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Family members of U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Natasha S. Taylor, director of the Joint Staff, Joint Force Headquarters, District of Columbia National Guard, pin the one-star rank on her at a ceremony formally promoting her on Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, Dec. 3, 2025. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing and managing the development, execution, and evaluation of joint staff programs and policies pertaining to the command, control, and operation of joint functions within the District of Columbia Army and District of Columbia Air National Guard. She manages readiness of joint defense programs to include the Civil Support Team, Homeland Response Force, State Partnership Program, Counter Drug Task Force, and Defense Support to Civil Authorities. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Andrew Enriquez)

Brig. Gen. Natasha S. Taylor Reflects on Service, Promotion, and New Role
U.S. Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Anthony D. Sims, right, stands at attention during a ceremony in which assumes the position of District of Columbia Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sgt. at the D.C. Armory in Washington, Nov. 9, 2025. The Command Chief Master Sgt. is the principal military advisor to the commanding general on all matters concerning the Air National Guard enlisted force.

DC Air National Guard transitions Command Chief
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the District of Columbia National Guard, reflects on the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of the men and women, past and present, who have worn the uniform of the Armed Forces. Veterans Day serves as a call to action, reminding the public that the freedoms enjoyed by Americans are the result of the sacrifices made by service members, and it highlights the enduring significance of military service. (U.S Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)

Veterans Day 2025 Command Message
The D.C. National Guard Counterdrug Drug Demand Reduction Outreach team delivers a drug prevention presentation to students at Ballou STAY Opportunity Academy on Oct. 24, 2025, in recognition of Red Ribbon Week in Washington D.C. The session aimed to spark candid discussions about substance misuse and highlight the importance of making healthy, informed decisions. The DDRO outreach team emphasized its ongoing mission to combat drug abuse through education, awareness, and interactive programs designed to empower young people.

D.C. National Guard Counterdrug Partners with Ballou STAY Students During Red Ribbon Week
U.S. Army Col. Larry Doane, commander of Joint Task Force–District of Columbia, and members of his command team coordinate with local law enforcement investigating a reported incident in the D.C. Metro, Oct. 17, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission strengthens interagency response capabilities and ensures unified action to protect the public.

75 Days Strong — Guard Members Keep the Nation’s Capital Safe and Beautiful
U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5) Robert Gibson, Sr., assumes responsibility as the seventh Command Chief Warrant Officer of the District of Columbia National Guard from CW5 Bernard Aguon during a change of responsibility ceremony at the D.C. Armory, Oct. 22, 2025. The ceremony was officiated by Brig. Gen. Craig M. Maceri, the D.C. Army National Guard’s Land Component Command (LCC) commander. The Command Chief Warrant Officer is the top Warrant Officer advisor to the D.C. National Guard’s Commanding General, the Adjutant General (TAG), and Land Component Command commander. The CCWO provides specialized expertise, leadership, and mentorship, and is responsible for the training, readiness, and professional development of the warrant officer corps.

D.C. National Guard Welcomes Seventh Command Chief Warrant Officer (CCWO)
U.S. Air Force Airman Devontae Taylor, left, and Tech. Sgt. Richard Kramer, Airmen with the 172nd Airlift Wing, Mississippi National Guard, with the 112th Military Police Battalion, Mississippi National Guard, Task Force Magnolia, recovered a lost child, center left, near the Washington Monument, Washington, D.C., Oct. 6, 2025. About 2,300 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.

National Guard Duo Reunite Lost Child With Parents at Washington Monument
Leadership of District of Columbia National Guard and the U.S. Marshals Service inform the public of the many accomplishments after 60 days of operations in the D.C. area, Washington D.C. Oct. 11th, 2025. Approximately 2,300 National Guard members support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, providing critical assistance to the Metropolitan Police Department in ensuring the safety of all who live, work and visit the District. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Staff Sgt. Daniel Ward)

Leadership of District of Columbia National Guard and the U.S. Marshals Service inform the public of the many accomplishments after 60 days of operations in the D.C. area
U.S. Army Soldiers with the Multi-agency Augmentee Command (MAC), District of Columbia National Guard, gather litter and debris in the Ivy City neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Sept. 20, 2025. The Soldiers are part of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, which involves about 2,300 National Guard members providing critical support to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to ensure the safety of all who live, work and visit the District.

