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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
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the District of Columbia National Guard, reflects on the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of the men and women, past and present, who have worn the uniform of the Armed Forces. Veterans Day serves as a call to action, reminding the public that the freedoms enjoyed by Americans are the result of the sacrifices made by service members, and it highlights the enduring significance of military service. (U.S Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)

Veterans Day 2025 Command Message
The D.C. National Guard Counterdrug Drug Demand Reduction Outreach team delivers a drug prevention presentation to students at Ballou STAY Opportunity Academy on Oct. 24, 2025, in recognition of Red Ribbon Week in Washington D.C. The session aimed to spark candid discussions about substance misuse and highlight the importance of making healthy, informed decisions. The DDRO outreach team emphasized its ongoing mission to combat drug abuse through education, awareness, and interactive programs designed to empower young people.

D.C. National Guard Counterdrug Partners with Ballou STAY Students During Red Ribbon Week
U.S. Army Col. Larry Doane, commander of Joint Task Force–District of Columbia, and members of his command team coordinate with local law enforcement investigating a reported incident in the D.C. Metro, Oct. 17, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission strengthens interagency response capabilities and ensures unified action to protect the public.

75 Days Strong — Guard Members Keep the Nation’s Capital Safe and Beautiful
DC National Guard News
Statement from D.C. National Guard regarding potential government shutdown
Feb. 3, 2026 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEStatement from D.C. National Guard regarding potential government shutdownWASHINGTON — District of Columbia National Guard and Joint Task Force - District of Columbia leadership is aware of the potential...
Steady in the Storm: Guardsmen Support D.C. Through Winter Weather
Service members assigned to the National Guard move throughout Washington, D.C. to assist residents during a winter storm, Jan. 25, 2026, in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission. Snow and icy conditions impacted travel across the District, prompting National Guard personnel to provide assistance to people in need while maintaining a visible presence in affected neighborhoods. As part of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, approximately 2,500 National Guard members support local and federal partners to help maintain public safety and community resilience throughout the nation’s capital. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. William Blankenship)
Feb. 1, 2026 - WASHINGTON— Snow fell steadily as a military Humvee eased through Washington’s streets, tires crunching over packed ice while traffic lights reflected off slush-covered pavement. Inside the vehicle, Col. Larry Doane,...
Brig. Gen. Blanchard Visits Soldiers in Patrolling in DC
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)
Feb. 1, 2026 - WASHINGTON — Tires crunch over frozen pavement as a military vehicle moves steadily through the streets of the nation’s capital. Snow clings to curbs and medians, packed into uneven ridges by plows that worked through the...
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National Guard News
Illinois Guard Airmen Test Limits During Northern Strike
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Patrick Kerr, public affairs superintendent at the 183d Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, poses for a photo during Northern Strike 26-1 Jan. 29, 2026, at Camp Grayling, Michigan. Northern Strike 26-1 is a Joint National Training Capability (JNTC) accredited, Army-sponsored, National Guard Bureau program. The exercise is tailorable, scalable, and cost-effective for readiness. Participants face cold-weather conditions while training to meet the objectives of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Arctic strategy. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Katherine Jacobus)
Jan. 30, 2026 - CAMP GRAYLING, Mich. – Public affairs Airmen from the 182nd Airlift Wing and 183d Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, trained in Arctic conditions to prepare for cold-weather operations and assess how effectively they and...
Pennsylvania Guard Shapes Army’s Unmanned Aircraft Capabilities
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Reed, left, of the Pennsylvania National Guard Unmanned Aircraft Systems Training and Innovation Facility takes part in an unmanned aircraft systems demonstration for Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology and Army Acquisition Executive Brent Ingraham, third from left, Jan. 20, 2026 at Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey. Photo by Todd Mozes.
Jan. 30, 2026 - FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – Two Pennsylvania National Guard Soldiers supported an unmanned aircraft systems, or UAS, demonstration for a senior Army official recently at U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command at...
Nevada Air Guard Touches All Seven Continents Over Two Years
The Nevada Air National Guard's High Rollers arrive in Antarctica Dec. 18, 2024, to support the annual U.S. military mission in Antarctica. They flew augmented max duty day missions logging more than 30 hours in three days. This operation challenges the U.S. military with Antarctica’s extreme and unpredictable environment. Photo by Terrence K. Smith.
Jan. 29, 2026 - RENO, Nev. – Over the past two years, at least one member of the Nevada Air National Guard has set foot on all seven continents — an uncommon distinction that underscores the organization’s worldwide operational footprint.The...
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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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Guardsmen supporting JTF-DC are trained, prepared, & ready to help! U.S. Army Sgt. Seth Handy with @OHNationalGuard recently helped coordinate fellow patrol members outside the Armory–Stadium Metro Station in DC, following an altercation involving multiple individuals. https://t.co/csFI84ABdE
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Capt. April McClung, a nurse with the 130th Airlift Wing @WVNationalGuard, turned a routine evening into a life saving moment days before Christmas by delivering a baby outside Walter Reed. Read her heroic story here: https://t.co/Dd6fWuEQII #DCSafe #AlwaysReadyAlwaysThere https://t.co/qFew7zzg1v
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Commanding General
                                        
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II
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