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U.S. Army Lt. Col. Derek Sutton, commander of Task Force Ironman, goes mic’d up while conducting patrols in Washington, Jan. 13, 2026. Sutton leads Guardsmen from multiple states supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, working alongside local and federal law enforcement partners to enhance public safety and visible presence across the nation’s capital.(U.S. Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. William Blankenship)

Mic’d Up: Walking the Mission with Task Force Ironman
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, interim commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard, visits with Soldiers and Airmen supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission in Washington, D.C., Jan. 31, 2026. As the senior leader of the D.C. National Guard, Blanchard provides command oversight and guidance to National Guard forces supporting public safety and interagency coordination across the capital. His visit reinforced the importance of disciplined presence, partnership with local and federal agencies, and sustained readiness in support of the mission. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. William Blankenship)

Decisions in Motion: Leadership at Street Level in Washington
Ohio National Guard Soldiers supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission stand watch in their assigned patrol area in Washington, D.C., January 2026. Through presence patrols across key transit hubs and surrounding neighborhoods, the Soldiers work alongside local and federal law enforcement partners to help deter crime and enhance public safety. Their visible presence reinforces community confidence and supports a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to keeping the nation’s capital safe and accessible. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. William Blankenship)

Finding Common Ground in the Nation’s Capital
Spc. Lily Castro, an Alabama National Guard Soldier assigned to Joint Task Force–District of Columbia, pauses in a Metro station in Washington, Jan. 9, 2026. Castro supports the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, operating alongside local and federal law enforcement partners to promote coordination, public safety and confidence across the National Capital Region. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. William Blankenship)

Interagency by Design: Unity of Effort Powers the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Mission
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, interim commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard, visits Soldiers patrolling metro stations in Washington, D.C., Jan. 29, 2026. Approximately 2,600 National Guard members support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission by assisting the Metropolitan Police Department to help ensure the safety of residents, commuters and visitors throughout the District. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Paris Hayes)

Brig. Gen. Blanchard Visits Soldiers in Patrolling in DC
Chief Warrant Officer 5 Robert W. Gibson Sr., command chief warrant officer of the District of Columbia National Guard, observes Soldiers during a nighttime presence patrol in Washington, D.C., Jan. 30, 2026, in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission. Senior leaders conducted ground-level engagement to assess operations and ensure effective coordination with local and federal partners. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. William Blankenship)

Command Presence on the Streets of Washington
U.S. Army Capt. Jonathon Davis and U.S. Army Spc. Drew Pathammavong, assigned to the Georgia National Guard, conduct a presence patrol in the Anacostia neighborhood during the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission in Washington, D.C., Jan. 26, 2026. The team assumed responsibility for the area following the transition of Florida National Guard forces supporting the mission. About 2,500 National Guard members support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, assisting the Metropolitan Police Department in maintaining public safety for residents, commuters and visitors throughout the District. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Tech. Sgt. Renee Crugnale)

Georgia Guard Members Support Anacostia Area
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Matthew Nowlin, a Guardsman supporting Joint Task Force–District of Columbia, goes mic’d up while visiting Soldiers and Airmen serving across the District, Jan. 9, 2026. The D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission supports public safety through a visible presence, disciplined coordination, and close partnership with local and federal agencies to help ensure the nation’s capital remains safe and secure for residents, commuters and visitors. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. William Blankenship)

Mic'd Up with Lt. Col. Nowlin
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Dylan Chadbourne, second from left, and Staff Sgt. Hector Amaya, second from right, assigned to the 113th Security Forces Squadron, Joint Task Force – District of Columbia, received awards during a Winter Ceremony held by the U.S. Park Police in Washington, D.C. Jan. 9, 2026. About 2,500 National Guard members are supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission providing critical support to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department in ensuring the safety of all who live, work and visit the District. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Spc. Paris Hayes)

JTF–DC Airmen Recognized for their Efforts
The partially-demolished edifice of Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium is visible from the roof of the DC Armory in Washington, D.C., Aug. 18, 2025. The longstanding landmark fell into disrepair and is being demolished to make way for a new stadium. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Andrew Enriquez)

Last stand for RFK Memorial Stadium
U.S Army Maj. Roy Baker, right, 45th Field Artillery, and Pfc. Radomir Baker, 2-245th Headquarters and Headquarters Company, pose for a photo in the District of Columbia Armory in Washington, D.C. Jan. 13, 2026. About 2,500 National Guard members are supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission providing critical support to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department in ensuring the safety of all who live, work and visit the District. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Spc. Paris Hayes)

