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Youngstown native to support Obama inauguration
By Susan Tebben
WASHINGTON, D.C.
When President Barack Obama goes through his second inaugural ceremony, part of the military presence there will represent the Youngstown area.
U.S. Army Spec. Tray Gabriel has joined the Joint Task Force - National Capital Region, which will support the 5w7th Presidential Inauguration on Jan. 21.
The task force coordinates military ceremonial support and includes members from all branches of the military.
“I’m happy to be a part of history,” Gabriel, 21, said in a phone interview with The Vindicator. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
A military presence at the inauguration has been a part of the ceremony since April 30, 1789, according to the Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System. The secretary of defense has authorized almost 200 service members to be assigned to the task force.
Gabriel, a Youngstown native who attended Hubbard High School, said he always has wanted to serve his country and his 2.5 years in the Army have fulfilled that. He is not sure whether he wants to continue serving as a career but feels good about the work he does as a supply specialist while stationed at Fort Lee, Va.
“I would like to keep on doing what I’m doing,” he said. “I enjoy what I do.”
He didn’t anticipate ever supporting the president during an official ceremony, but his military service has given him perspective on how he wants to live his life.
“Always keep your head up and never let anybody change who you are,” Gabriel said, as a piece of advice for younger generations thinking of serving in the military. “It’s very good to be unique ... being unique makes you stand out, it makes you one of a kind and that’s what’s special about everybody.”
His hometown is always on his mind as he serves his country and he still loves the area where he was raised.
“Every time I’m on leave I come down,” he said. “I love it.”