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Service Takes the Microphone: Maj. Karen Fraley-Deegan's Mission in Music
U.S. Air Force Maj. Karen Fraley-Deegan, Military Personnel Management Officer, 113th Wing, District of Columbia Air National Guard, performs the National Anthem during pregame ceremonies before a Washington Mystics game at CareFirst Arena, July 16, 2026. Fraley-Deegan has performed the National Anthem at promotions, retirements, change of command ceremonies, inter-service transfers, military commemorations, and civic events, using her voice to honor those who serve, strengthen esprit de corps, and tell the nation's story through song. (Courtesy photo by Monumental Sports and Entertainment)
July 29, 2026 - Music can inspire, unite, and tell the story of a nation. For U.S. Air Force Maj. Karen Fraley-Deegan, every performance of The Star-Spangled Banner is another act of service—honoring those who have served, those who continue...
CSM Williamson Leaves a Lasting Legacy at the LCC
The District of Columbia National Guard's Land Component Command (LCC) held a Change of Responsibility ceremony at the D.C. Armory on July 22, 2026, honoring the distinguished service of Command Sgt. Maj. Octavia V. Williamson and welcoming Command Sgt. Maj. James E. Perrault as the organization's new senior enlisted leader. Officiated by Brig. Gen. Craig M. Maceri, commander of the D.C. National Guard Land Component Command, the ceremony marked the formal transfer of responsibility for the enlisted force. As the LCC's senior enlisted leader, the command sergeant major serves as the principal advisor to the commander on all matters affecting Soldiers, overseeing enlisted readiness, training, discipline, morale, welfare, and leader development across the District's Army National Guard formations. Williamson concludes an extraordinary 37-year military career after enlisting in the District of Columbia National Guard in 1989. Throughout her decades of service, she provided steadfast leadership while mentoring generations of Soldiers and strengthening the readiness of the District's land forces. Perrault now assumes responsibility for ensuring the continued development, preparedness, and welfare of the enlisted force. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)
July 27, 2026 - Command Sergeant Major Octavia V. Williamson, the command sergeant major for the Land Component Command (LCC) of the District of Columbia National Guard, retired after 37-years of service. Over the course of her service...
Georgia National Guard Soldiers Assist in Medical Emergency
(From the left) Sgt. Louis Ferdinando, 1st Lt. Jacob Wagner, Spc. Fredie Cerrano, Spc. Brayden Cundiff, and Spc. Ryan Austin, all with the Georgia Army National Guard, U.S. Army, assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia (JTF-DC) in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, pose for a photo in Arlington, V.A., July 21, 2026. Approximately 5,000 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. Makayla Panzer)
July 23, 2026 - While conducting a routine presence patrol in Georgetown on July 20, Georgia Army National Guardsmen assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia (JTF-DC) sprang into action after being flagged down by two women whose...
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New York Air Guard Centralizes Recruiting With New Squadron
Army Maj. Gen. Ray Shields, the adjutant general of the New York National Guard, passes the guidon of the New York Air National Guard Recruiting and Retention Squadron to Maj. Josh Bowers, the new squadron's commander during the squadron activation ceremony held at the New York National Guard headquarters in Latham, N.Y., July 29, 2026. The ceremony marked the activation of the first New York Air National Guard Recruiting and Retention Squadron. Photo by Stephanie Butler.
July 30, 2026 - LATHAM, N.Y. – The New York Air National Guard activated its first Recruiting and Retention Squadron during a July 29 ceremony at New York Air National Guard headquarters, creating a centralized recruiting effort in the...
Minnesota Guardsman Uses Training to Save Life
U.S. Army Spc. Boecker, an infantryman assigned to the Minnesota National Guard's Moorhead-based 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 136th Infantry Regiment, stands for a photo in Elk River, Minnesota, July 11, 2026. Boecker was recognized earlier this year for his lifesaving efforts during a medical emergency at his civilian job. Photo by Sgt. Isabel Wagner.
July 30, 2026 - ISANTI, Minn. – What began as an ordinary day at a construction site this spring quickly turned into a lifesaving effort for U.S. Army Spc. Ryan Boecker, an infantryman assigned to the Minnesota National Guard’s...
Virginia Guardsmen Strengthen Engineering Skills in Mongolia
Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Powhatan-based 1033rd Engineer Support Company, 276th Engineer Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group support a multi-national exercise in Mongolia during the unit’s annual training. Khaan Quest 2026 concluded July 3, 2026, with a closing ceremony at the Five Hills Training Area near Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The Asian nation has hosted the peacekeeping operations exercise annually since 2003, co-sponsored by U.S. Pacific Command. Courtesy photo.
July 29, 2026 - ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia – Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Powhatan-based 1033rd Engineer Support Company, 276th Engineer Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group recently supported a multinational exercise in...
