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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
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
DC National Guard News
From Duty to 'I Do'
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. (D.C. National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Melissa Sterling)
March 23, 2026 - While serving in Washington, U.S. Army Spc. Ester Henriquez moved forward with one of the most important days of her life—her wedding to Hasan Alpkan at the historic Old Post Chapel at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall,...
D.C. National Guard Activates 260th Special Purpose Brigade to Strengthen Security in the Nation’s Capital
U.S. Army Soldiers stand in formation during the 260th Special Purpose Brigade activation ceremony at the D.C. Armory in Washington, D.C., on March 7, 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 Spc. Shretha Broderick)
March 8, 2026 - The District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG) activated the 260th Special Purpose Brigade March 7 at the D.C. Armory, establishing the only brigade in the U.S. Army specifically designed to coordinate military support to...
D.C. National Guard Hosts Inaugural Law Enforcement Recognition Ceremony
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. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Ayan Sheikh)
Feb. 27, 2026 - The District of Columbia National Guard hosts its first Law Enforcement Recognition Ceremony to honor officers from partner agencies for their service and contributions to public safety in support of the D.C. Safe and...
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National Guard News
Connecticut Guard Officers Compete in Best Warrior Competition for the First Time
U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Luis Rodriguez-Veras, winner of the inaugural Connecticut Officer of the Year competition, completes the chin-up test during the physical events portion of the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge, or GAFPB, at the Naval Submarine Base New London, March 28, 2026. Rodriguez-Veras earned gold, the highest rating of the GAFPB, during the 2026 Connecticut Best Warrior Competition. Photo by Sgt. Kaitlyn Quinn.
April 1, 2026 - HARTFORD, Conn. – The Connecticut National Guard allowed officers to compete in its annual Best Warrior Competition for the first time alongside its non-commissioned officers and enlisted Soldiers, March 26-29.Command Sgt...
Florida Air Defense Battalion Trains With 82nd Airborne in First Minuteman Rotation
Soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, 265th Air Defense Artillery Regiment pose for a unit photo outside of the
April 1, 2026 - FORT POLK, La. – Soldiers from the Florida Army National Guard’s 3rd Battalion, 265th Air Defense Artillery Regiment trained alongside the 82nd Airborne Division during a combat training center rotation March 15-20, marking...
Indiana Guard, Slovak Partners Strengthen Ties, Conduct Air Training
A F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft pilot assigned to the Slovak Armed Forces shakes hands with a U.S. Air Force crew chief after a joint training flight at Morris Air National Guard Base, Tucson, Arizona, Feb. 15, 2026. The handshake marks the teamwork and coordination required during Department of War National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program missions, where U.S. and Slovak pilots conduct coordinated combat training flights to strengthen readiness and independent airpower capabilities. Photo by Airman 1st Class Danielle Hough.
March 31, 2026 - TUCSON, Ariz. – The 122nd Fighter Wing with the Indiana Air National Guard and Slovak Air Force took part in an air-to-air joint training Exchange of Experience exercise Feb. 12-17, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, aimed at...
