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U.S. Army Spc. Brennan Ridgen, a combat medic, left, and Spc. Logan Jackson, right, an artilleryman, both with the Arkansas National Guard currently assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia in support of the DC Safe and Beautiful mission, pose for a portrait near Dupont Circle in Washington, May 21, 2026. About 2,500 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.

JTF-DC Soldiers respond to vehicle accident
U.S. Army Spc. Shretha Broderick with the Georgia National Guard assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia in support of the DC Safe and Beautiful mission, salutes the American flag while wearing the Freedom 250 Brassard at the DC Armory in Washington, May 21, 2026. About 2,500 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.

Protect the Capital, Defend the Nation: DCNG Unveils Freedom 250
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, reminds Americans that Memorial Day is more than a holiday or seasonal tradition — it is a solemn time to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to the nation. From ceremonies and parades to flags placed at cemeteries and moments of silence, Americans commemorate the fallen through acts of gratitude and respect. The freedoms enjoyed today were secured through the courage and selflessness of heroes, both known and unknown, whose sacrifices will never be forgotten. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)

DCNG Commanding General Memorial Day Message 2026
The D.C. Armory’s Brigadier General West A. Hamilton Museum preserves more than 200 years of District of Columbia National Guard history, honoring the legacy of the Soldiers and Airmen who have defended the nation’s capital and served the United States through times of war, national emergencies, and peace. Located inside the historic D.C. Armory, the museum serves as a place of education, connecting visitors to the unique story of the only federally controlled National Guard in the nation. Through historic artifacts, uniforms, photographs, and personal stories, the museum highlights the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of generations who answered the call to serve something greater than themselves. As America approaches its 250th birthday—the semiquincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence—the museum stands as a powerful reminder that freedom, democracy, and independence are never guaranteed, but preserved through generations of service and sacrifice. The history of the D.C. National Guard reflects the enduring spirit of citizen service that has shaped the nation. By preserving and sharing these stories, the museum not only honors the past, but also inspires future generations to recognize the responsibility of protecting the ideals upon which the United States was built. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)

The D.C. National Guard: Making History Since 1802
U.S. Army Capt. Desjamebra Y. Hames assumed command of the District of Columbia Army National Guard’s (DCARNG) Recruit Sustainment Program Company, newly christened the "Trailblazers," at the D.C. Armory, on April 25, 2025. The Recruit Sustainment Program is a critical cornerstone of the Army National Guard, designed to prepare new enlistees for the rigors of Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT). The program’s mission is to ensure soldiers are physically, mentally, and emotionally ready to succeed before they ever ship out.

Full Circle: From RSP Recruit to Commander, U.S. Army Capt. Hames Leads the DCARNG "Trailblazers"
U.S. Soldiers with the Nebraska and North Dakota National Guards, assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia in support of the DC Safe and Beautiful mission, pose for a group photo at a hotel in Alexandria, Virginia, April 28, 2026. About 2,500 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.

JTF-DC at the White House Correspondents Association Dinner
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, delivers a birthday message recognizing the organization’s 224th anniversary on May 3, and in anticipation of Freedom 250, at the Lincoln Memorial on April 29, 2026. He highlights the Guard’s 224 years of courage, sacrifice, and dedication to freedom, citing service in major conflicts from the American Civil War to World War II, the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and modern global missions. Beyond combat operations, the D.C. National Guard also supports interagency partners during major national events in the capital, including presidential inaugurations, Independence Day celebrations, summits, National Special Security Events (NSSEs), and other requests for assistance (RFA). As the United States marks 250 years of independence through Freedom 250, the D.C. National Guard stands ready to serve as requested. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)

DCNG Commanding General’s 224th Birthday Message
First-year medical students at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences conduct a medical evacuation training exercise with a UH-60L MEDEVAC Black Hawk assigned to the D.C. Army National Guard Aviation Battalion in Bethesda, Maryland, on April 10, 2026. The training provided medical school applicants and first-year medical students with instruction in medical evacuation procedures and tactical combat casualty care (TCCC).

Shaping Future Military Physicians: D.C. Army National Guard Aviation Conducts MEDEVAC Training with Uniformed Services University
U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers compete in the finals during day three of the 2026 Lacerda Cup All-Army Combatives Championship at Fort Benning, Ga. Apr. 10, 2026. The two Army National Guard teams finished the tournament with third and sixth place team standings out of twenty-one teams competing, with three National Guard Soldiers earning championship belts.

From the Drill Floor to Tournament Stage, D.C. National Guard Launches Modern Combatives Program
U.S. Army Spc. Ester Henriquez, an Indiana National Guard member assigned to Joint Task Force - District of Columbia, holds Hasan Alpkan's hand during their wedding ceremony at the Old Post Chapel on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia, March 21, 2026. About 2,700 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.