Serving Side by Side: Parent and Child Teams Support D.C. Safe Mission
Current and former members of the D.C. National Guard gathered at the Military Women’s Memorial on Jan. 10, 2026, to honor Ms. Nancy “Mama” Lynch on her retirement after 40 years of dedicated military and civilian service. Lynch’s career spanned decades of mentorship, leadership, and commitment to Soldiers and Airmen of the Capital Guardian community. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Ayan Sheikh)

The Heart of the D.C. National Guard Retires After 40 Years of Military and Civilian Service
Soldiers assigned to the Alabama National Guard and Oklahoma National Guard discuss their experiences supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission while serving in the nation’s capital in Washington, D.C., Jan. 2, 2026. Through presence patrols, community engagement and coordination with local partners, National Guard members assist the Metropolitan Police Department in maintaining public safety at high-traffic locations throughout the District. The mission brings together Guardsmen from across the country to support residents, commuters and visitors while reinforcing readiness, teamwork and community trust. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. William Blankenship and U.S. Army National Guard video by Sgt. 1st Class William Frye)

Making a Difference: Guardsmen Serve the Nation’s Capital
The Army National Guard patch is displayed on the sleeve of a District of Columbia National Guard Soldier supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission in Washington, D.C. Guardsmen provide a visible, disciplined presence and work alongside local and federal partners to enhance public safety, strengthen community trust, and help ensure the nation’s capital remains secure for residents, commuters, and visitors. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Paris Hayes)

Soldier Assists Injured Driver After Rollover Crash
U.S. Army Spc. Ethan Shumar, a combat engineer, front, U.S. Air National Guard Capt. April McClung, a nurse, and U.S. Army Pfc. Jalen Taylor, a unit supply specialist, all assigned to the West Virginia National Guard, patrol near the Judiciary Square Metro station, Jan. 9, 2026. About 2,500 National Guard members support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, assisting the Metropolitan Police Department in maintaining public safety for residents, commuters and visitors throughout the District. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Melissa Sterling)

Air National Guard captain delivers baby in hospital parking lot
U.S. Army Maj. Margaret P. Serrano, Legal Assistance Attorney within the District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG) Office of the Staff Judge Advocate (OSJA), presents vital tools to protect Guardsmen and their loved ones from uncertainty during a crisis, at the D.C. Armory, Jan. 2, 2026. Taking proactive steps to get your legal affairs in order means you can focus on your mission with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your family is secure and your personal wishes are protected. This includes: -Family Readiness: Ensuring you have a Family Care Plan and have legally appointed guardians for your children. -Estate Planning: Creating a Will to direct who receives your property, a Living Will for your end-of-life medical wishes, and a Health Care Power of Attorney to designate someone to make medical decisions if you cannot. -Financial Affairs: Appointing a trusted agent with a Durable Power of Attorney to manage your finances and confirming your life insurance beneficiaries are correct and up-to-date. The goal of the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate is to help Guardsmen achieve legal readiness. Services are completely free and confidential for eligible service members. Legal assistance is available from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the D.C. Armory drill floor on the 1st and 15th of each month. See the QR codes in the video to learn more.

Legal Readiness 101: District of Columbia National Guard Office of the Staff Judge Advocate
Members of the D.C. National Guard's 33rd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team (WMD-CST) join MedStar Health SiTEL clinicians, physicians, and medical students for an advanced emergency simulation in Northwest Washington, D.C., Aug. 28, 2025. The joint exercise tested rapid medical response in contaminated and high-risk environments, strengthening interagency readiness and ensuring both partners are better prepared to protect the community.

33rd WMD-CST Joins MedStar Health SiTEL for Emergency Medical Training
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard; Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Smith, Senior Enlisted Leader; and their spouses deliver a holiday message emphasizing gratitude for service, readiness, and family sacrifice to the D.C. National Guard and Joint Task Force - District of Columbia. This holiday season, they encourage the entire force to focus on connection, gratitude, achievements, and progress. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)

D.C. National Guard Command Team Holiday Message
Family members of U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Natasha S. Taylor, director of the Joint Staff, Joint Force Headquarters, District of Columbia National Guard, pin the one-star rank on her at a ceremony formally promoting her on Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, Dec. 3, 2025. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing and managing the development, execution, and evaluation of joint staff programs and policies pertaining to the command, control, and operation of joint functions within the District of Columbia Army and District of Columbia Air National Guard. She manages readiness of joint defense programs to include the Civil Support Team, Homeland Response Force, State Partnership Program, Counter Drug Task Force, and Defense Support to Civil Authorities. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Andrew Enriquez)

Brig. Gen. Natasha S. Taylor Reflects on Service, Promotion, and New Role
U.S. Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Anthony D. Sims, right, stands at attention during a ceremony in which assumes the position of District of Columbia Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sgt. at the D.C. Armory in Washington, Nov. 9, 2025. The Command Chief Master Sgt. is the principal military advisor to the commanding general on all matters concerning the Air National Guard enlisted force.

