WASHINGTON –
Sgt. Maj. Khalia Jackson's 22-year career with the District of Columbia National Guard has included participation in five presidential inaugurations, starting as a Public Affairs Specialist in 2005. Now serving as Operations Sergeant Major, she oversees planning and interagency collaboration for the 60th Presidential Inauguration.
“My first inauguration was also my coldest inauguration,” said Sgt. Maj. Khalia Jackson, Operations Sergeant Major, District of Columbia National Guard while smiling fondly. ‘It was back in 2005. I was a Public Affairs Specialist back then; providing coverage to our troops serving at traffic control points.”
The National Guard has served a crucial role in the presidential elections dating back to 1789. This continued participation in inaugurations gives many long-standing District of Columbia National Guard service members multiple opportunities to serve and participate at varying levels of responsibility.
Jackson has served in the military 22 years and participated in five inaugurations. For each inauguration, she served in different positions, ranging from Joint Ops Specialist in 2009 to Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) representative in 2017.
“"This inauguration brings a different perspective for me," said Jackson. "Working as the Operations Sergeant Major at the planning and management level has given me a deeper understanding of the importance of interagency collaboration, partnerships, and responsibility."
Approximately 8,000 National Guard service members from nearly 40 states and territories make up the Joint Task Force - District of Columbia (JTF-DC), providing support for the 60th Presidential Inauguration. Their primary mission is to assist local law enforcement and ensure the safety of metropolitan residents and inauguration commuters. The District of Columbia National Guard holds a unique connection to presidential inaugurations due to its proximity and longstanding relationship with local law enforcement agencies. Many of its veteran guardsmen carry personal memories of the area and previous inaugurations, adding to the significance of their service.
“I've been in DC and Maryland for over 40 years collectively,” said Jackson. “My mother and father were born and raised here. My most memorable experience was the historical inauguration for Barack Obama in 2009. Not only was I proud to be a part of the military, but I was also proud of where we'd come as a country.”
Jackson’s participation in nearly every enlisted rank during previous inaugurations has given her a unique perspective. The Army includes six ranks between Specialist and Sergeant Major, each carrying greater responsibilities and providing new experiences, particularly during inaugurations.
“This will likely be my last inauguration as an active national guardsman,” said Jackson. "It will always be an exciting time to witness the change or continuation of leadership in a country whose legacy my family will continue to be a part of."