The recent presidential inauguration provided an Operational Health Support Unit (OHSU) Bremerton Sailor more than just the opportunity to take part in the current history of her country.

It also allowed her the makings of a memory as she shared an emotional moment with a family member killed in action over 50 years ago.

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Katie Trescott, a Tacoma, Washington resident, was selected to attend the inauguration along with 32 other U.S. Navy Reservists of varying rates from across the country.

"There was a call for volunteers and a lengthy vetting process; I wanted to attend due to the historical significance," said Trescott, a Tallahassee, Florida native and 2005 Florida State University graduate. "My dad attended [former President Ronald] Reagan's inauguration as a U.S. Coast Guard lieutenant and likes to tell his story about how he received Reagan's first presidential salute. I wanted to continue that tradition for our family, although I didn't get quite as close to the president as my dad did."

Such pomp and circumstance was a first for Trescott, as was getting the privilege of touring the Pentagon, the U.S. Capitol, Arlington National Cemetery, the U.S. Naval Academy, escorting a group of children through the Naval History Museum at the Washington Navy Yard, and attending the secretary of the Navy's farewell parade at the Marine Barracks.

"I did share with my parents, and they were both very excited for me and so proud," Trescott said. "I'm fairly certain they bragged about it to most people they met. And of course my mom was a bit worried about my safety, so naturally she was relieved when it was over and everyone was safe. We were assigned to a section of the seated area that included Medal of Honor winners. It was a very special experience interacting with such highly-esteemed brothers in arms."

Trescott attested the most gratifying part of her volunteering was her duty as a ceremonial usher.

"It was the entire reason we were there," related Trescott. "Our group ensured safety and reflected credit upon the U.S. Navy, especially the Navy Reserve. That was very gratifying on such a big stage."

She also singled out her senior enlisted leadership -- Master Chief Master-at-Arms Ruth Drake and Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Tammy Schusted -- for the opportunity.

Yet, as notable as being involved in the inauguration was, a trip and tour of Arlington National Cemetery, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Women Memorial Exhibit, and the grave of former President John F. Kennedy provided Trescott with special significance as she located a cousin -- Charles R. Trescott -- laid to rest on the hallowed ground.

"We were told that we were among family as we stood on the grounds, surrounded by graves," shared Trescott. "When others found out I had actual family buried there, they accompanied me to his grave. We rendered honors together over the grave and spent time talking about how he earned his Silver Star protecting his Marines. It was especially poignant for me and represented all the best about the military -- how we embrace and honor our fallen brothers and sisters without question. It was a memory I will keep with me for a long while."

The Citation for HM3 Charles R. Trescott (Killed In Action) reads: The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company G, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in the Republic of Vietnam, on 3 May 1966. Accompanying an eighteen-man patrol operating in the Quang Tin Province when the patrol, crossing an open rice paddy, was ambushed by a Viet Cong force estimated at fifty men, Petty Officer Trescott, observing two wounded Marines fall where they were hit, in an area exposed to heavy enemy fire, left his covered position and went into the open area to treat them. Fatally wounded while moving one of the casualties to cover, Petty Officer Trescott, by his courage, initiative, and selfless devotion to duty, upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

"I remember reading the description of how he earned his Silver Star as I was in the process of enlisting and having only an inkling of the pride behind being a corpsman," related Trescott, who has been assigned to her OHSU Bremerton detachment since August 2016.

OHSU Bremerton's mission is to ensure all Sailors can rapidly respond to the needs of Naval Hospital Bremerton, Navy Medicine and the nation by keeping themselves and those assigned in a constant state of readiness -- professionally, physically, and mentally. OHSU Bremerton ensures force health protection of all Sailors by assisting Navy Operational Support Centers throughout three regions -- northwest, midwest, and southwest -- by completion of physical health assessment's and dental exams. OHSU detachments can be found in Anchorage, Alaska; Whidbey, Kitsap, Spokane and Everett, Washington; Portland and Springfield, Oregon; Boise, Idaho; Helena and Billings, Montana; Cheyenne, Wyoming; Fargo, North Dakota; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Denver and Fort Carson, Colorado.

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