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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
Members of the D.C. National Guard's 33rd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team (WMD-CST) join MedStar Health SiTEL clinicians, physicians, and medical students for an advanced emergency simulation in Northwest Washington, D.C., Aug. 28, 2025. The joint exercise tested rapid medical response in contaminated and high-risk environments, strengthening interagency readiness and ensuring both partners are better prepared to protect the community.

33rd WMD-CST Joins MedStar Health SiTEL for Emergency Medical Training
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard; Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Smith, Senior Enlisted Leader; and their spouses deliver a holiday message emphasizing gratitude for service, readiness, and family sacrifice to the D.C. National Guard and Joint Task Force - District of Columbia. This holiday season, they encourage the entire force to focus on connection, gratitude, achievements, and progress. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)

D.C. National Guard Command Team Holiday Message
DC National Guard News
Telling the Truth in Plain Sight
U.S. Air National Guard Master Sgt. William Blankenship records video alongside Joint Task Force–District of Columbia leadership during a circulation in Washington, Oct. 30, 2025. The Joint Task Force supports civil authorities in the nation’s capital through coordinated security operations, interagency collaboration and disciplined presence. Clear, accurate communication remains central to the mission, reinforcing transparency and public confidence while safeguarding lawful governance. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Angelina Tran)
Feb. 22, 2026 - WASHINGTON —The first time I heard gunfire in Washington, I was standing in a hotel lobby adjusting to the colder air of my first week in the District...
Presence with Purpose: Guard Leaders Stand with Soldiers to Strengthen the Homeland
Feb. 17, 2026 - WASHINGTON —On Feb. 13, 2026, as cold air moved through the District and commuters filled Metro platforms at the height of the evening rush, two Army National Guard leaders climbed into their SUV for another rotation through...
National Guard Presence Patrols Support Public Safety in Washington
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)
Feb. 16, 2026 - WASHINGTON— Following a presidential directive issued in March 2025 to help make the District of Columbia safe, orderly and beautiful, Joint Task Force–District of Columbia is translating national policy into sustained,...
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National Guard News
National Guard, French Army Leaders Mark Shared History, Alliance in Ceremony
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Carrie Perez, left, director of Army personnel management at the National Guard Bureau, and French army Lt. Gen. Frédéric Gout, head of the French army’s personnel branch, salute during a wreath presentation at the World War I Memorial at Pershing Park in Washington during a ceremony marking the longstanding alliance between the two countries, Feb. 24, 2026. The wreath presentation recognized service members’ sacrifices for both countries and specifically honored Ferdinand Capdevielle and Kiffen Rockwell – two Americans killed in World War I while serving with French forces. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jon Soucy.
Feb. 25, 2026 - WASHINGTON – National Guard senior leaders joined French army leaders in a ceremony Feb. 24 marking the longstanding alliance between the U.S. and France and honoring the sacrifices of service members from both countries.U.S...
Exercise Justified Accord 2026 Begins in Kenya, Tanzania
Justified Accord 2026 exercise logo designed by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa public affairs office. Justified Accord 2026 is U.S. Africa Command's largest annual, multinational exercise in East Africa. The exercise runs February 23 – March 13, 2026, across Djibouti, Kenya and Tanzania. Led by the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, this joint, all-domain exercise integrates about 1,500 personnel to build readiness against shared security threats. Graphic by Brian Andries.
Feb. 25, 2026 - NAIROBI, Kenya – Exercise Justified Accord 2026, the U.S. Africa Command's largest annual, multinational exercise in East Africa, officially began Feb. 23 across Djibouti, Kenya and Tanzania.Led by the U.S. Army Southern...
National Guardsmen Train in Pennsylvania to Use Small Drones
A small unmanned aircraft system operator course is being conducted at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, Feb. 19-28, 2026. The 10-day course is being conducted by the 166th Regiment - Regional Training Institute and teaches students how to properly operate small drones in large scale combat scenarios. Photo by Sgt. Kayden Bedwell.
Feb. 25, 2026 - FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – National Guard Soldiers from various backgrounds, skillsets and military occupational specialties attending a 10-day small unmanned aircraft system operator course, or sUAS, are learning how to...
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RT @DeptofWar: NEWS: @SecWar Pete Hegseth: @USNationalGuard Aligned With National Defense Strategy – Homeland First, Borders Secured, Peace…
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RT @USAttyPirro: Ahead of the State of the Union tonight, one of @POTUS’s greatest achievements has been right here in D.C. We’ve restored…
