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U.S. Army Capt. Desjamebra Y. Hames assumed command of the District of Columbia Army National Guard’s (DCARNG) Recruit Sustainment Program Company, newly christened the "Trailblazers," at the D.C. Armory, on April 25, 2025. The Recruit Sustainment Program is a critical cornerstone of the Army National Guard, designed to prepare new enlistees for the rigors of Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT). The program’s mission is to ensure soldiers are physically, mentally, and emotionally ready to succeed before they ever ship out.

Full Circle: From RSP Recruit to Commander, U.S. Army Capt. Hames Leads the DCARNG "Trailblazers"
U.S. Soldiers with the Nebraska and North Dakota National Guards, assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia in support of the DC Safe and Beautiful mission, pose for a group photo at a hotel in Alexandria, Virginia, April 28, 2026. About 2,500 National Guard members are supporting the mission, providing critical assistance to the Metropolitan Police Department to help ensure the safety of residents, commuters and visitors throughout the District.

JTF-DC at the White House Correspondents Association Dinner
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, delivers a birthday message recognizing the organization’s 224th anniversary on May 3, and in anticipation of Freedom 250, at the Lincoln Memorial on April 29, 2026. He highlights the Guard’s 224 years of courage, sacrifice, and dedication to freedom, citing service in major conflicts from the American Civil War to World War II, the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and modern global missions. Beyond combat operations, the D.C. National Guard also supports interagency partners during major national events in the capital, including presidential inaugurations, Independence Day celebrations, summits, National Special Security Events (NSSEs), and other requests for assistance (RFA). As the United States marks 250 years of independence through Freedom 250, the D.C. National Guard stands ready to serve as requested. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)

DCNG Commanding General’s 224th Birthday Message
First-year medical students at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences conduct a medical evacuation training exercise with a UH-60L MEDEVAC Black Hawk assigned to the D.C. Army National Guard Aviation Battalion in Bethesda, Maryland, on April 10, 2026. The training provided medical school applicants and first-year medical students with instruction in medical evacuation procedures and tactical combat casualty care (TCCC).

Shaping Future Military Physicians: D.C. Army National Guard Aviation Conducts MEDEVAC Training with Uniformed Services University
U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers compete in the finals during day three of the 2026 Lacerda Cup All-Army Combatives Championship at Fort Benning, Ga. Apr. 10, 2026. The two Army National Guard teams finished the tournament with third and sixth place team standings out of twenty-one teams competing, with three National Guard Soldiers earning championship belts.

From the Drill Floor to Tournament Stage, D.C. National Guard Launches Modern Combatives Program
U.S. Army Spc. Ester Henriquez, an Indiana National Guard member assigned to Joint Task Force - District of Columbia, holds Hasan Alpkan's hand during their wedding ceremony at the Old Post Chapel on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia, March 21, 2026. About 2,700 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.

From Duty to 'I Do'
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Whitehead (left) and Lt. Col. Andrew Garwitz (right), both with the D.C. National Guard, stand in front of the formation with the brigade colors during the 260th Special Purpose Brigade activation ceremony at the activation ceremony at the D.C. Armory in Washington, D.C., March 7, 2026.

