Four Paulding County Women Embark on Memorable Journey to Attend Donald Trump’s Inauguration

Pictured above (l-r) are Laurie Lucas, Cheryl Stromski (back), Stacey Rinebolt, and Jan Commers

In January, four Republican women from Paulding County—Cheryl Stromski, Stacey Rinebolt, Jan Commers, and Laurie Lucas—embarked on an unforgettable road trip to Washington, D.C., to witness Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States. The trip was filled with camaraderie, excitement, and a few unexpected challenges.

The group departed on a chilly Saturday morning, driving through Ohio and Pennsylvania to avoid the mountainous roads of West Virginia. By Saturday night, they arrived in Washington, eager to experience the historic event.

On Sunday, the women joined thousands of Trump supporters in line for a rally. The wait proved grueling, as they braved sleet, rain, and freezing temperatures for seven hours. Despite the adverse weather and chaotic crowd management, the experience was uplifting. “Everyone was talking and connecting,” one of the women shared. “It was incredible to meet people from all over the country.”

Concerns about safety arose when they entered an unsecured area near the rally venue. “It was like sardines,” they recalled, describing the lack of police or barriers. Feeling uneasy, the group decided to leave the area. They found refuge at a nearby Walgreens, where they waited for their private Uber driver—a kind Navy veteran they had befriended earlier in the weekend—to pick them up.

On Monday, the women attended a viewing party for the inauguration at a restaurant near the Washington Nationals stadium. Hosted by Michigan Republicans and representative John James, the event offered a warm and welcoming atmosphere, complete with food, non-alcoholic beverages, and a shared sense of excitement. “The energy in the room was palpable,” one attendee said. “Watching Trump take the oath of office surrounded by like-minded people was deeply emotional.”

Pictured above (back to front) are Stacey Rinebolt, Jan Commers, Laurie Lucas, and Cheryl Stromski.

The group found themselves moved to tears during key moments, including prayers led by Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Reverend Franklin Graham, as well as performances by the Marine Corps Choir and Carrie Underwood, who sang a cappella after a sound issue.

Reflecting on the trip, the women expressed gratitude for the experience and each other’s company. “It was something we’ll never forget,” said Lucas. “To be part of history, even from a distance, was incredible.”

Stacey Rinebolt agreed, “t was so exciting to meet so many people from all over the country. Everyone was dressed so patriotic and so excited about being there. It was a very fun atmosphere.”

Their journey back to Paulding County was filled with reflections on the event, camaraderie, and a renewed sense of purpose in their political engagement. For these four women, the trip was about more than attending an inauguration—it was about celebrating shared beliefs, forging connections, and creating lasting memories.