United States Army Reserve | Maryland Unit Honors Former Commander-in-Chief

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Photo of Army Reserve Soldiers in formation on dusty road.

By Maj. Jowell Parks

FORT MEADE, MD (June 2004) — The 5115th Theater Support Unit, headquartered at Fort Meade, Maryland, and composed of Reserve Soldiers from the greater D.C. metro area and surrounding states, was selected for the honor of representing the U.S Army Reserve in the state funeral procession for President Ronald Reagan who died on June 5.

Soldiers of the 5115th stand in formation on the U.S. Capital Mall with elements from every armed service.
Photo by Sgt. James Pineiro

Nearly 100 of the unit's Soldiers marched along Constitution Avenue in Washington, DC, performing the solemn presidential escort duties. More than 150 of the unit's Soldiers volunteered to participate in the funeral procession.

On June 6, the 5115th TSU began its call up of traditional reserve Soldiers who drill one weekend a month and two weeks a year, for the funeral tasking. The next day, the activated members formed up. The platoon of Soldiers who would be marching immediately began to sharpen its drill and ceremony skills.

Soldiers practiced marching at Fort Meade in their battle dress uniforms and later at a full-dress rehearsal at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.

"It is truly an honor to represent the United States Army Reserve," said 1st Sgt. Monica Coleman, "to be chosen over all the units in the United States, Europe and over in Korea." Coleman said the Soldiers looked pretty sharp marching.

Caisson bearing the Commander-in-Chief is escorted down Constitution Avenue by soldiers representing each of the armed services.
Photo by Master Sgt. Daniel Walker

Capt. Joe Lazzari, commander of the troops who lead the marching platoon, said, "We have an opportunity to show the American public their great sons and daughters."

As past commanders-in-chief of the U.S. military, former presidents are afforded specific military honors. The U.S. Army Military District of Washington is responsible for all the ceremonial arrangements, and each branch of the armed forces provides personnel and support to honor former commanders-in-chief. The last state funeral held in Washington took place in 1973 to honor Lyndon B. Johnson.

"We would like to first of all express our condolences to the Reagan family in their time of sorrow. We are saddened by the loss of a great leader who has done so much for our country, for our military and for the cause of freedom throughout the world," said Col. Vincent Taylor, 5115th TSU commander.

The 5115th is part of the 99th Regional Readiness Command based in Coraoplois, Pa. The 5115th TSU provides trained and ready soldiers capable of effectively augmenting U.S. Army Europe in a variety of combined and joint operations.

The soldiers of the 5115th TSU have distinguished themselves during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm and on numerous deployments to Germany, Italy, and the Balkans.

Most recently, the soldiers of the 5115th TSU have answered the Nation’s call in the War on Terrorism and in support of Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom.

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