Vienna Young Marines Trip to Washington DC for the Presidential Inaguration
by SSgt. Andrew Ondo, Vienna Young Marines

Shortly after the Electoral College confirmed the presidential election, the Young Marines of Vienna (and several other Young Marine Units) were invited to Washington D.C.  I was really excited about this opportunity because I have never been to the Capital before and this was such a historic occasion.

After much preparation, mostly ironing and packing, Vienna Young Marines began our trip.  We had 17 Young Marines and 12 adults and all of their gear loaded up for our caravan to Breezewood, Pennsylvania were we joined up with Little Miami Young Marines from Ohio.

We had the privilege of staying in the barracks at Camp Upsher and eating at the chow hall in Quantico.  The barracks and the chow hall were great! The food at the chow hall was fabulous.  I really liked the scrambled eggs and bacon. 

Three Young Marines from Quantico joined us.  Gunny Romano was a wonderful guide and kept us on track.  Cpl. Hey was always entertaining, especially when he fell out of the rack in the middle of the night.  Sgt. Mitzel had the best cadence in Union Station.  These three Young Marines are always welcome at Vienna. 

While on liberty in Q-town, we had the privilege of meeting Master Gunnery Sergeant Burns.  He is a wonderful person and an outstanding cook.  His hospitality and generosity made me feel at home.  I can’t wait to go back just to have his ribs and fried chicken again.

We rode the train into Washington and got out at Union Station.  It was immaculate and luxurious.  I have never seen anything like it.  You could do everything you ever would to do without leaving the station.  While in the red carpet room of the station, we had the honor of meeting Mr. Kessler.  I will always treasure the picture of me shaking his hand. 

It was almost unreal when I walked out of the station and was in Washington D.C.  I couldn’t believe I was seeing all of the places I had read about in school.  Everything I had read about in history books was right in front of me.  I especially liked the Washington Monument because it was so tall.  Viewing the Korean War Memorial and the Vietnam War Memorial was worth the march around the Reflecting Pool. 

The Air and Space Museum was another highlight of our trip.  There was so much to see, but my favorite was the Sea Operations exhibit.  The flight simulator where you landed a plane on the carrier was hard. There were so many interesting things to read that you could spend a whole week there alone.

We rode the Metro to Washington on Inauguration Day.  It was useful because you could ride it anywhere in the city.  This was a good thing because there were many people there for the parade and ceremony that it was difficult to get around.  The parade had many military academies and bands from the whole country.  Because there were so many protesters, our group did not get to see President Bush.  Just knowing we were so close and part of history was an honor.

I would like to thank National Headquarters for providing  us the opportunity to be a part of such a historic event.

Staff Sergeant Andrew Ondo
Young Marines of Vienna