Task Force Beautification Marks 100 Projects, Unveils New Strategy for Safer DC
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) for the D.C. National Guard, and Chief Pamela A. Smith, Chief of Police for the Metropolitan Police Department, discuss the DMV Law Enforcement Career Fair at MPD Academy, 4665 Blue Plains Drive SW, Washington, DC, 20032. The multi-agency recruiting event on Sept. 27, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. is hosted by the Metropolitan Police Department Recruiting Unit and will include over 27 federal and local law enforcement agencies. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)

DMV Law Enforcement Career Fair promo
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim), D.C. National Guard, receives his first familiarization flight in a 113th Wing, D.C. Air National Guard F-16D Fighting Falcon on Joint Base Andrews, Sep. 19, 2025. The aircraft was flown by Maj. Benjamin Saunders, pilot, 113th Wing Operations Group. Since Sept. 11, 2001, the 113th Wing's Aerospace Control Alert (ACA) mission has protected the skies 24/7 above the National Capital Region. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)

D.C. National Guard Commanding General receives familiarization flight in an F-16D
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, and members of Task Force Beautification join Ward 8 residents, volunteers, and 8B06 Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) members for a pop-up community clean-up in Washington, D.C., Sept. 13, 2025. The effort, led by ANC Commissioner Marcus “Mick” Hickman, marked the first time D.C. National Guard members worked alongside residents and elected officials in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission in providing critical support to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department in ensuring the safety of all who live, work and visit the District. Many of the participating Guard members live and work in the District, strengthening their shared commitment to keeping local neighborhoods safe and clean.

Task Force Beautification teams with Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) in the District’s Ward 8
U.S. Army Spc. Josiah Davenport, assigned to the 269th Military Police Company, Tennessee National Guard conducts maintenance on a vehicle at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., Aug. 30, 2025. About 2,300 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.

Tennessee, D.C. National Guard mechanics partner for D.C. Safe and Beautiful
September is Suicide Awareness Month, and the Department of War is committed to decisive and innovative actions and the theme "Joining Your Fight: Connect to Protect." Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) for the D.C. National Guard, discusses the significance of knowing at-risk behaviors, stress reduction measures and available resources to help.

Suicide Prevention Month: Message from the Commanding General
CW5 Bernard L. Aguon, State Command Chief Warrant Officer (CCWO) for the District of Columbia National Guard has been selected as the ninth Command Chief Warrant Officer of the Army National Guard and will serve as the principal military advisor to the Director of the Army National Guard on all matters affecting warrant officer training, utilization, health of the force, and professional development. Currently, CW5 Aguon is the D.C. National Guard's sixth State CCWO and advisor to the D.C. National Guard’s Commanding General, the Adjutant General, and Land Component Commander. He will succeed Chief Warrant Officer 5 Brian Searcy.

State CCWO Aguon selected as the Army Guard’s Ninth Command Chief Warrant Officer
U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Jonathan Stubbs, center, director, Army National Guard, brings Guardsmen in for a motivational moment as they prepare to go on shift as part of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force at the Logistical Support Area on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Aug. 25, 2025. About 2,000 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.

Guard members from six states, D.C. on duty in Washington in support of local, fed authorities
U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Jonathan Stubbs, Director of the Army National Guard (left) presents a certificate of retirement to U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, outgoing commanding general (interim) for the D.C. National Guard, during a combined change of command and retirement ceremony Aug. 9, 2025, at DAR Constitution Hall. Andonie retired from the Air Force after 35 years of service.

