January 2017
Former VOL Student Serves As Military Police For Presidential Inauguration
Former VOL Graduate , Stephen Hargis ( now Private First Class Hargis ), recently served at the 58th Presidential Inauguration , along with members of the 239th Military Police Company of the Louisiana Army National Guard . Stephen helped secure areas in the perimeter of the inauguration .
The morning of the inauguration , Stephen was up at 1:30 am . Commanders shared information with the soldiers and explained their duties . After about 3 hours of briefings , breakfast , and exercise , military members rode buses to their assigned locations .
Although he was about 4 blocks away from the actual event , Stephen could hear the inauguration through speakers that had been placed throughout the areas . Luckily , he did not encounter crowds of protestors , although some bystanders challenged him verbally ( while cell phone cameras were rolling ) when he would not allow them access to restricted areas . Stephen handled the situation as he was trained , and bystanders eventually walked away , unable to gain access to restricted areas . He did not experience any physical altercations . Stephen was finally able to curl up on his cot in the FedEx Stadium ( home to the Washington Redskins ) at 11pm .
VOL 2006 graduate Stephen Hargis earned the Visitation Men ’ s Club Award for Outstanding Christian Character
PFC Stephen Hargis , a 2006 VOL Graduate , helped to secure the perimeter around the 58th Presidential Inauguration . He is a member of the 239th Military Police Company in New Orleans .
During Stephen ’ s personal time , he visited the Arlington National Cemetery , where the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier lies . He was able to witness the Changing of the Guard , in which one impeccably-dressed marine relinquishes his post to another in an elaborate ceremony . “ It ’ s a very humbling experience ,” Stephen said . “ The uniforms were flawless , and each movement was crisp .” The sound of taps on their shoes striking the concrete added a deeper element of reverence in the silence of the crowd , who were asked to stand and remain silent during the ceremony .
The opportunity to serve at a presidential inauguration is rare , indeed , and Stephen is well aware of the level of honor associated with it . He is very grateful to have had the opportunity to serve , and continues to be proud to serve our country .
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