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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
From the Drill Floor to Tournament Stage, D.C. National Guard Launches Modern Combatives Program
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. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Shane Smith)
April 15, 2026 - Formally established in February, the District of Columbia National Guard’s Combatives Program has already sent competitors to the 2026 Lacerda Cup, one of the Army’s premier hand-to-hand combat tournaments, and is beginning...
From Duty to 'I Do'
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. (D.C. National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Melissa Sterling)
March 23, 2026 - While serving in Washington, U.S. Army Spc. Ester Henriquez moved forward with one of the most important days of her life—her wedding to Hasan Alpkan at the historic Old Post Chapel at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall,...
D.C. National Guard Activates 260th Special Purpose Brigade to Strengthen Security in the Nation’s Capital
U.S. Army Soldiers stand in formation during the 260th Special Purpose Brigade activation ceremony at the D.C. Armory in Washington, D.C., on March 7, 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 Spc. Shretha Broderick)
March 8, 2026 - The District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG) activated the 260th Special Purpose Brigade March 7 at the D.C. Armory, establishing the only brigade in the U.S. Army specifically designed to coordinate military support to...
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National Guard News
Washington Guard Builds Readiness With New Executive Officer Course
Sgt. 1st Class Austin Haitt, 205th Regional Training Institute, speaks at the Executive Officers Course, April 11, 2026, Camp Murray, Washington. Courtesy photo.
April 15, 2026 - CAMP MURRAY, Wash. — The Washington Army National Guard launched its inaugural Executive Officer Course April 11–12, equipping junior officers with the skills and clarity needed to strengthen company-level operations across...
Maryland Guard Enhances Response With K-9 MEDEVAC Training
Maryland Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Colin Winand, flight paramedic non-commissioned officer for Company C, 1st Battalion, 169th Aviation Regiment, pets a Cecil County Sheriff’s K-9 during a flight onboard a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter above Lauderick Creek Military Reservation, Edgewood, Maryland, April 1, 2026. Maryland Army National Guard soldiers conducted medical evacuation training with two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters assigned to the 29th Combat Aviation Brigade, collaborating with local police K-9 units. Photo by Senior Airman Sarah Hoover.
April 15, 2026 - EDGEWOOD, Md. – Maryland Army National Guard Soldiers conducted medical evacuation training with two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters assigned to the 29th Combat Aviation Brigade, integrating local law enforcement K-9 units...
Guard Soldiers Help Rescue Three From Rio Grande
U.S. Border Patrol agents, Texas state troopers and U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Joint Task Force-Southern Border rescue three illegal aliens attempting to cross the U.S. southern border near Laredo, Texas, April 1, 2026. Following the rescue, the individuals were apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol agents. U.S. Northern Command works alongside the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection within its defined authorities to provide military capabilities that support border security operations. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Ohchain Salmon.
April 15, 2026 - LAREDO, Texas — Three illegal aliens were rescued from the Rio Grande on April 1 after a vehicle pursuit tied to a suspected human smuggling operation ended in a crash. Multiple illegal aliens entered the river, and one...
