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Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the District of Columbia National Guard, hosts a Law Enforcement Recognition Ceremony recognizing partner law enforcement agencies at the D.C. Armory, Feb. 26, 2026. Distinguished guests included U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi; Gady Serralta, Director of the U.S. Marshals Service; and Jeffery Carroll, Interim Chief of Police for Metropolitan Police Department. The ceremony recognized officers from 10 local and federal law enforcement agencies for their partnership with the National Guard and contributions to public safety in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission. Officers received the District of Columbia National Guard Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal or Distinguished Service Medal based on their individual achievements and level of impact.

D.C. National Guard Hosts Ceremony Recognizing DC Safe and Beautiful Partners
Col. Larry Doane, commander of Joint Task Force–D.C., and Command Sgt. Maj. Scott McKennon conduct a leadership circulation across Washington transit corridors Feb. 13, 2026, while supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission. The senior leaders engaged Soldiers at multiple Metro stations, reinforcing standards, sustainability and partnership with civilian law enforcement as more than 2,600 National Guard members continue providing lawful support to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Master Sgt. William Blankenship)

Mic'd Up: Guard Leaders Stand with Soldiers to Strengthen the Homeland
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the Mississippi National Guard conduct a presence patrol near the Thomas Jefferson statue inside the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, Feb. 10, 2026. Operating as part of Joint Task Force–District of Columbia, the Soldiers provide a visible and steady presence at historic landmarks in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. William Blankenship)