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A new chapter begins for JTF–DC as COL Larry Doane relinquished command to COL Adrian Perez. The ceremony celebrated more than a transition—it honored a mission that has united more than 9,700 Soldiers and Airmen from 30 states, territories, and D.C., since Aug. 11, 2025. https://t.co/JNdfCwSxcY
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Brig. Gen. Leland Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the District of Columbia National Guard, demonstrates that engaged leadership means being alongside Guardsmen, listening, mentoring, and sharing in the #DCSafe mission. https://t.co/NAnqWHrvh3
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After 37 years of selfless service, CSM Octavia V. Williamson, outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. of the Land Component Command, leaves behind more than an extraordinary career—she leaves generations of Capital Guardians empowered by her unwavering service: https://t.co/FBsbfWaJ0X https://t.co/7OfUxhr53I
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Every day brings a different challenge, but the standard doesn't change. Thank you, @nationalguardMS, for your unwavering support to Joint Task Force–DC and the nation's capital. #TrustedPartners https://t.co/xFINtYJj6g
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Different specialties. One mission.🇺🇸 @USNationalGuard https://t.co/XwWevXLxRH
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The D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission is guided by a shared set of values that unite every National Guard Soldier in service to the nation's capital. @SCNationalGuard https://t.co/haTZ25Q4R4
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From the National Mall to presence at Union Station, @GeorgiaGuard Soldiers take pride in supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful during #Freedom250. https://t.co/NaKR9JUwKd
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"Military vigilance made the difference." U.S. Army Sgt. Montana Rupe,@IowaNatGuard, noticed a dog left inside a parked vehicle for several hours during a presence patrol supporting #DCSafe. Rupe alerted emergency responders, who safely rescued the animal. @USNationalGuard https://t.co/nwPC025gcn
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#WhyIServe Service is bigger than one person—it's about teamwork, and setting the standard. U.S. Army Spc. Fredrick Nichols, with the @LANationalGuard, says serving in the nation's capital allows him to represent the best of @USNationalGuard through discipline and purpose. https://t.co/Qa4mxvTVMR
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“It was a good eye-opener."🇺🇸 That commitment was on display when @SCNationalGuard Soldiers assigned to JTF–DC turned a presence patrol into a life-saving intervention, providing reassurance to an individual experiencing a mental health crisis: https://t.co/iqujgHtyos https://t.co/BnCA8JQTqI
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What began as a presence patrol transformed into a life-saving response in an instant when two frantic women rushed toward @GeorgiaGuard assigned to Joint Task Force-DC, pleading for help: https://t.co/LZK894UapQ https://t.co/EJ6ugHMA5e
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Presence patrols are about more than maintaining a visible presence—they are about being ready to serve at a moment's notice. @USNationalGuard @FLGuard @GeorgiaGuard https://t.co/iT6ILFYrNg
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#Freedom250's largest event brought unprecedented public safety demands. @USNationalGuard provided 510,000 bottles of water; 353 medical assists; 108,000 wayfinding assists; 1,757 quality‑of‑life assists; and support at 69 traffic control points: https://t.co/RGbhTVHYb1
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Did You Know?🇺🇸 One of the D.C. National Guard's most notable veterans helped give America its national anthem. For more than two centuries, Lt. Francis Scott Key's legacy has reflected the enduring service of the D.C. National Guard to the Nation. #Freedom250 https://t.co/FT5WK6CWNY
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Communities are strongest when people feel safe! By walking alongside the community, engaging with residents and visitors, and maintaining a visible presence, @arkansasguardsmen help deter crime, build trust, and reinforce a sense of security. https://t.co/2QRZebKd1J
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Readiness starts before the patrol begins. By checking their equipment, confirming accountability, and preparing as a team, Joint Task Force-District of Columbia ensures they are ready to support safety and public confidence across the District. @USNationalGuard https://t.co/KnwHOf71xE
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In case you missed it! Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, discusses what it means to lead National Guard Soldiers and Airmen supporting interagency partners in the nation's capital: https://t.co/Q3IZlrqq5V https://t.co/XjNlSwCgVH
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In this week’s #MotivationalMonday Minute, CH (Lt. Col.) Corwin L. Smith, Acting Command Chaplain for the DCNG, reminds us that our thoughts and emotions should not dictate our immediate response. Clarity comes when we pause, reflect and choose our response with #purpose. https://t.co/WlSbtkWUxh
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Through a visible, professional presence and active engagement with the public, the @MINationalGuard helps enhance the safety and security of residents and visitors celebrating #Freedom250. https://t.co/7vKjNnZV6x
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Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Sims, State Command Chief of the DC National Guard, recognizes Soldiers assigned to Joint Task Force–DC for their outstanding performance. People are the profession's greatest strength, and mission success depends on their dedication 24/7/365. https://t.co/Mri1hPSk6z
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Commanding General
                                        
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II
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