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U.S. Army Spc. Brennan Ridgen, a combat medic, left, and Spc. Logan Jackson, right, an artilleryman, both with the Arkansas National Guard currently assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia in support of the DC Safe and Beautiful mission, pose for a portrait near Dupont Circle in Washington, May 21, 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 Soldiers respond to vehicle accident
U.S. Army Spc. Shretha Broderick with the Georgia National Guard assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia in support of the DC Safe and Beautiful mission, salutes the American flag while wearing the Freedom 250 Brassard at the DC Armory in Washington, May 21, 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.

Protect the Capital, Defend the Nation: DCNG Unveils Freedom 250
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, reminds Americans that Memorial Day is more than a holiday or seasonal tradition — it is a solemn time to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to the nation. From ceremonies and parades to flags placed at cemeteries and moments of silence, Americans commemorate the fallen through acts of gratitude and respect. The freedoms enjoyed today were secured through the courage and selflessness of heroes, both known and unknown, whose sacrifices will never be forgotten. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)

DCNG Commanding General Memorial Day Message 2026
The D.C. Armory’s Brigadier General West A. Hamilton Museum preserves more than 200 years of District of Columbia National Guard history, honoring the legacy of the Soldiers and Airmen who have defended the nation’s capital and served the United States through times of war, national emergencies, and peace. Located inside the historic D.C. Armory, the museum serves as a place of education, connecting visitors to the unique story of the only federally controlled National Guard in the nation. Through historic artifacts, uniforms, photographs, and personal stories, the museum highlights the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of generations who answered the call to serve something greater than themselves. As America approaches its 250th birthday—the semiquincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence—the museum stands as a powerful reminder that freedom, democracy, and independence are never guaranteed, but preserved through generations of service and sacrifice. The history of the D.C. National Guard reflects the enduring spirit of citizen service that has shaped the nation. By preserving and sharing these stories, the museum not only honors the past, but also inspires future generations to recognize the responsibility of protecting the ideals upon which the United States was built. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)