D.C. National Guard Commanding General Retires
The D.C. National Guard honors U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, the Commanding General (Interim), for 35+ years of military service. We also recognize August 9, 2025, as Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie Day in the District of Columbia. Mayor Muriel Bowser honored Maj. Gen. Andonie with a proclamation recognizing his decades of distinguished service to the U.S. Army. His leadership strengthened the bond between the DC National Guard and the District, enhancing public safety, community partnerships, and emergency response. Please watch this tribute video as service members and partners discuss Maj. Gen. Andonie's commitment to build, maintain, and balance readiness objectives over the last two years. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)

Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie Tribute Video
Counterdrug service members engaged congressional leaders and staff during the National Guard Counterdrug Program Open House at the Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C., July 24, 2025. Hosted by the National Guard Association of the United States, the event highlighted 36 years of impact supporting law enforcement and drug prevention efforts. Attendees included Maj. Gen. Gary Keefe, Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard and Co-Chair of the General Officer Advisory Council; Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, commanding general of the D.C. National Guard; and Brig. Gen. Richard Cipro, Assistant Adjutant General of the Massachusetts Army National Guard. Interactive stations showcased the program’s five mission sets—criminal analysts, drug demand reduction outreach, ground reconnaissance, aviation reconnaissance, and counterdrug schools—offering hands-on insight into the National Guard’s whole-of-government approach.

National Guard Counterdrug Program Showcases 36 Years of Impact at Congressional Open House
Soldiers from the D.C. National Guard, Barbados Defence Force Reserves, Jamaica Defence Force, and Jamaica National Reserve stand for a photograph at Twickenham Park Range in St. Catherine, Jamaica, on July 17, 2025. As part of the Caribbean Regional Training Camp, activities included zeroing, firing from different positions, march-and-shoot practice, and a march-and-shoot competition. The District of Columbia National Guard's (DCNG) partnership with Jamaica, facilitated by the U.S. National Guard Bureau's State Partnership Program (SPP), promotes security cooperation through military engagements and interagency collaboration.

D.C. National Guard, Jamaican, Barbadian Forces Test Skills in Joint Caribbean Exercise
Angulo Gonzalez, a graduate of Woodbridge High School, stands for a photograph with Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, the Adjutant General (TAG) for the D.C. National Guard, during a Minuteman Scholarship ceremony at the D.C. Armory in Washington, D.C., on July 18, 2025. Gonzalez earned a four‑year scholarship to attend Virginia Tech and plans to commission into the Judge Advocate General’s Corps.

D.C. National Guard Awards Minuteman Scholarship to High School Grads
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, the Adjutant General (TAG) for the D.C. National Guard, recognizes members of the 113th Wing D.C. Air National Guard and members of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) during Cyber Shield 2025 at the Virginia National Guard's State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, VA, on June 11, 2025. Cyber Shield, the longest and largest Department of Defense cyber exercise sharpens skills, tests tactics, and strengthens collaboration in computer network defense measures and protecting our nation's critical infrastructure from evolving cyber threats and cyber incident response.

113th Wing DCANG partners with Jamaica Defence Force at Cyber Shield 2025
More than 800 National Guard members were activated in support of the 250th Army Birthday Festival and Parade in Washington, DC, on June 14, 2025. The Guard members, from the District of Columbia, Mississippi, West Virginia and Pennsylvania assisted various agencies with tasks including crowd management and traffic control, and played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of events. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)

Behind the Scenes: National Guard Support to the U.S. Army's 250th Birthday Celebration
More than 800 National Guard members were activated in support of the 250th Army Birthday Festival and Parade in Washington, DC, on June 14, 2025. The Guard members, from the District of Columbia, Mississippi, West Virginia and Pennsylvania assisted various agencies with tasks including crowd management and traffic control, and played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of events.

National Guard provides crucial support for Army's 250th birthday celebration
Members of the District of Columbia Army National Guard participate in the O’Neill Competition at Fort Indiantown Gap, PA, on June 6, 2025. The event pushed participants through a multi-level series of challenging military fundamentals—from ruck marches and weapons qualification to medical tasks and vehicle maintenance—designed to unify and strengthen the Warrior Ethos. The competition was a tribute to D-Day (Operation Overlord) and the legacy of LTC John C. O’Neill, a World War II combat engineer and D.C. Guardsman who helped breach enemy defenses on Omaha Beach in 1944. It's part of Annual Training, ensuring all Soldiers are prepared for challenging, relevant, and realistic missions to fight and win. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)

D.C. National Guard’s O’Neill Competition Highlights
Members of the District of Columbia Army National Guard participate in the O’Neill Competition at Fort Indiantown Gap, PA, on June 6, 2025. The event pushed more than 250 participants through a grueling day of military fundamentals—from ruck marches and weapons qualification to medical tasks and vehicle maintenance—designed to unify and strengthen the Warrior Ethos. The competition was a tribute to D-Day (Operation Overlord) and the legacy of LTC John C. O’Neill, a World War II combat engineer and D.C. Guardsman who helped breach enemy defenses on Omaha Beach in 1944.

