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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
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
DC National Guard News
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...
National Guard Presence Patrols Support Public Safety in Washington
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)
Feb. 16, 2026 - WASHINGTON— Following a presidential directive issued in March 2025 to help make the District of Columbia safe, orderly and beautiful, Joint Task Force–District of Columbia is translating national policy into sustained,...
Quiet Presence, Measured Impact
Feb. 9, 2026 - WASHINGTON - By late summer 2025, National Guard Soldiers and Airmen moved side by side through the nation’s capital in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission. Along transit corridors, major avenues, and public...
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National Guard News
Air Guard Pilot Recognized With Prestigious Shine Award
From left, U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Duke Pirak, acting director, Air National Guard; Lt. Col. Eric “Rebel” Emerson, commander, 119th Fighter Squadron, 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey National Guard; and Colleen Shine showcase the 2024 Lt. Col. Anthony C. Shine Fighter Pilot Award during a ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, Feb. 10, 2026. Emerson was the first Air National Guard pilot to receive the award, named after the Vietnam War fighter pilot who went missing in action in 1972. The award recognizes fighter pilots for “superior leadership qualities, exceptional flying proficiency and community involvement.” Shine is the daughter of the award’s namesake. Photo by Master Sgt. Erich B. Smith.
Feb. 19, 2026 - JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. – U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Eric “Rebel” Emerson, a fighter squadron commander with the New Jersey Air National Guard’s 177th Fighter Wing, received the 2024 Lt. Col. Anthony C. Shine Award during a...
Massachusetts Guard Security Forces Train on Virtual Reality
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Ian Kiuna, a defender with the 102nd Security Forces Squadron, conducts use-of-force training using a virtual reality system Feb. 8, 2026, at Otis Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. The system simulated real-world scenarios security forces members may encounter, including domestic violence responses, suicidal ideation, traffic stops, entry control duties and active shooter situations. Photo by Senior Airman Julia Ahaesy.
Feb. 19, 2026 - OTIS AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mass. – Defenders from the Massachusetts Air National Guard’s 102nd Security Forces Squadron sharpened their skills using virtual reality during a use-of-force training Feb. 8, stepping into...
Alaska Air National Guardsmen Rescue Injured Cross-Country Skier
U.S. Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter aviators assigned to the 210th Rescue Squadron, 176th Wing, Alaska Air National Guard, conduct flight operations over Southcentral Alaska, Jan. 29, 2026. The HH-60 is the 176th Wing’s primary platform for personnel extraction because the all-weather helicopter can land in a variety of remote locations, and the crew can employ the rescue hoist when landing is not possible. Photo by Alejandro Pena.
Feb. 19, 2026 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska – Alaska Air National Guardsmen assigned to the 176th Wing rescued an injured cross-country skier Feb. 16 in Southcentral Alaska.After sustaining a head injury while cross-country...
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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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Collaborative awareness! Soldiers with the 223rd Engineer Battalion, @nationalguardMS, conduct presence patrols along the National Mall in support of #DCSafe. The mission underscores a shared understanding of the environment enabling proactive decision-making and #success. https://t.co/W7GP3NQpGT
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Enhancing accountability through responsive structure! U.S. Army Sgt. Isabela Tavares, @WVNationalGuard, discusses how adaptability ensures accountability and effective execution of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission and orders. #WhyIServe https://t.co/IK7MunYLje
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Recently, Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General of DCNG, and members of the Command Staff jumped into action to help a stranded motorist. Their response represents the @USNationalGuard dedication to remain present & support the community in a time of need. https://t.co/Pp2SOsg9Hu
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Prioritizing community support and #trust! Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 142nd Field Artillery Brigade, @arkansasguard, assist the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services (D.C. Fire and EMS) with traffic control during a recent emergency response. https://t.co/03l9NFZ6pr
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Today's #MotivationalMonday Minute is about our nation’s defense. Defending the nation is indeed hard work, demanding intense dedication, sacrifice, and continuous effort. It is a year-round commitment protecting freedoms, securing borders, and ensuring safety at home and abroad. https://t.co/8d6cpRJFML
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Putting #people first through leader presence! Joint Task Force-DC leaders emphasize a "people first" culture through consistent engagement with junior leaders both day and night. Leaders use these interactions to translate mission intent into action! @USNationalGuard https://t.co/SEy6bW9vcU
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RT @USNationalGuard: Gen. Thomas Carden has been appointed vice chief of the National Guard Bureau, bringing nearly four decades of experie…
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One National Guard officer saw a mission need and didn’t wait for perfect conditions. In just days, he solved a problem that usually takes months — helping equip Guardsmen supporting the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission.https://t.co/KoykiCW7vX https://t.co/NHEbGZIHoQ
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RT @USNationalGuard: “It’s Americans taking care of Americans.” @OKGuard Soldiers on duty supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission…
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Meet two D.C. National Guard Soldiers who also serve as civilian law enforcement officers, turning experience into impact for their local community and the nation. https://t.co/fMEDzEyvgu
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The Citizen Soldiers and Airmen of the Joint Task Force - D.C. provide great value for the District and the nation as they are uniquely qualified for this mission due to its strong local ties and proven track record. #AlwaysReady https://t.co/Ym1rdkQh5h
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#ICYMI: @SecWar administered the reenlistment of 105 National Guardsmen at the Washington Monument — America’s finest recommitting to serve their nation while supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission! https://t.co/odOuVXPzLo
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Our soldiers sharpened emergency response skills during training at the D.C. Armory, ensuring they remain ready to deploy at a moment’s notice in support of public safety across the National Capital Region. #DCSafe https://t.co/dzSLiNRLTV
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RT @DeptofWar: LIVE: @SecWar Pete Hegseth hosts a reenlistment ceremony for National Guard members from multiple states at the Washington M…
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Meet the father and son duo supporting the D.C. Safe & Beautiful mission together. For these guardsmen, it's all about setting the standard and leading by example. No shortcuts and no excuses. Read more about them: https://t.co/mEM3hJSGRy
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Through disciplined presence and quiet coordination, Guardsmen supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Mission hold the line so daily life in our nation's capital can continue. We live here. We work here. We serve here. https://t.co/C9cIXRDrje
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Strong leadership and technical expertise are vital to sustaining readiness across the force! CW3 Steven Rodriguez was recently promoted during a ceremony at the D.C. National Guard Armory, marking a significant milestone in his continued service. https://t.co/0EcjVZWwMv
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#MotivationalMondayMinute is about people. Long-term success is achieved by prioritizing training, leadership, and care for personnel over mere investment in equipment. https://t.co/Dp31geQmC0
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Today, your D.C. National Guard members, along with service members supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, were on the ground clearing snow at designated D.C. Public School locations and nearby neighborhoods, following a request from Mayor Muriel Bowser. #AlwaysReady https://t.co/Z8b9cVL3ZF
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Commanding General
                                        
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II
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