WHS Grad U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Sara Wilson

The State Funeral for former President Jimmy Carter was held at the Washington National Cathedral on Dec. 7, 2024. Two Moore Public Schools graduates who serve in the U.S. Air Force played a part in the traditional ceremonies.

Just a few weeks later, both MPS graduates will serve during the Jan. 20, 2025, 60th Presidential Inauguration of Donald J. Trump.

Moore High School 2017 graduate Johnny Willson served as the lone U.S. Air Force pallbearer for Carter. Westmoore 2018 graduate Sara Wilson served served as a part of the Presidential Escort Procession that guided Carter to the Capitol to Lie in State and await his State Funeral.

On that honor, Wilson said, "I've learned a lot about this president who impacted my right to serve as a ceremonial guardsman. He was an honorable civil rights activist and was the first Commander in Chief to allow women to serve in the - then called - USAF Presidential Honor Guard. Nine women were selected and only five graduated from training."

On being a part of the 60th Presidential Inauguration on Jan. 20 for Trump, Wilson said, "I feel a deep sense of gratitude to be able to take part in such a historical time; I'm truly blessed to have this opportunity." 

Her spot on the team is even sweeter after sustaining a fractured arm while training for a place on the team. She tried out again after a few months and earned her place.

While at WHS, she was in choir, played in marching band and was a member of the WHS Color Guard. "I loved being in the Guard program at Westmoore. My instructors were Casey Lawrence and Mallory Readnour; they have a special place in my heart."

Observers may see a link between a military drill team or honor guard and what color guard teams do in high school, but the mindset required and the performances are quite different. 

"As I work, I am expressing the Air Force through my drills by being sharp, crisp, and motionless. With the color guard at WHS, it was more of an expression of self. They are both incredibly important to me and require teamwork, hard work, and passion, which have taught me wonders."   

After high school, Wilson attended Oklahoma City Community College and worked at the Animal Emergency Center in SOKC and coached Color Guard at Washington High School.

Wilson said, "My great-grandfather served in the Air Force and my brothers served in the Air Force and Army. I've always felt driven to a higher purpose, and I knew there was a part of me that I could reach by being pushed in ways I couldn't do by myself. The Air Force is helping me become the best version of myself."

Wilson said she felt the Air Force was a difficult branch to get into, but she also felt it could help her create the future she wanted, so she did everything possible to get accepted. She spent 455 days in-processing, remaining focused on her decision to join before leaving for Basic Training in February 2023. Her first assignment was in Washington, D.C. at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling as a ceremonial guardsman with the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard. 

Wilson said she'd encourage any Westmoore student to engage in as many extracurricular activities as possible in high school. 

"Don't take time in high school for granted; follow your dreams. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't be an artist, a musician, a pilot, or an astronaut. It's truly possible, Wilson said.

Use this time to grow and hone in on what you want out of life and yourself. I'm so fortunate to be where I am today, and thankfully, with some grit and hard work, I made it into the Air Force and into a prestigious group for which I will forever cherish.

- Sara Wilson

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Oklahoma City native joins Joint Task Force-National Capital Region in their support of the 60th Presidential Inauguration

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, UNITED STATES

12.12.2024

Story by Staff. Sgt. Ramon Adelan

Joint Task Force-National Capital Region

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Sara Wilson, assigned to the United States Air Force Honor Guard and a native of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, will join the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) in supporting the 60th Presidential Inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025. 

The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard, based at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., will play a distinguished role in the 60th Presidential Inauguration, showcasing its precision and dedication to ceremonial excellence. The honor guard will join JTF-NCR, a task force comprised of service members from all branches of the armed forces, including Reserve and National Guard components. The Honor Guard’s participation highlights the military’s long standing role in supporting presidential inaugurations.

Wilson, a 2018 graduate of Westmoore High School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is assigned to the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard as a drill team ceremonial guardsman. She is responsible for promoting the Air Force mission by showcasing drill performances at public and military venues to recruit, retain and inspire Airmen.

Wilson is an active-duty member of the U.S. Air Force and has served for two years.

“Being part of the inauguration is a powerful reminder of how our democracy thrives on the peaceful transfer of power,” said Wilson.

As a service member, it’s a deeply proud moment, knowing that I’m playing a part in something so much greater than myself.

The honor guard’s involvement is the result of months of rigorous preparation. Members undergo extensive training to ensure that every movement, from drill sequences to the presentation of the colors, is executed with precision. This dedication reflects their mission to inspire pride and confidence in the Air Force while honoring the nation’s leaders and traditions.

JTF-NCR is the joint service command charged with planning, coordinating, and providing U.S. military support for presidential inaugurations. Approximately 5,000 service members from every branch, including active and reserve components, will provide ceremonial and operational support during the upcoming inauguration. Military support has been integral to presidential inaugurations since 1789, when a military escort and full ceremonial procession escorted the newly elected president to his swearing-in.

The armed forces' participation in this tradition demonstrates their support for the nation’s newly elected commander-in-chief, reaffirms civilian control of the military, and underscores the peaceful transition of power, a cornerstone of American democracy.