D.C. National Guard’s O’Neill Competition Commemorates D-Day Heroism and Warrior Ethos
Members of the 113th Force Support Squadron, D.C. Air National Guard, participate in an initiative called 'Run to Recruit' on the National Mall, in Washington, D.C., on March 17, 2025. In an effort to support recruiting mission, members of the 113th FSS use group physical fitness as a method to inspire, engage and recruit future Capital Guardians.

'Run to Recruit' Strengthens Mind, Body, and Manpower
DC National Guard News
Brig. Gen. Natasha S. Taylor Reflects on Service, Promotion, and New Role
Brig. Gen. Natasha S. Taylor, director of the Joint Staff, Joint Force Headquarters, District of Columbia National Guard, speaks to attendees at a ceremony formally promoting her to the rank on Joint Base Andrews, Dec. 3, 2025. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing and managing the development, execution, and evaluation of joint staff programs and policies pertaining to the command, control, and operation of joint functions within the District of Columbia Army and District of Columbia Air National Guard. She manages readiness of joint defense programs to include the Civil Support Team, Homeland Response Force, State Partnership Program, Counter Drug Task Force, and Defense Support to Civil Authorities. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Andrew Enriquez)
Dec. 3, 2025 - Brig. Gen. Natasha S. Taylor has built a career defined by service, leadership, and resilience. Qualities she says she plans to now bring to her role as the Director of Joint Staff - Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ), District...
W.Va. National Guard Soldier dies following D.C. shooting
Nov. 27, 2025 - We are saddened to confirm the death of Army National Guard Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, of Summersville, West Virginia. Spc. Beckstrom died Nov. 27, 2025, as a result of a gunshot wound. She was one of the two West Virginia...
DCNG Counterdrug Program Closes Out Fiscal Year 2025 with Historic Impact Across Enforcement, Community Outreach, and Compliance
Nov. 12, 2025 - The District of Columbia National Guard Counterdrug Program concluded Fiscal Year 2025 with historic achievements in drug interdiction support, community outreach, and compliance, solidifying the program’s supporting role in...
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National Guard News
Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers Return from Overseas Deployment
The second flight of Soldiers of the Illinois Army National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment exits the plane at the Greater Rockford Airport for a homecoming ceremony Dec. 6, 2025. The unit mobilized in February 2025 to seven countries in the U.S. Central Command to support Operation Spartan Shield. Photo by Sgt. Haesi Fanizzo.
Dec. 10, 2025 - ROCKFORD, Ill. – Approximately 265 Soldiers from the Illinois Army National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment, headquartered in Marion, Illinois, with units based in Effingham, Litchfield, and Mt. Vernon, were...
Connecticut Airmen Conclude High-Tempo Deployment in East Africa
U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 75th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron maneuver an excavator onto a C-130H Hercules aircraft at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Nov. 3, 2025. The on-load highlights the squadron’s adaptability and precision in executing airlift missions from austere locations. Photo by Staff Sgt. Christian Silvera.
Dec. 10, 2025 - CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti – The heat settled over the flightline as the sun dipped toward the horizon, casting a deep orange glow across the open ramp and reflecting off the water beyond the perimeter fence. Dust drifted...
Fiji Military Forces and Nevada Army Guard Conduct Multinational Training
Lt. Lakoenavuli, Fiji Royal Military Forces, company commander, briefs the
Dec. 10, 2025 - SUVA, Fiji – It was hard to overlook the timing of Veterans Day this year for many attending Exercise Cartwheel, the annual training exercise that brought together military participants from Australia, Fiji, France, Germany,...
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Equipped to work alongside our partners! This week, we welcomed the @OKGuard, @arkansasguard, and @TNMilitaryDept who arrived #ready to assist the Metropolitan Police Department and federal partners in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission. @USNationalGuard https://t.co/RCzwx1GbJ8
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Partnerships that support the spiritual & psychological #readiness of the force! Last week, we welcomed U.S. Secret Service Chief Chaplain Mark F. Arbeen during a joint interagency religious-support visit. Both leaders are committed to the resilience of all who support #DCSafe. https://t.co/kRLHVW8MNx
