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The Capital’s Defenders: 212 Years After Bladensburg, Honoring the Citizen-Soldiers Who Answered the Call
Mark Hudson, Executive Director of Historic Congressional Cemetery, and U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, lay a wreath at the grave of U.S. Army Pvt. Andrew Coyle during a Battle of Bladensburg commemoration at Historic Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C., Aug. 24, 2026. The Maryland Society, Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard then rendered a ceremonial volley honoring the Citizen-Soldiers who answered the call to defend the nation’s capital in 1814. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)
Aug. 24, 2026 - As America celebrates 250 years of independence, the District of Columbia National Guard and Historic Congressional Cemetery gathered Aug. 23 to look back 212 years—to a moment when ordinary citizens answered an extraordinary...
National Guardsmen Assist in Locating Missing Child
U.S. National Guardsmen assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia (JTF-DC) in support of the DC Safe and Beautiful mission, patrol nearLeDroit Park in Washington, Aug 15, 2026. About 4,500 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 Jaccob Hearn)
Aug. 16, 2026 - National Guardsmen patrolling near LeDroit Park were approached by a concerned citizen reporting that their 14-year-old daughter was missing...
Year One: Make DC Safe and Beautiful Mission
Aug. 11, 2026 - For 365 days, Soldiers and Airmen from 30 states, territories, and the District of Columbia have answered the call to serve in the nation’s capital as part of Joint Task Force–District of Columbia. But the story of the Make...
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National Guard News
Ohio Guard Airmen Enhance Readiness in Portugal
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. David Denlis, a firefighter with the 121st Air Refueling Wing, and the Lajes Field Fire Department, simulate a motor vehicle accident scenario at Lajes Field, Portugal, on Aug. 10, 2026. The 121st Air Refueling Wing and Lajes firefighters strengthened NATO partnerships by working side by side during duty days, sharing expertise and learning from one another to enhance readiness. Photo by Staff Sgt. Ivy Thomas.
Aug. 26, 2026 - LAJES FIELD AIR BASE, Portugal – Airmen and firefighters from the Ohio National Guard’s 121st Air Refueling Wing, the 65th Air Base Group and the Lajes Field Fire Department trained together in Portugal during a deployment...
Connecticut Guard Strengthens Engineering Skills in Alaska
U.S. Air National Guard Senior Airman Jose Leon Castellanos, a structures specialist assigned to the 103d Civil Engineering Squadron, removes demolished lumber during a structural demolition project as part of a National Guard Bureau deployment for training, or DFT, project in Seward, Alaska, June 2, 2026. Throughout the DFT, more than 30 Airmen deconstructed a structure that was incapable of handling heavy snow loads and prepared the site for eventual rebuild by a later rotation. Photo by Capt. Jen Kaprielian.
Aug. 26, 2026 - SEWARD, Alaska – Members of the Connecticut National Guard’s 103rd Civil Engineer Squadron, or CES, conducted training in Alaska this summer as part of the National Guard Bureau’s Deployment for Training, or DFT, program,...
Montana Guard Chinook Crew Returns From Washington Wildfire Mission
Montana Army National Guard Soldiers return to Helena, Montana, Aug. 24, 2026, after supporting wildfire suppression efforts in Washington. The Montana Guard crew flew more than 40 hours, completed 89 water-bucket drops and delivered approximately 178,000 gallons of water in support of firefighting operations. Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Devin Doskey.
Aug. 25, 2026 - HELENA, Mont. — A Montana Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook crew returned home Aug. 24 after helping battle wildfires in Washington, delivering nearly 178,000 gallons of water during more than 40 hours of flight...
