WASHINGTON D.C. - As of Saturday, 2,400 airmen and soldiers with the Virginia National Guard are in the nation's capital. This includes Newport News native Airman 1st Class Laurence Rogers.
Rogers said he and others went to Washington D.C. the morning of January 7, hours after the events that took place at the Capitol.
Rogers told News 3 they're helping local and federal law enforcement, protecting personnel and ensuring no un-authorized access happens at the Capitol building.
He said it's a great honor to be with the guard in the nation's capital and has been upbeat and excited to help the country and carry out their duties.
“It's certainly a historic occasion. It's interesting to see all the architecture and statues laid throughout D.C., especially in the Capitol,” Rogers said. “I know me and everyone else was looking for to carrying out our mission to ensure that everyone can practice their first amendment right peacefully, the inauguration goes off and a peaceful transfer of power without a hitch.”
Rogers has served in the Virginia Air National Guard for a little more than two years. He said they’ll be in Washington D.C. through Inauguration Day.
