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A man sat on the ledge of Arlington Memorial Bridge, his feet dangling over its edge when U.S. Army Sgt. Jordan Gillespie, a Crisis Intervention Training-certified personnel and Soldier with the Mississippi National Guard sat by him and began a conversation that ultimately helped bring him to safety on May 30, 2026. Approximately 2,500 National Guard members support the DC Safe and Beautiful mission, providing critical assistance to the Metropolitan Police Department and community partners to enhance safety and quality of life throughout the District.

How a Soldier's Humanity Helped Two Lives
As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday and the U.S. Army marks its 251st Birthday on June 14, 2026, Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, reflects on the Army’s enduring commitment to the nation. Here in the nation’s capital, the D.C. National Guard and Joint Task Force–District of Columbia carry that legacy forward every day—supporting interagency partners, enhancing public safety, and service during some of the nation's most significant events. Reliable. Ready. Resolute. For 251 years, the Army has stood watch under one timeless promise: This We’ll Defend. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)

DCNG Commanding General's Army 251st Birthday Message
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
DCNG Commanding General's Army 251st Birthday Message
June 14, 2026 - As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday and the U.S. Army marks its 251st Birthday on June 14, 2026, Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, reflects on the...
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...
How a Soldier's Humanity Helped Two Lives
A man sat on the ledge of Arlington Memorial Bridge, his feet dangling over its edge when U.S. Army Sgt. Jordan Gillespie, a Crisis Intervention Training-certified personnel and Soldier with the Mississippi National Guard sat by him and began a conversation that ultimately helped bring him to safety on May 30, 2026. Approximately 2,500 National Guard members support the DC Safe and Beautiful mission, providing critical assistance to the Metropolitan Police Department and community partners to enhance safety and quality of life throughout the District. (U.S. Army National Guard courtesy photo)
May 30, 2026 - A man sat on the ledge of Arlington Memorial Bridge, his feet dangling over its edge when U.S. Army Sgt. Jordan Gillespie, a Crisis Intervention Training-certified personnel and Soldier with the Mississippi National Guard...
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National Guard News
Washington Guardsmen Sharpen Warrior Skills, Wildfire Response
Soldiers from C Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment conduct training missions June 6-20, 2026, at the Army Aviation Support Facility 2, Pangborn Airfield in Wenatchee, Washington. The unit took part in one of its busiest annual training cycles, with opportunities to train, build partnerships and recognize the Soldiers in the unit. Courtesy photo.
June 26, 2026 - CAMP MURRAY, Wash. – Washington Army National Guard aviators expanded the state’s emergency response capability while supporting real-world wildfire and counterdrug missions during one of C Company, 1st Battalion, 112th...
Last N.Y. Guardsmen Return Home From Operation Epic Fury
Maj. Gen. Jack James, left, and Command Sgt. Maj. Arnold Reyes, right, the 42nd Infantry Division command team, case the division's colors during the Task Force Spartan transfer of authority ceremony June 6, 2026, in the Middle East. The New York Army National Guard's 42nd Infantry Division headquarters served as the command for the Army's Middle Eastern combat element during Operation Epic Fury. Courtesy photo.
June 26, 2026 - TROY, N.Y. – The last of 500 New York National Guard Soldiers who deployed to the Middle East with the headquarters of the 42nd Infantry Division returned to New York from their deployment at the beginning of June.The...
Pennsylvania Guard, Côte d’Ivoire Formalize State Partnership
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John R. Pippy, adjutant general of the Pennsylvania National Guard, and Chief of the General Staff of the Côte d'Ivoire Armed Forces Gen. Lassina Doumbia sign the official Department of War National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program agreement during a ceremony at the 23rd Street Armory in Philadelphia, June 25, 2026. The partnership focuses on sharing operational and crisis management skills while fostering indirect economic synergies between the two regions. Photo by Wayne V. Hall.
June 25, 2026 - PHILADELPHIA – In a landmark event underscoring a commitment to international security and cooperation, the Pennsylvania National Guard and the Armed Forces of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire officially formalized their...
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Passing the guidon is more than a change in leadership—it is a reaffirmation of trust, readiness, and commitment to the mission! https://t.co/paX7GqYnza
