145th Contributes to Presidential Inaugural Success Published July 21, 2009 By Tech. Sgt. Stephen Wilkins 145th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Washinton, D.C. -- Thirteen members of the 145th Services Flight and the 263rd Combat Communications Squadron (as part of the Joint Incident Site Communications Capability team) took part in activities supporting the inauguration of Barak Obama, the 44th President of the United States of America, January 20th. North Carolina Air National Guard members from the 263rd CBCS and 118th Air Operability Squadron left the Charlotte area January 12th to assist other Guard units deployed for support of the event as part of the JISCC team, which provides communications units from several Guard bases around the country in contingency situations. Their presence enables local, state and federal communications connectivity over a variety of applications. Teamed at Fort AP Hill, VA with the 1-194th Combat Arms Battalion, from the Minnesota National Guard supporting Joint Task Force 29, operating from Fort Belvoir, VA, the unit set up and maintained communications operations allowing data exchange, voice communication and video teleconferencing. "I would be hard-pressed to single anyone out, because our entire team stood out among all units," states Lt. Nathan Brown, who served as the mission commander for the group. Brown adds that in addition to being part of a fantastic experience during an historic moment, it was gratifying to do the job of the JISCC, unpacking everything, using it and supporting a real-world mission as they'd trained. "We really went out of our way to support our customers and they appreciated it," according to Brown. The services contingent was a little closer to the action, situated at the Naval Annex, next to Bolling AFB, VA, to help out the District of Columbia National Guard's 113th Services Squadron. Answering a general call for support, the Services Flight put a six-member crew of volunteers together and sent them forward. They built pallets of food, supplies and equipment that were then distributed to several locations in the Washington, DC area. Although they weren't participating in the Military Ball or other festivities, Senior Master Sgt. Archie Mustafa-Gordon Services Troop Commander for the mission says the group was proud to be there because that's what services do, support the troops. Lt. Col. Barbara Doncaster, 145th Services Flight Commander summed up the devotion shown by all involved, saying; "I think this was a once in a lifetime opportunity for our folks to be part of such an historic inauguration. The Services Flight members are always willing to volunteer to support events and do whatever it takes to get the job done. The fact that our members are worldwide deployable, have all their training requirements complete, and keep the equipment in top shape is why we were able to support this mission. This short notice opportunity reinforces why it is so important to have all your readiness squares filled." "It was a great opportunity for our folks to not only support our new President but to also work closely with our counterparts in other branches of the Service. The Marine site commander, Lt Col Greif, commented on how our folks went out of their way to help them complete the mission. They always do such a great job and this mission was no exception," concluded Lt. Col. Doncaster.