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Precise. Ready to protect.💪🇺🇸 Members of the 33rd WMD-CST are sharpening their edge through decontamination training. Their mission also includes casualty care and seamless coordination with civilian agencies during domestic emergencies. https://t.co/KRbcI43tqy
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Service members supporting Make DC Safe and Beautiful are building readiness through real-world impact. Every mission strengthens the confidence and capability needed to serve when it matters most. #Alwaysready. #Alwaysthere. https://t.co/WNURI57sdW
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U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim), D.C. National Guard, reflects shares his perspective on the anticipation of #Freedom250 in the District. Together, Americans are uniting in a shared commitment to faith, freedom, and national pride! https://t.co/c3V7HY4QbH
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Congrats to our newest Colonel! As the Military Personnel Office (MILPO) Officer for the D.C. National Guard, Col. Amy Cartmell is instrumental in managing personnel actions, records, assignments, and promotions—ensuring our #warriors are ready 24/7! #GuardianPride https://t.co/NhVQX0b6oq
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The stage is set! Congratulations to the D.C. National Guard's Spc. Isaiah J. Castellanos (2-104th GSA Battalion) and Spc. Wilson Maliek (276th MP Co.), as they prepare to step onto the mats at the 2026 Army #LacerdaCup— the All-Army Combatives Championship at Fort Benning. https://t.co/to6umd4SvU
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Community trust is the foundation of the JTF-DC mission. Through professionalism, respect, and a consistent presence, our service members work every day to build confidence and strengthen the communities we serve. #AlwaysReady #AlwaysThere https://t.co/l2m597LRWj
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Standing watch beneath the cherry blossoms 🌸 Service members of Joint Task Force–DC continue to serve with pride—trusted to protect and committed to the community. https://t.co/o3wle3bdhN
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This week’s Motivational Monday Minute from CH (COL) Vincent Cummings, Command Chaplain for the D.C. National Guard, reminds us that American liberty endures because people choose to stand and protect it. https://t.co/LBVhlDRNp1
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One mission. One focus: keeping everyone safe. Joint Task Force-DC stands shoulder-to-shoulder with our communities—maintaining order, supporting first responders, and staying ready for whatever comes next. We remain grounded in one principle: #DefendEveryone. https://t.co/0dEgfXjbpO
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🇺🇸Every mission, every partnership, and every moment in uniform is rooted in a commitment to protect, support, and uplift our neighbors! This week, Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II welcomed the 2026 Dunbar HS Internship Program cohort at the D.C. Armory. #ProfessionalGrowth https://t.co/gfDTEgJ19e
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Sportsmanship and community spirit! Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, joined @DCPoliceDept to present the torch—marking the official start of the Special Olympics DC's Adult Unified Basketball Championship. https://t.co/1xsnF8RWkI
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Soldiers assigned to JTF-DC were honored to meet Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins during a presence patrol in southwest Washington. Engaging with national leaders and local citizens alike reinforces a shared commitment to service, resilience, and public trust. @USDA https://t.co/pUC10SmkGl
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🇺🇸 The Government Executive Hall of Fame recognizes retired Maj. Gen. William J. Walker, former Commanding General of the D.C. National Guard, for a career defined by dedication to public safety, national security, and leadership: https://t.co/ll8eB0LJkd https://t.co/mFpERKwXUx
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Staff Sgt. Brady Clark & Sgt. Matilda Clark turned a shared commitment into a life of service. After meeting in 2019, Matilda was inspired to enlist—now both serve and are supporting the DC Safe and Beautiful Mission. Learn more about their story: https://t.co/dtmOQTqPzj https://t.co/Md1pDtyQ0R
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Soldiers from @NationalGuardIN’s 219th Engineer Brigade gathered at the National Mall for a moment of recognition from Col. Larry Doane, JTF-DC commander, honoring leadership within the formation. https://t.co/aFrJ7wpUeb
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This week, Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael R. Weimer met with @nationalguardMS Soldiers on the National Mall about goals they hope to achieve while in Washington. Every conversation between our JTF-DC team and the community is a chance to reinforce trust. https://t.co/SHc6BCQjKO
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This week, Lt. Col. Charles Kluge, CW5 Amanda Ann Aragon, Capt. Daniel Patrick Barrett, and Maj. Robert Besier of the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate were officially admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court Bar—earning the privilege to present arguments before the highest court. https://t.co/KfSfkmnlUh
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While supporting operations in Washington, Spc. Ester Henriquez, @NationalGuardIN, moved forward with one of the most important days of her life—her wedding to Hasan Alpkan at the historic Old Post Chapel at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall: https://t.co/eeGJQawRDN @USNationalGuard https://t.co/ozID39JIHC
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“Anything can happen in even the most peaceful areas." A routine patrol by @GeorgiaGuard Guard Soldiers turned into a real-world test of #readiness when they encountered a missing juvenile attempting to enter restricted areas: https://t.co/sDOBtinPfl https://t.co/qPNERTMMuc
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Serving in support of another busy race weekend!🏁 Moments like these remind us why we do what we do. The genuine connection between our service members and the community reflects the heart of our mission and reinforces the public trust we’re proud to uphold. @USNationalGuard https://t.co/R2mfFQDTQr
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Commanding General
                                        
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II
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