Ida Baker grad, sailor, to take part in inauguration ceremony
Navy Seaman Robert Volski, a graduate of Ida Baker High School, will get an up-close perspective of the Presidential Inauguration next Friday as a member of an Armed Forces Joint Joint Task Force assigned to provide all of the military ceremonial support in our nation’s capital.
He is a member of the Navy’s 81-member marching platoon unit assigned to the inauguration ceremonies. His unit serves as casket bearers, color guard, drill team and/or firing party at funerals. Anything to do with military ceremonies.
“After basic training in Illinois I was hand-picked to join the unit for two years because they thought I had top notch qualities,” said Volski, 27, who enlisted last March. “This is such a great opportunity at a highly visible ceremony with the President. It’s a surreal experience.”
Volski’s unit already has participated in the farewell ceremonies for President Obama and the Secretary of Defense this week with the inauguration being the last detail on the current assignment with all branches of the service represented.
Volski was a member of the Junior ROTC at Ida Baker before graduating in 2008. Not thinking the military might be his true calling, he went to college to study mechanical engineering.
“Ultimately, I found my way back and joined the Navy,” Volski said. “It would be hard for me right now to say if I will make it a career.”
He signed up for a six-year hitch, two of which are with the ceremonial platoon.
“After that I will go to school for more training for my job in the Navy,” said Volski. “I’m in advanced computers as a fire controlman.”
He won’t be putting out fires, but at the computer controls for ordinance that cause fires.
While on duty in Washington, Volski has had leave time where he and his wife have visited the many museums, monuments, memorials and other points of interest D.C has to offer.