National Guard Presence Patrols Support Public Safety in Washington
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
DC National Guard News
D.C. National Guard Hosts Inaugural Law Enforcement Recognition Ceremony
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the District of Columbia National Guard, hosts a Law Enforcement Recognition Ceremony recognizing partner law enforcement agencies at the D.C. Armory, Feb. 26, 2026. Distinguished guests included U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi; Gady Serralta, Director of the U.S. Marshals Service; and Jeffery Carroll, Interim Chief of Police for Metropolitan Police Department. The ceremony recognized officers from 10 local and federal law enforcement agencies for their partnership with the National Guard and contributions to public safety in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission. Officers received the District of Columbia National Guard Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal or Distinguished Service Medal based on their individual achievements and level of impact. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Ayan Sheikh)
Feb. 27, 2026 - The District of Columbia National Guard hosts its first Law Enforcement Recognition Ceremony to honor officers from partner agencies for their service and contributions to public safety in support of the D.C. Safe and...
Telling the Truth in Plain Sight
U.S. Air National Guard Master Sgt. William Blankenship records video alongside Joint Task Force–District of Columbia leadership during a circulation in Washington, Oct. 30, 2025. The Joint Task Force supports civil authorities in the nation’s capital through coordinated security operations, interagency collaboration and disciplined presence. Clear, accurate communication remains central to the mission, reinforcing transparency and public confidence while safeguarding lawful governance. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Angelina Tran)
Feb. 22, 2026 - WASHINGTON —The first time I heard gunfire in Washington, I was standing in a hotel lobby adjusting to the colder air of my first week in the District...
Presence with Purpose: Guard Leaders Stand with Soldiers to Strengthen the Homeland
Feb. 17, 2026 - WASHINGTON —On Feb. 13, 2026, as cold air moved through the District and commuters filled Metro platforms at the height of the evening rush, two Army National Guard leaders climbed into their SUV for another rotation through...
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National Guard News
Exercise Arctic Connect Validates Communication Across Alaska
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Daniel Pau, an information technology specialist assigned to the 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, Alaska Army National Guard, operates a high-frequency radio while participating in exercise Arctic Connect at the Alaska National Guard’s Joint Operations Center on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, March 3, 2026. Arctic Connect is high-frequency radio communications exercise conducted across Alaska, designed to validate select Alaska Organized Militia units’ ability to communicate with the Alaska National Guard’s Joint Operations Center and with each other. Photo by Alejandro Peña.
March 6, 2026 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska – In a state where communities are separated by vast terrain, and severe weather can isolate regions without warning, resilient communications are essential. More than 30 radio...
Exercise Cobra Gold Ends for US, Thailand Partners
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Taihei Hongo, chief of staff, 10th Homeland Response Force and deputy Command and Control, conducts the Combined Forces Land Component Commanders Update Brief with Thai and Singaporean service members during Exercise Cobra Gold 2026 at Camp Red Horse, Rayong province, Thailand, March 2, 2026. Cobra Gold is the Indo-Pacific’s largest annual military exercise in mainland Asia, co-hosted by the U.S. and Thailand. The exercise brings together participants from multiple nations for military training and humanitarian projects, strengthening regional partnerships and demonstrating U.S. commitment to Indo-Pacific security. Photo by Spc. Marco Mayorquin.
March 6, 2026 - RAYONG, Thailand – The joint multinational military Exercise Cobra Gold 2026, held annually in Thailand, has successfully concluded after two weeks of intensive training, humanitarian efforts and cultural exchanges.The United...
Arizona Guard Firefighters Participate in Emergency Exercise
An aircraft trainer is engulfed in smoke and flames in preparation for a training exercise at Tucson International Airport, Tucson, Arizona, Feb. 25, 2026. The Federal Aviation Administration requires regular training for emergency personnel at all airports to ensure crews have the ability to respond quickly and effectively to aircraft mishaps. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Stephen Luke.
March 5, 2026 - TUCSON, Ariz. – Firefighters from the Arizona Guard’s 162nd Wing participated in a full-scale emergency preparedness exercise Feb. 25 at Tucson International Airport.The exercise, hosted by Tucson Airport Authority and...
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U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe's family shares encouraging words for the District's emergency services community, reminding EMTs/paramedics, firefighters, & law enforcement to hold on to hope even in the bleakest situations: https://t.co/Yp5o4aOJHO
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RT @USNationalGuard: This Month in the National Guard: Guardsmen respond to winter storms, win the innovation category of the Army’s inaugu…
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Deployments don’t just test those in uniform, they call on the strength of families and communities too. This week’s Motivational Monday Minute highlights how shared sacrifice and family resilience form the backbone of our nation’s defense! #AlwaysReady #AlwaysThere https://t.co/3gDbH5kTAF
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The @USNationalGuard's partnerships with civilian agencies has become a point of pride at the highest levels of government. It’s about a shared #mission, and visible results! https://t.co/Wa2tX9Omq2
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RT @DCPoliceDept: A statement from the Metropolitan Police Department. https://t.co/iHvpe4yd7V
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U.S. Air Force MSgt Billy Blankenship, public affairs specialist within the JTF-DC Joint Information Center, details what it takes to document an unprecedented law enforcement & military collaboration in support of all residents, commuters, & visitors: https://t.co/mrudQXE5gD https://t.co/RvsaLJNTX5
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The D.C. National Guard held its inaugural Law Enforcement Recognition Ceremony honoring partner agencies for their role in the #DCSafe mission. Officers from 10 agencies were recognized with medals and inducted into the Order of the Capital Guardian: https://t.co/8mf5ZG7GM3 https://t.co/CK05p8Rzjm
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RT @USMarshalsHQ: The U.S. Marshals Service and partner agencies were honored by the District of Columbia National Guard for their contribu…
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#StrategicPartnership! Uniforms from across the federal and local law enforcement spectrum filled the D.C. Armory as the District of Columbia National Guard gathered to honor #DCSafe partnerships! Medals were presented to civilian agencies and officers for meritorious action. https://t.co/O15mUkMOTH
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RT @DeptofWar: NEWS: @SecWar Pete Hegseth: @USNationalGuard Aligned With National Defense Strategy – Homeland First, Borders Secured, Peace…
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RT @USAttyPirro: Ahead of the State of the Union tonight, one of @POTUS’s greatest achievements has been right here in D.C. We’ve restored…
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When the @USNationalGuard is called upon, we possess the technological and tactical readiness to operate effectively! #preparedness #everydaycarry https://t.co/jerT94VGND
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🎖️Congratulations on a remarkable career, CW5 Jennie Elliott! Family, friends, and military leaders gathered at the D.C. Armory to celebrate the retirement of CW5 Jennie L. Elliott. The ceremony was a powerful reflection of four decades of dedicated service! @USNationalGuard https://t.co/1aJU3ow7wK
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#Guardians. #Neighbors. #Teammates. @USNationalGuard @ARNGDirector https://t.co/QnTcxsx2Zh
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Every #Warfighter...Spiritually #Fit and #Ready! CH (Maj. Gen.) Trent C. Davis, Chief of Chaplains for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, visited members of JTF-DC on presence patrols in support of law enforcement, residents, and visitors throughout the District. https://t.co/7mjWU2ihlg
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From protecting the Nation’s Capital to building gingerbread houses, Lt. Col. Darian Toedtman shows that leadership is about teamwork, patience, and adaptability. His mission with the Joint Task Force–DC is personal, and the lessons start at home. https://t.co/X28wS1YG8l https://t.co/jaBiw6ZA5A
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"It's a great way to invest in your country while also having it invest back into you!" Hear from combat engineers and security forces personnel with the @nationalguardMS as they detail a strong desire to serve in support of the #DCSafe and Beautiful mission. https://t.co/EJdGgROibe
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Recently, Spc. Casey Carpenter, combat medic within the 2nd Battalion, 142nd Field Artillery Brigade, @arkansasguard, assisted with a medical emergency while on patrol in support of #DCSafe. Our medics are capable of delivering immediate, lifesaving care in combat and at home. https://t.co/Fk3POk41Cp
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Commanding General
                                        
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II
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