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When seconds mattered, @arkansasguard Soldiers stepped forward! While conducting a presence patrol, Guardsmen intervened during an alleged assault, detained the suspect until MPD officers arrived, and provided immediate first aid to an injured victim: https://t.co/cuFvhCy3rs https://t.co/ERTA3MtQBh
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🎶 The sound of summer starts today! #Freedom250 https://t.co/xd9xL3NiAc
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#WhyIServe SSG Tareyn Kelly, @IDNationalGuard, serves as a unit supply specialist in support of the #DCSafe mission. While patrol teams are often the most visible part, Kelly joins logisticians working behind the scenes to ensure thousands of Guardsmen have resources every day. https://t.co/VAEHsdgMDL
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RT @wmata: At the request of the @SecretService, we will be closing Smithsonian station’s National Mall side entrance today from 2:30pm to…
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RT @SecretService: One agency. One mission. One badge. The Secret Service Director Sean Curran introduced a new badge that unites our Spec…
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By strengthening medical readiness and refining critical lifesaving skills, Guardsmen remain prepared to support interagency partners, protect communities, and respond effectively when every second counts! #DCSafe #Freedom250 https://t.co/ES2uOYFbkx
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Have a safe and productive Monday! As you conduct your morning commute, National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are on duty across the nation's capital, supporting interagency partners and helping keep Washington moving safely and efficiently. @USNationalGuard https://t.co/HdvgWKN0hA
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Leaders who lead from the front—on Father's Day and every day. @USNationalGuard https://t.co/l7otceCd2G
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RT @SecretService: Happy Father's Day to all the amazing Dads out there! A special thank you to the all the agents, officers, and professi…
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Mission continues through #FathersDay weekend! While many fathers spend Father's Day weekend at home with their families, these dads are serving something larger than themselves — supporting fellow fathers, families, residents, and visitors throughout the nation's capital. https://t.co/EEVpUrbh6K
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From Nationals baseball games to the FIFA World Cup Fan Fest, members of the @SCNationalGuard are helping keep the nation’s capital moving. Whether supporting crowd management, entry control points, traffic operations, or serving as a visible presence. https://t.co/jFbGsoIdeJ
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Members of the @SCNationalGuard assigned to Joint Task Force-DC in support of the #DCSafe mission, remain visible and vigilant near the Eastern Market area in Washington. Guardsmen provide critical assistance to interagency partners amid #Freedom250 celebrations. https://t.co/uniLXABM3Z
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A well-trained, connected team remains a critical component of mission success! #DCSafe https://t.co/7I88vQrb14
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Welcome our newest members of the @nationalguardMS! Amid #Freedom250 and a summer filled with nationally significant events, they stand ready alongside interagency partners to help ensure Washington, D.C., remains safe, secure, and welcoming for residents and visitors alike. https://t.co/wxoKDBRGxd
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A commitment renewed! Reenlistment is more than extending military service—it is a pledge of duty, leadership, and loyalty to both country and community. Their decision to serve again strengthens the @IDNationalGuard's legacy of readiness! https://t.co/s5SDIDOO3L
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From presence patrols near the White House to supporting operations at FIFA World Cup 2026 Fan Zone, members of the @nationalguardMS remain a visible and vigilant presence in support of the DC Safe and Beautiful mission. https://t.co/BvO4FMvt1a
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RT @SecretService: Thinking about a career with the Secret Service but not sure where to start? Find out Tuesday, June 23 at 5:00 PM ET dur…
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As Guardsmen from across the nation stand watch as part of Joint Task Force–District of Columbia in support of #DCSafe, they are reminded that freedom is strengthened through service, sacrifice, and a shared commitment. #Freedom250 https://t.co/VK5Rm2kCg5
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The UFC Freedom 250 weekend in Washington, D.C., wrapped following a three-day celebration of fan festivals, weigh-ins, and a main event held in the heart of the nation’s capital. The event brought together thousands to celebrate the spirit of American independence! https://t.co/yAxGtJqZ0y
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Commanding General
                                        
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II
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