D.C. National Guard Activates 260th Special Purpose Brigade to Strengthen Security in the Nation’s Capital
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
Full Circle: From Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP) Recruit to Commander, Capt. Hames Leads the DCARNG "Trailblazers"
U.S. Army Capt. Desjamebra Y. Hames assumed command of the District of Columbia Army National Guard’s (DCARNG) Recruit Sustainment Program Company, newly christened the
May 4, 2026 - U.S. Army Capt. Desjamebra Y. Hames assumed command of the very type of program that launched her own decorated military career. She now leads the District of Columbia Army National Guard’s (DCARNG) Recruit Sustainment...
D.C. National Guard Commanding General Offers Message Commemorating 224th Birthday
May 1, 2026 - At the Lincoln Memorial, Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, marked the organization’s 224th birthday ahead of May 3—honoring a legacy built on courage, sacrifice, and...
JTF-DC at the White House Correspondents Association Dinner
U.S. Soldiers with the Nebraska and North Dakota National Guards, assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia in support of the DC Safe and Beautiful mission, pose for a group photo at a hotel in Alexandria, Virginia, April 28, 2026. About 2,500 National Guard members are supporting the mission, providing critical assistance to the Metropolitan Police Department to help ensure the safety of residents, commuters and visitors throughout the District. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Norris)
April 28, 2026 - U.S. Soldiers with the North Dakota, Arkansas and Nebraska Army National Guard, assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia in support of the DC Safe and Beautiful mission, responded to a shooting incident at the White...
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National Guard News
Washington Guard Enhances Fire Control Readiness
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jack Androski, Fire Effects Cell chief, 81st Mobile Brigade Combat Team, gets camouflage face paint applied during Exercise Courage Lethality 2026 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, April 9, 2026. Courtesy photo.
May 7, 2026 - CAMP MURRAY, Wash. – Soldiers from the Washington National Guard’s 81st Mobile Brigade Combat Team’s Fire Effects Cell enhanced their ability to control fires and showed seamless integration with active-component forces...
Tennessee Guard Airlifts Lost Hiker, Dog From National Forest
Sgt. 1st Class John Sharbel, a flight paramedic with the Tennessee Army National Guard’s 1-230th Assault Helicopter Battalion, takes a photograph with Jack, a German Shepherd, just after being hoisted into a Black Hawk helicopter during a rescue. Jack and his owner were trapped in a ravine overnight in the Cherokee National Forest, May 2, 2026. Courtesy photo.
May 6, 2026 - LOUISVILLE, Tenn. – A flight crew with the Tennessee Army National Guard’s 1-230th Assault Helicopter Battalion assisted multiple emergency and law enforcement agencies May 2 to rescue a lost hiker and his dog after they were...
Illinois Guard Soldiers Mobilize for Southern Command Mission
Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, front row, center, the adjutant general and commander of the Illinois National Guard, met with Soldiers from Detachment 5, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 245th Aviation Regiment, prior to the mobilization ceremony May 4, 2026, at the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport in Springfield, Illinois. The Soldiers mobilized in support of the U.S. Southern Command. Photo by Barbara Wilson.
May 6, 2026 - SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Seven Illinois National Guard Soldiers from Detachment 5, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 245th Aviation Regiment, based in Springfield, mobilized May 4 during a ceremony at the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport...
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When gunfire erupted near the National Mall on May 4, National Guardsmen assigned to JTF-DC immediately ran toward danger. Led by @nationalguardMS Soldiers, the Quick Reaction Force secured the area, assisted law enforcement, and provided medical care: https://t.co/kxSMydwxxn
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We honor the fallen and support those who continue to serve. At the Washington Area Law Enforcement Memorial Service, leaders across federal and local agencies gathered to honor officers who died in the line of duty over the past year. Their service will never go unnoticed. https://t.co/XWwuJfRBKr
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The future of the force starts here! Twelve years ago, a teen stood in a Recruit Sustainment Program formation in Macon, Ga. Today, that same soldier, CPT Desjamebra Hames, has assumed command of the very kind of program that launched her own career! https://t.co/qFmGqbAbFQ https://t.co/9xkpLdcOb9
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Legacy meets service! 1LT Gavin Johnston escorts his uncle, Lavon Swank, a World War II veteran during a recent visit to the National World War II Memorial. One generation answers the call. Another paved the way. @USNationalGuard https://t.co/rVTv8m2ZkI