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COL Larry Doane, commander of JTF-DC, explains how the task force remains ready to defend our nation and support our communities during crisis. Readiness is about adaptability, resilience (physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual), and continuous learning! @USNationalGuard https://t.co/6KNhof2Fbp
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This week's #MotivationalMonday Minute focuses on standards. Military standards are crucial for maintaining order, discipline, and efficiency in operations, from uniform appearance to complex technology. Standards create #disciplined, #resilient, and #effective units! https://t.co/3rMSqfz6qO
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We thank you a thousand times! The @USNationalGuard joined 1,000 participants during the fourth annual holiday toy ruck in partnership with @ChildrensNatl. Thank you @DCPoliceDept for helping us make the #holidayseason brighter! https://t.co/mJQlUY1HOH
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Joint Task Force - District of Columbia actively empowers leaders at all ranks, from junior enlisted to senior officers, recognizing that leadership isn't just about rank but about responsibility, decision-making, and inspiring people. @USNationalGuard #DCSafe #CapitalGuardians https://t.co/mdBMLQ9Qme
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Congratulations Brig. Gen. Natasha S. Taylor, Director of Joint Staff - JFHQ, District of Columbia National Guard, on your promotion! Here's the highlight video from the ceremony detailing her operational experience and growth as a leader. #GuardianPride #SecondtoNone https://t.co/vcqIcAXWaN
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Congratulations to our newest general officer, Brig. Gen. Natasha S. Taylor! During Brig. Gen. Taylor’s official promotion ceremony, held in a packed Hangar 16 at @Andrews_JBA, Md., she expanded on her new role and long term vision. Read more: https://t.co/96wBwBbmK2 https://t.co/v5BwVXLkPH
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Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, addresses the families of U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and U.S. Air Force SSgt. Andrew Wolfe, and all connected to the #DCSafe and Beautiful mission. https://t.co/uMTimcHFLd
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Individual readiness is essential regardless of rank or position! #DCSafe #AlwaysReadyAlwaysThere https://t.co/dSOjfUSXTE
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U.S. Army LTG Michelle Donahue, Deputy Chief of Staff (G-4), toured LSA Lincoln with the D.C. National Guard's command team. LSA Lincoln enhances mission efficiency by streamlining and expediting the coordination and distribution of logistics, personnel, and supplies for JTF-DC. https://t.co/PFu4TtAuwc
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Guard members are citizens who volunteer to defend their country and their community. Joint Task Force - District of Columbia (JTF-DC) acknowledges the support of our families, the public, our leaders, and partners today and every day. https://t.co/636sxn9caV
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Our hearts go to Spc. Sarah Beckstrom's family, the @WVNationalGuard, and all who support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission. @USNationalGuard @DCPoliceDept #RememberBeckstrom #DCSafe https://t.co/st9bFBjFnQ
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We are saddened to confirm the death of Army National Guard Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, of Summersville, West Virginia. Spc. Beckstrom died Nov. 27 as a result of a gunshot wound. She was one of the two West Virginia National Guardsmen who were shot near the Farragut Square Metro. https://t.co/DcShr3udz8
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#HappyThanksgiving! COL Larry Doane, commander of JTF-DC, shares a message honoring service members supporting the #DCSafe and Beautiful mission. He reflects on the profound sacrifice of those who stand duty along with the #resilience of families who make it possible. https://t.co/lTlnvKiAey
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Our Citizen Soldiers and Airmen are deeply honored to provide a range of skills and support to our #neighbors and #communities! @USNationalGuard https://t.co/zqLfFKYpSH
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RT @DCONEFUND: #DCONEFUND continues to thrive! A huge thank you to @dcpublicschools, @DC_DOB, @DCCorrections, and @DCGuard1802 for their am…
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Enhancing public #safety and civic pride! #DCSafe and #Beautiful @USNationalGuard https://t.co/gBXDiyVmkz
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Commanding General
                                        
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II
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