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The DCNG's Combatives Program is building stronger warfighters, sending competitors to the 2026 Lacerda Cup, and producing champions like Spc. Isaiah Castellanos. He stood out among the field, finishing every fight in under two minutes! Learn more: https://t.co/AfYTsOQnhA https://t.co/dlU0I752w6
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RT @USArmy: Rangers reenlist at the finish line! Upon completing the 2026 Best Ranger Competition—a grueling, three-day event that includ…
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U.S. Army Sgt. Terrance Jones and Spc. Jalen Lewis of @nationalguardMS sprang into action, providing first aid to a civilian experiencing a seizure at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Their quick response is a powerful reminder that vigilance and training save lives. https://t.co/uBBUykrHr1
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This week's #MotivationalMondayMinute focuses on bravery. CH (COL) VincentCummings explains that military bravery often depends on training, leadership, and circumstances, but at the individual level it still comes down to character and determination. https://t.co/GIM9GzvF9X
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RT @wmataGM: Late night check in & appreciate how our @wmata team & @DCGuard1802 have built a positive relationship during their shifts. Ou…
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Over the weekend, LTC Benjamin Brown, commander of the 74th Troop Command Battalion, addressed his Soldiers for the first time during the 74th Troop Command Activation Ceremony at the D.C. Armory. This milestone marks a significant step in the D.C. Guard’s reorganization.🇺🇸 https://t.co/r4ZaWlxreS
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#WhyIServe For Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Powell, purpose didn’t end when he transitioned from active duty in the Marine Corps to the Army—it evolved. While building a life centered on family, he felt a deeper pull rooted in service, purpose, and people: https://t.co/QnQyLVlWaH https://t.co/9ISsEdmT4h
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National Guard Soldiers train alongside law enforcement partners to strengthen readiness and keep our community safe. Ready, resilient, and always prepared. #DCSafe https://t.co/Nu4iFc16ee
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U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Erica Gonzalez of DCNG is assigned to JTF-DC and she brings critical law enforcement expertise, working alongside local and federal partners to help ensure a safer environment for everyone in our nation’s capital. #DCSafe https://t.co/cr033yrIrG
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At the D.C. Armory today, the National Guard Bureau J39 brought together federal, state, and local partners for a powerful, hands-on look at the capabilities of the 33rd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team. https://t.co/r8ggo3Gk5v
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SSG Tianna Wilson, with the Georgia National Guard and SSG Brianna Rodriguez-Munns, with the Arkansas National Guard, both PAOs assigned to JTF-DC, provided immediate medical aid to a minor involved in a vehicle versus scooter accident: https://t.co/opQ5tG8TBY
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U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Tianna Wilson and Staff Sgt. Brianna Rodriguez-Munns, public affairs noncommissioned officers assigned to (JTF-DC provided immediate medical aid to a minor involved in a vehicle versus scooter accident in Washington. Learn more: https://t.co/qwzWXwptzM https://t.co/lhVnwb063T
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The National Guard is working with interagency partners to support efforts in creating a safe and more secure environment for everyone in the Nation's Capital! https://t.co/qC7DkmhxSE
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A new season is here—reset, refocus, rise 🌱 U.S. Army Chaplain Edward Lartey reminds us to hold on to #hope, strengthen #faith, invest in #relationships, and #reconnect with our #purpose. Take care of yourself—and check on others. There is still light. https://t.co/ItXFrTAl1G
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Connecting with the community we serve.🐰 🇺🇸 The National Guard is more than just a uniform—we are a visible and supportive presence in the heart of our nation's capital. Through every interaction, we’re building trust and staying committed to the safety of our neighbors. https://t.co/EcrH4lVqH0
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Leadership in action! CPT John Linn and MSG Matthew Moore conduct leadership circulations ensuring presence, accountability, and support on the ground as part of the DC Safe and Beautiful Mission. This mission reflects more than readiness—it demonstrates commitment to community. https://t.co/8suAC8mNJD
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Standing watch where history lives 🇺🇸 U.S. Soldiers with the @nationalguardMS, assigned to JTF-DC, patrol the National Mall—helping ensure safety and security for all who walk these grounds. From residents to visitors, every step taken here is safeguarded by those who serve. https://t.co/ynBsQIv9nk
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Precise. Ready to protect.💪🇺🇸 Members of the 33rd WMD-CST are sharpening their edge through decontamination training. Their mission also includes casualty care and seamless coordination with civilian agencies during domestic emergencies. https://t.co/KRbcI43tqy
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Service members supporting Make DC Safe and Beautiful are building readiness through real-world impact. Every mission strengthens the confidence and capability needed to serve when it matters most. #Alwaysready. #Alwaysthere. https://t.co/WNURI57sdW
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U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim), D.C. National Guard, reflects shares his perspective on the anticipation of #Freedom250 in the District. Together, Americans are uniting in a shared commitment to faith, freedom, and national pride! https://t.co/c3V7HY4QbH
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Commanding General
                                        
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II
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