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Happy Birthday to the D.C. National Guard—224 years of unwavering service and commitment. 🇺🇸 Today, we honor the generations who have served—and those who continue to carry that mission forward. Here’s to 224 years of excellence, and many more to come. #Freedom250 https://t.co/40Qn2zkv6T
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Celebrating 224 years of service—honoring a legacy of strength while advancing today’s priorities to meet tomorrow’s mission. #HappyBirthday to the D.C. National Guard! https://t.co/LjhY8045QI
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#WhyIServe U.S. Army Spc. Nancy Alarcon, a military police officer with the @GeorgiaGuard assigned to JTF-DC, is currently serving her second rotation in support of the #DCSafe mission. Her decision is driven by a dedication to putting the needs of others before her own. https://t.co/esG89PfNXk
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These Guardsmen successfully completed the rigorous 15-day U.S. Army Pathfinder School—a demanding course that trains specialized personnel to provide critical navigational aid and technical expertise for air assault, airdrop, and sling load operations. #DCSafe #GuardianPride https://t.co/Ld7lExb7XO
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From the Civil War to Operation Desert Storm and today’s missions, the D.C. National Guard has supported America at home & abroad. From national emergencies to historic moments in the capital, the mission remains the same: support, protect, and serve. #224years https://t.co/5qQSGwuYwK
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DCNG Soldiers recently strengthened their readiness by participating in a field sanitation safety course at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, where U.S. Army Capt. Isabel Zaru-Roque, conducted assessments to ensure standards were met in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission https://t.co/l7BWUWpEl8
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Soldiers with the @arkansasguard assigned to JTF-DC spotted a suspicious suitcase at the Mount Vernon Metro Station, and working alongside local law enforcement helped identify and apprehend an individual with nationwide warrants. #Readiness https://t.co/kLcNhc5RdI
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When chaos erupted at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, National Guardsmen from North Dakota, Arkansas, and Nebraska didn’t hesitate—they ran toward danger, secured the scene, and ensured guests evacuated safely. Read more: https://t.co/7QpAejpd19 https://t.co/O31Vk4DRQR
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Paratroopers from the 450th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne) and 354th Civil Affairs Brigade executed a joint training jump with DCNG UH-60 Black Hawks at Fort A.P. Hill. Sharpening skills, strengthening coordination, staying ready for any mission. https://t.co/1dQxLHGQDB
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The District of Columbia 372nd Military Police Battalion conducted a rehearsal of concept drill at the DC Armory, reinforcing mission readiness by enabling leaders to visualize operations, synchronize efforts and identify logistical shortfalls ahead of execution. #AlwaysReady https://t.co/i0R7DCjCX5
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U.S. Soldiers with the @GeorgiaGuard, assigned to Joint Task Force–DC train on detainee operations at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. As committed Citizen Soldiers, these Guardsmen bring civilian expertise that enhances being prepared to respond whenever called. #AlwaysReady https://t.co/LUdUQRzaFh
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RT @AirNatlGuard: A No-Fail Mission for the District Airmen with the @DCGuard1802’s 113th Wing maintain constant vigilance — ready to driv…
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Together, we strengthen readiness, response, and safety! Partnerships are at the core of mission success. Through strong collaboration, Joint Task Force-DC forces actively support and assist law enforcement in building a safer, more secure environment for all. #DCSafe https://t.co/z8P4m1JxI3
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Unified communication. Maj. Gen. Kodjo Knox-Limbacker, Adjutant General of the @VIGUARD, and Command Sgt. Maj. Kent Bellot, visited members of the Joint Information Center. The JIC serves as a centralized hub, ensuring unified messaging in support of the #DCSafe mission. https://t.co/IF316ms4qI
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Soldiers of the @NDNationalGuard share what the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission means to them. Their statements serve as a roadmap, helping define their purpose, core values, and direction. #DCSafe https://t.co/wFu68HNoqq
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Consistent leadership engagement, coupled with clear communication across the formation, strengthens readiness and cohesion, enabling effective mission execution in a dynamic environment. #DCSafe https://t.co/iOKkeEJ1Qb
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Commanding General
                                        
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II
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