MERCED, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The Merced County Sheriff's Posse is now on a cross-country journey from the heart of California to the nation's capital. The group has the unique honor of marching once again in the upcoming 47th Presidential Inaugural Parade. The group spent Wednesday afternoon loading up their 12 horses into two large trailers and giving them a proper send off before they head east to Washington, D.C.  "They're going in the absolute best transportation that you can get. Climate controlled, the ride is suspended. They're not jarred around. The horses have their own little studio apartment so to speak, and they're going to go first class. And it's nonstop from here to Washington, D.C," Merced County Sheriff Vern Warnke said.  It is the second time the group has gone under Sheriff Vern Warnke, and the fourth time they have marched in an inaugural parade.  "What I'm hoping is, let the folks know that even though that we are very rural in this county, and it speaks volumes that we have an organization that is the goodwill ambassador for the Sheriff, and yet coming from a little community like this and doing such a big voiced thing, this is going to be on the world stage, not just nationally, it's world, and there's world leaders watching this," Warnke said.   They're representing not only Merced County, but the entire San Joaquin Valley, carrying flags from other local sheriff's offices as they march along the parade route.  Sheriff Posse Captain Laurette Locke said while it is a long journey, and an even longer day once they get to D.C, it is all worth it.  "I mean, that's not like going to the little, you know, homecoming parade in town. We're going to the big show," she said.  The captain of the 35-member group said she's honored to be even a small part of a big day in the nation's history.  "You look up there and the president's there and his family, and the White House, you know who does it?" Locke said.  This trip is paid for completely by donations and with money the group raised through fundraisers. Those who would still like to donate can visit their Facebook page to find a link to their donation drive.