From Duty to 'I Do'
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Whitehead (left) and Lt. Col. Andrew Garwitz (right), both with the D.C. National Guard, stand in front of the formation with the brigade colors during the 260th Special Purpose Brigade activation ceremony at the activation ceremony at the D.C. Armory in Washington, D.C., March 7, 2026.

D.C. National Guard Activates 260th Special Purpose Brigade to Strengthen Security in the Nation’s Capital
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the District of Columbia National Guard, hosts a Law Enforcement Recognition Ceremony recognizing partner law enforcement agencies at the D.C. Armory, Feb. 26, 2026. Distinguished guests included U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi; Gady Serralta, Director of the U.S. Marshals Service; and Jeffery Carroll, Interim Chief of Police for Metropolitan Police Department. The ceremony recognized officers from 10 local and federal law enforcement agencies for their partnership with the National Guard and contributions to public safety in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission. Officers received the District of Columbia National Guard Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal or Distinguished Service Medal based on their individual achievements and level of impact.

D.C. National Guard Hosts Ceremony Recognizing DC Safe and Beautiful Partners
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
DC National Guard News
Memorial Day Message 2026
May 25, 2026 - Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, reminds Americans that Memorial Day is more than a holiday or seasonal tradition — it is a solemn time to honor the men and women who...
Protect the Capital, Defend the Nation: DCNG Unveils Freedom 250 Patch
U.S. Army Spc. Shretha Broderick with the Georgia National Guard assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia in support of the DC Safe and Beautiful mission, salutes the American flag while wearing the Freedom 250 Brassard at the DC Armory in Washington, May 21, 2026. About 2,500 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 Jeron Walker)
May 23, 2026 - Leaders of the District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG) have introduced a new assignment patch that highlights their participation in the celebration of honoring Freedom 250 legacy and recognizes the National Guard’s...
JTF-DC Soldiers respond to vehicle accident
U.S. Army Spc. Brennan Ridgen, a combat medic, left, and Spc. Logan Jackson, right, an artilleryman, both with the Arkansas National Guard currently assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia in support of the DC Safe and Beautiful mission, pose for a portrait near Dupont Circle in Washington, May 21, 2026. About 2,500 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. (Courtesy Asset by Staff. Sgt. Thomas Norris)
May 21, 2026 - U.S. Soldiers with the Arkansas National Guard assigned to JTF-DC in support of the DC Safe and Beautiful mission responded to a vehicle accident involving a diplomatic vehicle near Dupont Circle in Washington, May 15, 2026...
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National Guard News
Virginia Guard, Finnish Air Force Strengthen Cyber Partnership
Members of the Finnish Air Force and the 185th Cyberspace Operations Squadron, 192nd Wing, Virginia Air National Guard, collaborate during exercise Smoked Reindeer April 20, 2026, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Virginia. The bilateral exercise served as a capstone event to certify Finnish cyber teams in accordance with U.S. Air Force Cyber Protection Team standards, strengthening the Department of War National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program between the Virginia National Guard and Finland. Photo by Staff Sgt. Kellyann Elish.
June 4, 2026 - JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. – Members of the 185th Cyberspace Operations Squadron, 192nd Wing, Virginia Air National Guard, and the Finnish Air Force gathered this spring for Exercise Smoked Reindeer 2026 to strengthen...
Air Guard Defenders Enhance Skills During Ranger Exercise
Air National Guard Security Forces defenders participate in near-ambush reaction training, instructed by the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Counter Threat Home Station Training Team, at Fort Benning, Georgia, May 12, 2026. During the two-week training event, Air National Guard defenders from Massachusetts, New York, Minnesota, Arizona and Kansas participated in a multi-day opposing force academy and enhanced air base ground defense tactics, techniques and procedures under austere and constrained field conditions during the U.S. Army’s 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment certification exercise. Photo by Senior Airman Julia Ahaesy.
June 4, 2026 - FORT BENNING, Ga. – Air National Guard Security Forces defenders enhanced air base ground defense tactics, techniques and procedures under austere, constrained field conditions during the U.S. Army’s 3rd Battalion, 75th...
Washington Guard Strengthens Readiness Ahead of World Cup 2026
Warrant Officer 1 Gregory Hederich, UAS Operations Tech, 81st Multi-Functional Reconnaissance Company, Washington National Guard, operates an Anduril GhostX drone during the counter-UAS field day demonstration at the Yakima Training Center, Washington, June 2, 2026. Photo by Joseph Siemandel.
June 4, 2026 - CAMP MURRAY, Wash. – Representatives from federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, multiple National Guards, state defense forces, Washington Emergency Management Division, Civil Air Patrol and active-duty military...
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Amid #Freedom250 celebrations, these landmarks stand as powerful reminders that preserving America’s heritage requires both reflection on our past and a continued commitment to safeguarding the people, institutions, and civic spaces that shape our shared future. https://t.co/p8aQhxzoi5
