was through the Air Force.
After graduating from Lassen High School, Class of 1985, she entered the Air Force and her career has accelerated beyond her dreams.
Lt. Col. Wilson is a graduate of University of California, Santa Cruz earning her a Doctorate and three Master’s degrees in mathematics. Her background and skills have provided valuable input for futuristic space concepts, satellite testing, flight testing, and provided economic cost analysis for the Air Force.
Her significant achievements include; Meritorious Service Medal; National Defense Service Bronze Medal; Global War on Terrorism Medal and NASA Candidate.
The armed forces have participated in the inauguration of the United States president since April 30th, 1789, when members of the U.S. Army, local militia units and Revolutionary War veterans escorted George Washington to his first inauguration ceremony at Federal Hall in New York City. More than 220 years later, the participation of the armed forces continues to honor the commander in chief, recognize civilian control of the armed forces and celebrate democracy.
Participation by the armed forces traditionally includes musical units, marching bands, color guards, salute batteries and honor cordons. Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen also provide invaluable assistance to the Presidential Inaugural Committee and the Joint Congressional Committee on Inauguration Ceremonies.
The Secretary of Defense authorized 820 service members to coordinate DoD support in and around the nation’s capital. On Inauguration Day, more than 5,000 service members will participate in the 58th Presidential Inauguration ceremonies and other events.
Just as military men and women show their commitment to this country while deployed around the world, participation of service members in this traditional event demonstrates the military’s support to the nation’s commander in chief.
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