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Ten Minutes Can Make a Difference: Participate in the Defense Organizational Climate Survey (DEOCS)
The District of Columbia National Guard's Defense Organizational Climate Survey (DEOCS) annual fielding window is approaching. The DEOCS is a key tool for assessing unit morale, identifying risk factors, and guiding prevention efforts. This critical survey allows every member of our organization to provide confidential feedback on our command climate, trust in leadership, cohesion, and unit readiness. Results support the development of evidence-based action plans to improve workplace culture and mission effectiveness. And strong participation provides reliable data to help us address issues before they become barriers to readiness. (U.S. Army National Guard graphic by Ayan Sheikh)
Sept. 3, 2026 - Beginning Sept. 8, 2026, the D.C. National Guard's annual Defense Organizational Climate Survey (DEOCS) fielding window will open, giving every Capital Guardian an opportunity to speak candidly about the environment in which...

In the Trenches: Chaplain Edward Lartey’s Life of Service Earns Distinguished Honor
U.S. Army Chaplain Edward Lartey with the District of Columbia National Guard, assigned to Joint Task Force- District of Columbia, receives the Military Chaplains Association USA Distinguished Service Award at the DC Armory on August 7, 2026. About 4,600 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.
Aug. 28, 2026 - For more than two decades, Chaplain (Maj.) Edward Lartey has built his ministry around one principle: being present when Soldiers and families face their most difficult moments. From combat in Iraq and civil unrest in...

The Capital’s Defenders: 212 Years After Bladensburg, Honoring the Citizen-Soldiers Who Answered the Call
Mark Hudson, Executive Director of Historic Congressional Cemetery, and U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, lay a wreath at the grave of U.S. Army Pvt. Andrew Coyle during a Battle of Bladensburg commemoration at Historic Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C., Aug. 24, 2026. The Maryland Society, Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard then rendered a ceremonial volley honoring the Citizen-Soldiers who answered the call to defend the nation’s capital in 1814. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)
Aug. 24, 2026 - As America celebrates 250 years of independence, the District of Columbia National Guard and Historic Congressional Cemetery gathered Aug. 23 to look back 212 years—to a moment when ordinary citizens answered an extraordinary...
National Guard News
Vermont Guardsmen Return from Overseas Deployment
U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 158th Fighter Wing return from an overseas deployment, arriving back to the Vermont Air National Guard, South Burlington, Vermont, Sept. 6, 2026. These Airmen came home from an overseas deployment to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Davis.
Sept. 8, 2026 - SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. – Airmen assigned to the Vermont Air National Guard’s 158th Fighter Wing returned home Sept. 6 following an overseas deployment.The Airmen initially deployed in support of operations in the U.S. Southern...

Hawaii Guard Sustains Recovery Efforts, Mobilizes for Hurricane Lowell
U.S. Army Sgts. Durana Amoncio, left, and Sgt. Mark Bumanglag, right, both CH-47 Chinook crew chiefs assigned to 2nd Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment, 103rd Troop Command, Hawaii Army National Guard, secures equipment before transport in Kalaeloa, Hawaii, Sept. 5, 2026. In preparation for Hurricane Lowell, the Hawaii National Guard is positioning personnel, equipment and high-wheeled vehicles on Kauai to be ready to respond as requests are received. The Hawaii National Guard is working closely with the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, county emergency management agencies and other response partners to prepare for the storm. Photo by Staff Sgt. Randall Corpuz.
Sept. 8, 2026 - HONOLULU – The Hawaii National Guard remains actively positioned across the state, balancing recovery operations from Tropical Cyclone Lala with urgent preparation efforts for Hurricane Lowell, the third tropical system to...

New York Guardsmen Earn Danish Military March Ribbon
U.S. Soldiers and Airmen with the New York National Guard participated in the Danish Ruck March at Camp Smith Training Site, near Peekskill, Cortlandt Manor, N.Y., Aug. 28, 2026. Thousands of military service members competed across the world in this virtual in-person event and 211 participated in the event at Camp Smith. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Sebastian Rothwyn.
Sept. 4, 2026 - CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE, Cortlandt Manor, N.Y. — Two hundred and eleven New York National Guard Soldiers and Airmen tackled the rugged trails of the Hudson Highlands Aug. 28 to earn the Royal Danish Air Force March...
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Volunteers Wanted: NMRC Clinical Trial...

BETHESDA, Md. – Staff at Naval Medical Research Command (NMRC) are currently recruiting volunteers for a phase 2a study t...

Soldiers Working Together To Secure Am...

It is not just the job of moving the ammunition containers as outside threats loom.

USS Boxer Sailors Transport Aircraft

A U.S. Sailor assigned to Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) prepares to tiedown an MV-22 Osprey, assig...
Commanding General
                                        
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II
  Biography
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