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DC National Guard News
In the Trenches: Chaplain Edward Lartey’s Life of Service Earns Distinguished Honor
U.S. Army Chaplain Edward Lartey with the District of Columbia National Guard, assigned to Joint Task Force- District of Columbia, receives the Military Chaplains Association USA Distinguished Service Award at the DC Armory on August 7, 2026. About 4,600 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.
Aug. 28, 2026 - For more than two decades, Chaplain (Maj.) Edward Lartey has built his ministry around one principle: being present when Soldiers and families face their most difficult moments. From combat in Iraq and civil unrest in...
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...
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National Guard News
South Carolina Guard Enhances Readiness With Advanced HH-60M Black Hawk
A new U.S. Army HH-60M Black Hawk helicopter arrives at the South Carolina Army National Guard’s Army Aviation Support Facility 1, or AASF1, on McEntire Joint National Guard Base in Eastover, South Carolina, Aug. 27, 2026. U.S. Army Maj. Stephen Johnson, AASF1 commander, was present to receive the aircraft on behalf of the 59th Aviation Troop Command, marking a key modernization milestone for the unit’s operational readiness and disaster-response capabilities. Photo by Sgt. Ana-Grace Catoe.
Sept. 1, 2026 - McENTIRE JOINT NATIONAL GUARD BASE, S.C. – The South Carolina Army National Guard is enhancing its mission readiness and life-saving capabilities with the arrival of the first of three technologically advanced HH-60M Black...
Army National Guard Fast-Tracks Resilient Microgrids with $14.7M APFIT Award
The FORGE Rapid Deployment Hybrid Microgrid (RDHM) system is positioned alongside tactical military vehicles during a field exercise. The containerized system is designed to provide resilient, expeditionary power that can be rapidly deployed in support of military operations.
Sept. 1, 2026 - ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Guard Bureau (NGB) has secured a $14.72 million award to field the Forward Operations Resilient Grid & Energy Environment (FORGE) system led by NGB’s Innovation Branch in partnership with the...
Montana Guard, Sri Lanka Strengthen Partnership With Atlas Angel II
A Montana Air National Guard Airman and a Sri Lanka Air Force officer discuss C-130H operations during a subject-matter expert exchange as part of Atlas Angel II at Sri Lanka Air Force Base Katunayake, Sri Lanka, Aug. 31, 2026. The exchange allows U.S. and Sri Lankan personnel to share knowledge and best practices in aircraft operations and maintenance while strengthening interoperability between partner forces. Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Devin Doskey.
Aug. 31, 2026 - KATUNAYAKE, Sri Lanka – Montana National Guard Soldiers and Airmen joined Sri Lankan military counterparts Aug. 31 at Sri Lanka Air Force Base Katunayake to kick off Atlas Angel II, a five-day exercise focused on humanitarian...
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From the Nation’s Capital to Arkansas, thank you for answering the call @arkansasguard!! More than 70 soldiers with the 142nd Field Artillery Brigade are back in Arkansas after supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission. #AlwaysReady #AlwaysThere https://t.co/JVU1ivcdpr
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From marking one year of National Guard support to the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission and supporting the #Freedom250 Grand Prix — August showcased the many ways Guardsmen continue to serve. @USNationalGuard https://t.co/uD6hXdAGN5
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The D.C. National Guard’s 547th Transportation Company Maritime Operations is building a new capability to extend readiness beyond the shoreline, training service members to operate safely and effectively across the District’s waterways. #DCSafe @USNationalGuard https://t.co/X3AaWgPYHw
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Training matters when seconds matter! During a recent incident near Wisconsin Ave. and M St. NW, a @GeorgiaGuard presence patrol team relied on training to gain control of a volatile situation, protect nearby pedestrians and safely secure the scene: https://t.co/by1alx1LWT https://t.co/rlOld3z2LG
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Ready on land. Ready on water. From the streets of the nation’s capital to its waterways, #readiness requires more than showing up—it requires training for every environment. #DCSafe @GeorgiaGuard https://t.co/FCFw35hFDj
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U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Murry Holt, Assistant Adjutant General of the @guard_west visited soldiers assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia. This gave them the chance to hear directly from their senior leader, talk about the mission & share what they’re seeing on the ground https://t.co/16Aoeb0ysR
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Vigilance matters. Results matter. Readiness never stops. 250 years after America declared its independence, the National Guard remains ready to serve—protecting the capital and defending the nation. @nationalguardMS https://t.co/eUR9Idofye
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Leadership changes hands, but the mission continues. CSM Thomas Delano assumed responsibility as JTF-DC’s senior enlisted leader, taking over from CSM Scott McKennon. The ceremony marked the transition in leadership & recognized McKennon’s commitment and service to the task force https://t.co/tquzY7utpD
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Security. Partnership. Purpose. From responding to incidents to protecting people and resources, JTF-DC duties demand focus and the ability to adapt. Different uniforms. Different specialties. One team. @GeorgiaGuard @USNationalGuard https://t.co/T5fGnopCeq
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With thousands of National Guard members supporting operations across Washington, D.C., these teams are working alongside local and federal partners to help keep everyone safe. #AlwaysReady #AlwaysThere https://t.co/gyqQAbP6Tx
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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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Commanding General
                                        
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II
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