Sondra Hernandez Staff writer January 19, 2025

A Conroe mom will participate in Inauguration Day in Washington, D.C. in memory of her son, who died while in active military service in 2022. 

Margie Taylor, 66, will walk with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors group in Monday’s Presidential Parade representing her late son, Joey Lenz. 

Lenz, 32, died in his sleep Feb. 1, 2022 in his barracks at Fort Hood (now called Fort Cavazos) near Killeen. Taylor said she believes undiagnosed medical issues played a role in his death. 

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She is now advocating for in-person physicals for members of the military. 

Congressman Morgan Luttrell, R-Texas, introduced the Specialist Joey Lenz Act of 2024 in November. It’s a bill aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of military personnel by expanding the medical tests included in routine health assessments.

On Monday, her son will be in her heart and on her mind as she marches in the nation’s capital. 

She is a part of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors or TAPS military service agency. It is a national nonprofit organization providing care and resources to all those grieving a death in the military or veteran community. 

Late in 2024, leaders of the organization thought they might have a spot in the parade, which takes place the afternoon that President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance are sworn in. 

Before Christmas, Taylor received an email asking if she’d like to participate in memory of her son. After some debate, she said yes. 

“I asked myself ‘What would Joey do?” she said. “Joey was the guy if there’s an opportunity, he’s taking it. He would have said ‘Hell yes mom without a doubt you need to go.'”

While excited about the day, she’s nervous about the frigid temps forecast for Monday and transportation logistics in Washington, D.C. on Inauguration Day. 

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On Friday morning, it was announced that the swearing-in ceremony would move inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda due to the bitter cold. Public viewing would be available Capital One Arena in Washington for the ceremony and the afternoon’s parade. 

It appears the parade will also be in Capital One Arena. 

“We will open Capital One Arena on Monday for live viewing of this historic event, and to host the Presidential Parade. I will join the crowd at Capital One, after my Swearing In,” Trump wrote in a message on Truth Social Friday morning. 

Snow is expected Sunday with a high of 25 during the afternoon and a morning low of 14. 

The survivors will wear ponchos and ear protection with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors logos. Taylor will also wear a button with a picture of her son over her heart. 

“Joey walks with me daily but especially there,” she said. “He will be there and I’m sure I will find a sign that he is with me.”  

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