Utah Guard Fulfills Traditional Role in Utah Governor Gary Herbert's Inauguration

By Lt. Col. Hank McIntire

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SALT LAKE CITY — In keeping with long-standing tradition, the Utah National Guard was a key part of Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert’s inauguration ceremony at the Utah State Capitol Jan. 7.

Herbert is commander in chief of the 7,000 Airmen and Soldiers of the Utah National Guard, which historically has had significant involvement in the inauguration of each of Utah’s 17 governors.

 
Beginning with Governor Heber M. Wells' inauguration on Jan. 6, 1896, where members and officers of the Utah Guard marched in a pre-inauguration parade through the streets of Salt Lake City, Utah Airmen and Soldiers have been a highly visible part of each subsequent inauguration.

Maj. Gen. Jefferson Burton, adjutant general of the Utah National Guard, was master of
ceremonies for Governor Gary Herbert's inauguration Jan. 7. Photo by Ileen Kennedy.

As called for by state statute, Utah Guard Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Jefferson S. Burton served as master of ceremonies at the event, his first opportunity to do so after being appointed adjutant general by Herbert in October 2012.

“It was an amazing event and one that everyone here will remember,” said Burton. “I felt like it was a good opportunity for me to serve.”

Dozens of Utah Guard Airmen and Soldiers followed Burton’s lead, giving their time and expertise to ensure that the event was carried out with the right mix of pageantry and professionalism.

The 23rd Army Band, let by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Denny Saunders, performed prelude and postlude music, while Second Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment, provided a a flyover consisting of three UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters. First Battalion, 145th Field Artillery, rendered a 19-gun salute to Herbert just after he took the oath of office to begin his first, full, four-year term as governor.

Other Utah Guard support to the event included the 85th Civil Support Team’s standing by in the event of a hazardous-materials incident, and several senior officers and enlisted personnel functioning as escorts for the many dignitaries attending the event. Other Guardmembers provided security or rendered logistical or administrative support.



Members of the 1-145th Field Artillery stand by to render a 19-gun salute at
Utah Governor Gary Herbert's  inaguration Jan. 7. Photo by Capt. Ryan Sutherland.

Herbert noted the presence and involvement of the Utah National Guard at the top of his remarks at the ceremony.

“We thank the men and women of our Utah Army and Air National Guard for their service,” he said, “not only on this day, but for the service and sacrifice they offer us every single day.”

According to Lt. Matt Price, director of facilities for the Utah Guard and chairman of its inauguration committee, planning for the ceremony began days after Herbert won reelection in November. Price was pleased with the final result, and officials and guests were also lavish in their praise of the Utah Guard’s role in the inauguration.

“There were a lot of scripted items that had to hit the mark exactly,” said Price. “The people out on the floor thought it looked wonderful.”

Brigadier Gen. David Fountain, Utah Guard Assistant Adjutant General—Air, noted with pride the importance of the Utah Guard’s traditional role in the inauguration.

 
“History is everything,” he said. “The ceremonial aspect is so important, not only what we do in uniform, but also for our civic leadership. When we think about how often we hear the National Anthem when we’re in uniform and all the different renditions, I stood a little straighter today. It really makes you want to be a part of this organization.”

UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters fly over the Utah State Capitol Jan. 7 as part of the inau-
guration ceremonies for Utah Governor Gary Herbert. Photo by Staff Sgt. Renae Saylock. 

The inauguration, Burton observed, also demonstrated the effectiveness of the continuing partnership of the military and elected representatives.

“We answer to our elected civilian officials,” he said. “It’s important that we have a good relationship with the governor because he can do a lot to help us in the execution of our duties. We need his support, and we need the support of the legislature to do our job.”
 

“It’s an opportunity to be this beautiful Capitol building and witness something that many people don’t get the opportunity to witness,” Burton concluded. “I feel very honored for us to showcase what we can do.”