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Over the weekend, as thousands of racing fans converged on Washington for the #Freedom250 Grand Prix, National Guard Soldiers and Airmen assigned to Joint Task Force-DC were on the ground supporting the partners who helped make the event safe and successful. @USNationalGuard https://t.co/8fBSIigQQm
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RT @ArlingtonNatl: Tour the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier...Virtually! A new interactive, 360-degree virtual visitation experience invites y…
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An added layer of support! Partnership adds another layer to public safety. By supporting DEA personnel during patrols, @USNationalGuard members contribute additional presence and capacity while allowing law enforcement partners to focus on their authorities and mission. https://t.co/sYL8UU2Q88
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From the D.C. Militia of 1814 to the Soldiers and Airmen of today, partnership remains our strength, readiness remains our responsibility, and service remains the bond connecting generations: https://t.co/ZS1iR66REi @USNationalGuard https://t.co/w0Wt0DydA5
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WHAT A WEEKEND! Nothing Is routine—it takes training!🇺🇸 Behind every safe intersection, entry/traffic control point and helping hand was a Guardsman who trained to be ready when it matters. #Freedom250 #GrandPrix @USNationalGuard https://t.co/yvTmIorJyW
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🏁Mission Complete The engines have gone quiet, the crowds are home, and an unforgettable weekend in the nation’s capital has come to a close. But behind the speed, excitement and celebration of the #Freedom250 Grand Prix was a mission built on preparation. @USNationalGuard https://t.co/Ky90b8VcgF
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RT @SecretService: Thank you to all the federal, state and local partners who helped secure the Freedom 250 Grand Prix and bring it safely…
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Before the engines started, the @USNationalGuard was already here. #AlwaysReadyAlwaysThere https://t.co/zyDYSgdR0J
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🏁 SERVICE AT FULL SPEED 🇺🇸 For U.S. Army Spc. Davian Thomas, service and speed share the same track. Thomas, a @SCNationalGuard member assigned to JTF-DC, talks about his passion for racing while supporting the #Freedom250 Grand Prix. 🏎️🇺🇸 @USNationalGuard https://t.co/mn4zV9nkYt
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🏁For 250 years, America has moved forward. This weekend, we celebrate just how fast.🇺🇸 Guardsmen assigned to JTF-DC are providing security assistance as thousands of racing fans converge on the District amid the #Freedom250 Grand Prix! @USNationalGuard https://t.co/haSJ83wa5A
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RT @FBIWFO: This morning, @FBIDirectorKash visited #FBIWFO's command post for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix. 🏎️Our National Capital Response S…
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18.6 Miles. 24 Pounds. One Standard: Finish. Resilience isn’t built when the road is easy—it’s forged when your body tells you to stop and your mind decides to keep moving. @USNationalGuard https://t.co/NNRzfgKGo2
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Train. Prepare. Stay ready. Readiness is built before the mission begins. Every repetition, every movement and every skill refined strengthens the ability to respond when it matters most. #DCSafe #Freedom250 @AKNationalGuard @USNationalGuard https://t.co/d6fuhsTQSc
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RT @FBIWFO: Washington, D.C., is a #NoDroneZone, so unauthorized drone activity is a red flag — even during special events like the Freedom…
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“Iron sharpens iron.” Whether in uniform or in the air, Airman 1st Class Bianka Hendricks values working with people toward a common purpose—and becoming stronger through those relationships. @USNationalGuard @GeorgiaGuard https://t.co/DtcoOQNfqt
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#Readiness is the ability to care for, support and protect our Guardsmen! Congrats to U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Powell, @SCNationalGuard Religious Affairs Specialist, on receiving the 2026 Military Chaplains Association Calvin P. Titus Award. https://t.co/ixPua2mBU5
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Vigilance in action. Awareness with purpose. In a busy destination like The Wharf, where thousands of people live, work and gather, vigilance and awareness help turn presence into preparedness. Stay alert. Stay engaged. Stay ready. Every patrol has purpose.🇵🇷🇺🇸#DCSafe https://t.co/D14CkLhoqE
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Recognition for nurturing the soul of the #DCSafe mission! 🇺🇸 Congratulations to U.S. Army Chaplain (Maj.) Edward Lartey, Command Chaplain of JTF-DC, on receiving the Military Chaplains Association Distinguished Service Award for his exceptional service and support. https://t.co/ghBaL6QjTa
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Airborne readiness and joint execution!🪂 Training like this strengthens airborne proficiency, joint planning, operational coordination and readiness across formations—preparing Soldiers to operate effectively in complex environments. https://t.co/FHarN6f846
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READY FOR RACE WEEKEND.🏁🇺🇸 Guardsmen assigned to Joint Task Force–DC, in support of the DC Safe and Beautiful mission, patrol the National Mall as the nation’s capital prepares for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix. Find the itinerary: https://t.co/eLGS0Bgkhs https://t.co/NtJsCfaW0W
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Commanding General
                                        
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II
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