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When the @USNationalGuard is called upon, we possess the technological and tactical readiness to operate effectively! #preparedness #everydaycarry https://t.co/jerT94VGND
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🎖️Congratulations on a remarkable career, CW5 Jennie Elliott! Family, friends, and military leaders gathered at the D.C. Armory to celebrate the retirement of CW5 Jennie L. Elliott. The ceremony was a powerful reflection of four decades of dedicated service! @USNationalGuard https://t.co/1aJU3ow7wK
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#Guardians. #Neighbors. #Teammates. @USNationalGuard @ARNGDirector https://t.co/QnTcxsx2Zh
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Every #Warfighter...Spiritually #Fit and #Ready! CH (Maj. Gen.) Trent C. Davis, Chief of Chaplains for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, visited members of JTF-DC on presence patrols in support of law enforcement, residents, and visitors throughout the District. https://t.co/7mjWU2ihlg
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From protecting the Nation’s Capital to building gingerbread houses, Lt. Col. Darian Toedtman shows that leadership is about teamwork, patience, and adaptability. His mission with the Joint Task Force–DC is personal, and the lessons start at home. https://t.co/X28wS1YG8l https://t.co/jaBiw6ZA5A
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"It's a great way to invest in your country while also having it invest back into you!" Hear from combat engineers and security forces personnel with the @nationalguardMS as they detail a strong desire to serve in support of the #DCSafe and Beautiful mission. https://t.co/EJdGgROibe
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Recently, Spc. Casey Carpenter, combat medic within the 2nd Battalion, 142nd Field Artillery Brigade, @arkansasguard, assisted with a medical emergency while on patrol in support of #DCSafe. Our medics are capable of delivering immediate, lifesaving care in combat and at home. https://t.co/Fk3POk41Cp
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Collaborative awareness! Soldiers with the 223rd Engineer Battalion, @nationalguardMS, conduct presence patrols along the National Mall in support of #DCSafe. The mission underscores a shared understanding of the environment enabling proactive decision-making and #success. https://t.co/W7GP3NQpGT
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Enhancing accountability through responsive structure! U.S. Army Sgt. Isabela Tavares, @WVNationalGuard, discusses how adaptability ensures accountability and effective execution of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission and orders. #WhyIServe https://t.co/IK7MunYLje
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Recently, Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General of DCNG, and members of the Command Staff jumped into action to help a stranded motorist. Their response represents the @USNationalGuard dedication to remain present & support the community in a time of need. https://t.co/Pp2SOsg9Hu
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Prioritizing community support and #trust! Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 142nd Field Artillery Brigade, @arkansasguard, assist the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services (D.C. Fire and EMS) with traffic control during a recent emergency response. https://t.co/03l9NFZ6pr
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Today's #MotivationalMonday Minute is about our nation’s defense. Defending the nation is indeed hard work, demanding intense dedication, sacrifice, and continuous effort. It is a year-round commitment protecting freedoms, securing borders, and ensuring safety at home and abroad. https://t.co/8d6cpRJFML
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Putting #people first through leader presence! Joint Task Force-DC leaders emphasize a "people first" culture through consistent engagement with junior leaders both day and night. Leaders use these interactions to translate mission intent into action! @USNationalGuard https://t.co/SEy6bW9vcU
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RT @USNationalGuard: Gen. Thomas Carden has been appointed vice chief of the National Guard Bureau, bringing nearly four decades of experie…
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One National Guard officer saw a mission need and didn’t wait for perfect conditions. In just days, he solved a problem that usually takes months — helping equip Guardsmen supporting the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission.https://t.co/KoykiCW7vX https://t.co/NHEbGZIHoQ
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RT @USNationalGuard: “It’s Americans taking care of Americans.” @OKGuard Soldiers on duty supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission…
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Meet two D.C. National Guard Soldiers who also serve as civilian law enforcement officers, turning experience into impact for their local community and the nation. https://t.co/fMEDzEyvgu
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The Citizen Soldiers and Airmen of the Joint Task Force - D.C. provide great value for the District and the nation as they are uniquely qualified for this mission due to its strong local ties and proven track record. #AlwaysReady https://t.co/Ym1rdkQh5h
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Commanding General
                                        
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II
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