The D.C. National Guard: Making History Since 1802
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
DC National Guard News
D.C. National Guard to Host Law Enforcement Career Fair at D.C. Armory June 9
June 5, 2026 - Members of the District of Columbia National Guard will join more than 90 federal and local law enforcement agencies, first responders, training and higher education institutions, and resource organizations during the Law...
Memorial Day Message 2026
May 25, 2026 - Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, reminds Americans that Memorial Day is more than a holiday or seasonal tradition — it is a solemn time to honor the men and women who...
Protect the Capital, Defend the Nation: DCNG Unveils Freedom 250 Patch
U.S. Army Spc. Shretha Broderick with the Georgia National Guard assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia in support of the DC Safe and Beautiful mission, salutes the American flag while wearing the Freedom 250 Brassard at the DC Armory in Washington, May 21, 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 Sgt. 1st Class Jeron Walker)
May 23, 2026 - Leaders of the District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG) have introduced a new assignment patch that highlights their participation in the celebration of honoring Freedom 250 legacy and recognizes the National Guard’s...
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National Guard News
Idaho Guardsmen Save New Soldier's Life at First Drill
Sgt. 1st Class Ian Walker, Pvt. Logan May, Staff Sgt. Kolten Conant and Spc. Dustyn Sneider pose for a photo on May 22, 2026, at Midvale High School in Midvale, Idaho. Just five days before, May suffered a cardiac arrest during a fitness training event and Walker, Conant and Sneider worked together to revive May, which likely saved his life. Conant recruited May into the Idaho Army National Guard in April. Courtesy photo.
June 11, 2026 - BOISE, Idaho – While performing his first fitness drill with the Idaho Army National Guard at Gowen Field on May 17, 17-year-old Pvt. Logan May experienced a cardiac arrest, causing his heart to stop beating for six...
Washington Guard Supports Bulgaria's Stryker Modernization Effort
Washington Army National Guard Soldiers work alongside members of the Bulgarian Land Forces' 61st Mechanized Brigade during Stryker familiarization training in Bulgaria in 2026. From March through June, a four-member Washington Army National Guard Mobile Training Team provided operator, maintenance, recovery and driver training following the transfer of Stryker vehicles from the Washington Army National Guard to Bulgaria, helping build the foundation for the country's new mechanized capability. Courtesy photo.
June 11, 2026 - CAMP MURRAY, Wash. – As Bulgaria received its first Stryker vehicles this spring, a small team of Washington Army National Guard Soldiers traveled more than 5,000 miles to pass on the knowledge, skills and lessons learned...
Where The State Partnership Program Began: National Guard Leaders Visit Baltics
Air Force Gen. Steve Nordhaus, chief, National Guard Bureau, joins Maj. Gen. Kaspars Pudans, chief of defense for the Republic of Latvia, for a ceremonial wreath laying at the Riga Brethren Cemetery to honor Latvians who gave their lives for their country’s independence, Riga, Latvia, June 2, 2026. Nordhaus, accompanied by Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief of the National Guard Bureau John Raines and Army Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers, adjutant general of the Michigan National Guard, visited Latvia to underscore the 33-year Michigan-Latvia security cooperation relationship under the Department of War National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program. Photo by Master Sgt. Zach Sheely.
June 10, 2026 - VILNIUS, Lithuania – When the 30th chief of the National Guard Bureau arrived in the Baltic region this month, he was not opening a new chapter in American security cooperation, he was reinforcing the bedrock of deterrence on...
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Building resilience! Events like these remind us that readiness extends beyond physical training and operational capabilities. Strong character, shared purpose, and spiritual resilience fuel purpose, strengthen perseverance, and inspire service members to answer the call! https://t.co/o5sUBUjhlF
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RT @DEAHQ: When law enforcement unites, the whole city benefits. #DEA is here to keep D.C. safe and drug-free! 🌟 #DCSafe @TheJusticeDept @…
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CPR is more than a certification—it's a life-saving skill that can make the difference between life and death in a critical moment. By strengthening emergency response capabilities, these Soldiers are better prepared to assist fellow service members, partners, and the public! https://t.co/Xp3x82lkDu
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As one of many events leading up to the nation's #Freedom250 commemoration, the Spirit of Independence Festival provided an opportunity for National Guard members to foster community engagement, build trust, and strengthen relationships with residents and visitors. https://t.co/wrnaWrrJlP
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What does freedom mean to you? U.S. Soldiers assigned to Joint Task Force–DC reflect on the values they have sworn to defend. For some, freedom is opportunity. For others, it is the ability to pursue dreams, express ideas, and serve something greater than themselves. https://t.co/HC4Mz2vyG8
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🤝Last week, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Nicole Schilling, German Vice Chief of Defense, met with Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the DCNG. Strong international partnerships enhance our collective ability to address today’s evolving challenges. https://t.co/aUthZ9Y51s
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There's still time to attend the Law Enforcement Career Fair! Whether you're interested in law enforcement, investigations, forensics, IT, logistics, public affairs, nursing, finance, or other mission-support careers, this is your opportunity! 📍 D.C. Armory ⏰ Until 2 p.m. https://t.co/fT9l5cMh3R
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RT @DEAHQ: Tomorrow is the day! Come meet DEA team at the @DCGuard1802 Law Enforcement Career Fair and explore a career that makes a real i…
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As Metro Transit PD commemorated 50 years of service, they also paid tribute to those whose courage exemplifies the highest ideals of public service. Among those honored were @guard_west members U.S. Army Sgt. Sarah Beckstrom and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe. @USNationalGuard https://t.co/8k01DZGmxw
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RT @FBIWFO: Are you interested in a career in law enforcement or public service? Join #FBIWFO and partner agencies at the Law Enforcement…
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RT @FBIWFO: #ICYMI: #FBIWFO has joined LinkedIn! Follow us at https://t.co/5gZssqmxv0 for an inside look at our mission and our workforce.…
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Today's #MotivationalMinute focuses on faith, determination, and a positive attitude! Training builds competence, but when adversity strikes, faith and determination are what keep you moving forward. And a positive attitude helps you overcome physical and mental obstacles! https://t.co/P6NLvXN1Yp
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One day. More than 95 employers! The D.C. National Guard is hiring—and so are 95 federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, first responder organizations, educational institutions, and resource partners—at the Law Enforcement Career Fair. https://t.co/N9KOxBtvV7
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Working side-by-side with our interagency partners, National Guardsmen serve as a force multiplier—strengthening partnerships, enhancing readiness, and providing critical support that helps keep our communities safe, secure, and prepared to respond when needed. @USNationalGuard https://t.co/3p4tWwUxi1
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🚨 If you're reading this, we want to see you on Tuesday! Hear directly from two members of the D.C. National Guard who also serve full-time in law enforcement. The Guard is hiring—and so are 95 other agencies and orgs—at the LE Career Fair on June 9 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. https://t.co/n4W2FcnFIN
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🤝 Strong partnerships. Shared purpose. As Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen, we live in the communities we serve, standing alongside those who work every day to protect our neighborhoods and nation. Interagency partnerships ensure we remain ready to respond! https://t.co/e4ihKlUvr3
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Hear firsthand from members of the DC National Guard who also hold full-time careers with the United States Secret Service and United States Capitol Police. You can join them at the Law Enforcement Career Fair on June 9 at the D.C. Armory from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. https://t.co/cb1XZXoMTc
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🎙SPC Juwan Blocker, a member of the DCNG's 260th Special Purpose Brigade, recently joined The Marissa Mitchell Show to discuss his new venture, The Meet Up Podcast—a platform created to inspire, empower, and connect young adults ages 18–35 as they navigate life’s transitions. https://t.co/6V5M5hogLl
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Amid #Freedom250 celebrations, these landmarks stand as powerful reminders that preserving America’s heritage requires both reflection on our past and a continued commitment to safeguarding the people, institutions, and civic spaces that shape our shared future. https://t.co/p8aQhxzoi5
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Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, joined fellow public safety and homeland security leaders at the #Freedom250 Interagency Response and Capabilities Showcase, highlighting the efforts underway to safeguard the District. https://t.co/jLi8IGbtdi
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Commanding General
                                        
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II
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