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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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National Guard News
Virginia National Guard Unit at the Forefront of Army Transformation
U.S. Army Col. Arthur S. Moore, commander, 116th Mobile Brigade Combat Team, discusses the Army National Guard’s modernization efforts during the Army Current Operations Engagement Tour at the Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C., July 22, 2026. The 116th Mobile Brigade Combat Team is advancing Army National Guard modernization by applying lessons learned as the first National Guard brigade to complete a Joint Readiness Training Center rotation under the Army’s new Mobile Brigade Combat Team construct. Photo by Sgt. Tien Dat Ngo.
July 31, 2026 - WASHINGTON – The Virginia National Guard’s 116th Mobile Brigade Combat Team, or MBCT, discussed the Army National Guard’s modernization efforts during the Army Current Operations Engagement Tour, highlighting lessons learned...
Oregon Guard Aircrews Support Wildfire Response
U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Donald Ford, right, and Capt. Richard Duval pilot a CH-47 Chinook helicopter toward the Hagen Fire in Umatilla County, Oregon, July 29, 2026, during water bucket operations in support of Oregon's wildfire response. Photo by Maj. Wayne Clyne.
July 31, 2026 - PENDLETON, Ore. – Two Oregon Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopters and two HH-60M Black Hawk helicopters began water bucket operations July 29 in support of wildland firefighting efforts on the Hagen Fire in Umatilla...
Montana Guard Airman Selected as 2026 Total Force Outstanding Airman of the Year
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Brianna D. St. Lawrence-Brody, a command post controller assigned to the 120th Airlift Wing, Montana Air National Guard, poses for an official portrait. St. Lawrence-Brody was selected as one of the U.S. Air Force's 2026 Total Force Outstanding Airmen of the Year, becoming the only Air National Guard Airman selected for the honor during the program's first year of Total Force competition. Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Devin Doskey.
July 31, 2026 - GREAT FALLS, Mont. – Staff Sgt. Brianna D. St. Lawrence-Brody, a command post controller assigned to the 120th Airlift Wing, Montana Air National Guard, has been selected as one of the U.S. Air Force’s 2026 Total Force...
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A reassuring force. Members of the @GeorgiaGuard, assigned to JTF-DC, conduct presence patrols at Starburst Plaza in Ward 5. When National Guard members step onto the streets, their presence sends a clear message: safety matters. https://t.co/kBxhojf6F1
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One person was killed and another critically injured in DC's Shaw neighborhood on July 29. Within moments, @guard_west Soldiers were running toward the scene—not away from it: https://t.co/JgIoR3PZzY https://t.co/FVt4CmSpEk
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Sharpening the #Warrior edge! Members of the 273rd MP Co, 372nd Enhanced MP BN, 260th SPB, conduct weapons training on the range at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia. The training enhances weapons proficiency, handling, & ensures Soldiers remain mission-ready for all operations. https://t.co/8sHCpdZd9R
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Readiness is built—not given. Soldiers with the @guard_west, assigned to Joint Task Force–DC in support of #DCSafe, sharpen their weapon retention and tactical skills through realistic, hands-on training. Every repetition builds confidence to protect, adapt, and prevail. https://t.co/PjKad9jN3U
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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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Commanding General
                                        
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II
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