DC Air National Guard transitions Command Chief
DC National Guard News
Decisions in Motion: Leadership at Street Level in Washington
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, interim commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard, visits with Soldiers and Airmen supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission in Washington, D.C., Jan. 31, 2026. As the senior leader of the D.C. National Guard, Blanchard provides command oversight and guidance to National Guard forces supporting public safety and interagency coordination across the capital. His visit reinforced the importance of disciplined presence, partnership with local and federal agencies, and sustained readiness in support of the mission. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. William Blankenship)
Feb. 3, 2026 - WASHINGTON — What fell softly days ago in the morning now resists every step. Snow pressed into sidewalks and medians has hardened into uneven barriers, narrowing walkways and subtly reshaping how the city moves. In...
Finding Common Ground in the Nation’s Capital
Ohio National Guard Soldiers supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission stand watch in their assigned patrol area in Washington, D.C., January 2026. Through presence patrols across key transit hubs and surrounding neighborhoods, the Soldiers work alongside local and federal law enforcement partners to help deter crime and enhance public safety. Their visible presence reinforces community confidence and supports a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to keeping the nation’s capital safe and accessible. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. William Blankenship)
Feb. 3, 2026 - WASHINGTON — As evening settles over the city, Ohio National Guard Soldiers fan out across Metro platforms, sidewalks and public spaces where thousands of people pass through every night. Some commuters hurry past, others...
Mic’d Up: Walking the Mission with Task Force Ironman
Feb. 3, 2026 - WASHINGTON — The radio crackles softly as footsteps echo through the Metro corridor at Farragut North. It’s early evening, and commuters stream past turnstiles while trains arrive in steady intervals. At the top of the...
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Northern Strike ‘26 Winter Iteration Concludes
U.S. Soldiers with the 177th Military Police Brigade, Michigan National Guard, board a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk aircraft assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 238th Aviation Regiment General Support Battalion, Michigan National Guard, during Northern Strike 26-1, Jan. 28, 2026, at Camp Grayling, Michigan. Exercise Northern Strike 26-1 is a Joint National Training Capability accredited, Army-sponsored, National Guard Bureau program where participants face cold-weather conditions while training to meet the objectives of the Department of War's Arctic strategy. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Richard Mekkri.
Feb. 5, 2026 - GRAYLING, Mich. – More than 450 U.S. Soldiers and Airmen braved freezing temperatures and extreme winter conditions during the winter iteration of Northern Strike 26, Jan. 26-29.An Army-sponsored, National Guard Bureau...
Wisconsin Guard Artillery Soldiers Train in Extreme Weather
Soldiers assigned to the Wisconsin National Guard's 120th Field Artillery Regiment conduct winter sling-load operations at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, Jan. 28, 2026. The training was designed to test equipment during cold-weather operations as well as the gear Soldiers are issued for cold-weather survival. Photo by Scott Sturkol.
Feb. 5, 2026 - FORT McCOY, Wis. – About 200 Soldiers assigned to the Wisconsin National Guard's 1st Battalion, 120th Field Artillery Regiment, completed important individual tasks and trained on M777 and M119 howitzers in cold weather Jan...
New Hampshire Guard’s New Small Arms Range to Boost Readiness
The 157th Security Forces Squadron Small Arms Range building stands at Pease Air National Guard Base, New Hampshire, Jan. 9, 2026. The small arms indoor range was allocated $16 million on a construction project set to fix several infrastructure challenges. Photo by Tech. Sgt. April Jackson.
Feb. 5, 2026 - PEASE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.H. – A new $16 million small arms range is set to enhance readiness, boost training efficiency and modernize weapons qualification for Airmen assigned to the New Hampshire Guard’s 157th Air...
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Meet the father and son duo supporting the D.C. Safe & Beautiful mission together. For these guardsmen, it's all about setting the standard and leading by example. No shortcuts and no excuses. Read more about them: https://t.co/mEM3hJSGRy
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Through disciplined presence and quiet coordination, Guardsmen supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Mission hold the line so daily life in our nation's capital can continue. We live here. We work here. We serve here. https://t.co/C9cIXRDrje
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Strong leadership and technical expertise are vital to sustaining readiness across the force! CW3 Steven Rodriguez was recently promoted during a ceremony at the D.C. National Guard Armory, marking a significant milestone in his continued service. https://t.co/0EcjVZWwMv