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Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, joined fellow public safety and homeland security leaders at the #Freedom250 Interagency Response and Capabilities Showcase, highlighting the efforts underway to safeguard the District. https://t.co/jLi8IGbtdi
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As one commander passes the colors and another assumes them, the mission endures, the legacy lives on, and the Red Hand remains strong!🇺🇸 Last week, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Julie Shelley relinquished command of the 372nd Military Police Battalion to Lt. Col. Andrew Garwitz. https://t.co/z2iELBqD91
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Presence matters! Maj. Gen. Charles Kemper, Deputy Director of the Army National Guard, met with Soldiers at Union Station as they continue supporting public safety efforts across the District. Guardsmen remain committed to strengthening security and fostering confidence! https://t.co/Ymxb8awa2a
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Building resilience. Strengthening community. Advancing the mission. https://t.co/yl3eBNOPOW
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Monthly Impact Report: From responding to violent incidents and rescuing crash victims to protecting civilians and reuniting a man with his family after years apart, Guardsmen answered the call when their communities needed them! This is what readiness looks like! #Freedom250 https://t.co/A5EK3CWxsf
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RT @USNationalGuard: “Just because you’re not 22 anymore doesn't mean the ship has sailed on you."  Matthew Stevens, a cyber specialist, h…
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Ready for a career with impact and opportunity? 🚔 Connect with hiring agencies 🚔 Explore rewarding career paths 🚔 Learn about competitive pay, benefits, and advancement opportunities 📅 Tuesday, June 9 at the DC Armory ⏰ 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Build a career that matters! https://t.co/Dy8umF8BQh
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U.S. Soldiers with the @SCNationalGuard, assigned to the Joint Task Force–DC in support of the DC Safe mission, conduct presence patrols at the Washington Navy Yard. The Guard's visible presence continues to support broader efforts focused on public confidence & community trust. https://t.co/SaSKvEGliA
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When a man wielding a hammer and chains chased a mother and her young child through the streets, U.S. Army Spc. Rayshaun Clark of the @GeorgiaGuard sprang into action, drawing on both his military training and experience as a civilian police officer: https://t.co/lj10ABjWXR
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U.S. Army Col. Larry Doane, commander of JTF-DC, delivers a clear message to the force: our actions, discipline, and professionalism are more than a mission requirement — they are a visible display of freedom, trust, and commitment. @USNationalGuard https://t.co/eEQbpC44Pa
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After more than 25 years of service, U.S. Army Lt. Col. John C. Kluge, Deputy Staff Judge Advocate, officially retired. Lt. Col. Kluge leaves behind a legacy of selfless service, mentorship, and steadfast dedication to military justice and operational excellence. Congrats! https://t.co/S5hALMPqk8
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#WhyIServe 🇺🇸 As a military police officer with the 276th Military Police Company, Spc. Pagan takes pride in safeguarding communities. She credits her uncle, Joel Pagan, a prior Army service member, as a strong influence who helped guide her path to military service. https://t.co/Ztnx4ZwjkN
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Trust isn’t built in a single moment — it’s earned through consistent presence. Whether responding during emergencies, supporting local events, mentoring youth, or standing ready in times of uncertainty, the @USNationalGuard doesn't just protect communities — we are part of them. https://t.co/osaOlQGZRY
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From riding alongside Miss America on a parade float to conducting presence patrols with DC Safe partners, members of the DC National Guard and Joint Task Force–District of Columbia proudly supported the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington. #DCSafe @USNationalGuard https://t.co/ts7nOX6ZVK
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U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Vicki Golding, vocalist for the @257armyband , performed the National Anthem during the opening of the internationally televised NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse National Championship. https://t.co/gic380ZMHC
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Victories are built through disciplined choices, consistent execution, and the determination to finish what you start. This #MemorialDay, remember to honor the journey. Respect the process. Finish strong.💪 https://t.co/85QDOD06az
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Recognizing tomorrow’s leaders today 🇺🇸✨ The District of Columbia Public Schools JROTC hosted its annual Cadet Ball and Awards Ceremony. Congrats to all cadets for their dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence — the future is bright! https://t.co/c9FCbgSym3
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This Memorial Day, we remember those whose absence is still deeply felt by their families, friends, fellow service members, and the nation they swore to protect. @WVNationalGuard @USNationalGuard https://t.co/Wb3ijNDKHl
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Leaders of the District of Columbia National Guard have unveiled a new assignment patch commemorating the #Freedom250 legacy and recognizing the National Guard’s role in supporting key events in the nation’s capital: https://t.co/4HjFbo7IWZ https://t.co/R3QOREvFYu
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Commanding General
                                        
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II
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