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#MotivationalMondayMinute is about people. Long-term success is achieved by prioritizing training, leadership, and care for personnel over mere investment in equipment. https://t.co/Dp31geQmC0
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Today, your D.C. National Guard members, along with service members supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, were on the ground clearing snow at designated D.C. Public School locations and nearby neighborhoods, following a request from Mayor Muriel Bowser. #AlwaysReady https://t.co/Z8b9cVL3ZF
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Your National Guard members in the District supported first responders, helped stranded motorists, and maintained a visible presence across DC as the winter storm slowed the city down. That's because when conditions get tough, we bring mobility, manpower and discipline. https://t.co/D6gwIT2Ewm
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Readiness is built before the mission begins! In 2025, we strengthened our force through focused training, modernization, and real-world operations. Every exercise and partnership sharpened our ability to respond when called upon. Watch how preparation becomes confidence: https://t.co/2wR97brkNn
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RT @SecArmy: Beyond proud of our @USNationalGuard Soldiers supporting their communities through this winter storm. When help was needed, th…
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Working shoulder to shoulder with the Metropolitan Police Department, nearly 2,500 National Guard members are helping keep neighborhoods safe for the people who call our nation’s capital home. Read more: https://t.co/86llQ4Mq16 https://t.co/nsQwmVPZuM
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Approximately 2,500 National Guard members continue to support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission during winter weather operations & working alongside local and federal partners to help ensure public safety across the nation’s capital. #DCSafe https://t.co/6ZXsFTMXd5
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Sleet or snow, your National Guardsmen were on the streets of D.C. today, supporting local law enforcement partners and helping keep roadways safe for motorists. #AlwaysReady https://t.co/NcnmhwsS6l
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Always Ready. Always There! We have the capabilities to support our District law enforcement partners as severe weather approaches our region this weekend, ensuring first responders can continue moving safely throughout the city! https://t.co/TkutEJljtS
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Soldiers with the Florida National Guard conduct presence patrols near the Washington Monument during the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission. They're supporting our public safety partners across the District at all hours of the day & night. #AlwaysReady https://t.co/OaolfyZFo5
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Over the weekend, #JROTC #cadets from more than a dozen DC area schools were put to the test during the Best of the Best Drill Competition at the D.C. Armory! Congratulations to the winning teams and thank you to our #CapitalGuardian judges! https://t.co/PvNkDUFDJR
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Our State Partnership Program welcomed members of the #JamaicaNationalReserve for a Subject Matter Expert Exchange. The engagement focused on leader development, training schoolhouse organization, strengthening shared approaches to readiness and force development. https://t.co/bBiOA5LJYz
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This week’s #Motivational #Monday Minute focuses on #challenges. Challenges strengthen readiness by requiring resilience, disciplined action, and the courage to push past limits. https://t.co/dr37bNIiTY
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A visible presence that reassures, not disrupts! National Guard members in support of D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission bolster public safety operations while respecting civil liberties and strengthening trust with the communities they serve. https://t.co/14Ye47bBNc
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Four Air National Guard Airmen were honored for their courage and quick action during a violent incident on the National Mall—reinforcing the strength of interagency partnerships and the National Guard’s role in protecting the public. #DCSafe Learn more: https://t.co/penWP9rJYS https://t.co/ziIATaEHQV
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#CitizenSoldiers. Real-world skills. Stronger communities! Airmen and Soldiers with D.C. National Guard leverage their civilian law enforcement experience to support Joint Task Force–DC—reinforcing public safety through service, professionalism, and community connection. #DCSafe https://t.co/RcptC3LJtH
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“Come here, baby.” For decades, that’s how Sylvia “Mama” Lynch greeted generations of DCNG Soldiers, Airmen, and their families. After 40+ years of service, she retires leaving a legacy of mentorship, compassion, and lifelong impact. Read her story: https://t.co/1Kox4VbH7T https://t.co/AeFKAIZhKR
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Commanding General
                                        
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II
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