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Never Forgotten: D.C. National Guard Remembers September 11
Sept. 9, 2026 - Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the District of Columbia National Guard, delivers a command message from the D.C. Armory marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist...
Your Voice, Our Force: DEOCS Command Message
Sept. 8, 2026 - Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the District of Columbia National Guard, provides a command message encouraging every Capital Guardian to participate in the 2026 Defense Organizational...
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...
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Massachusetts Guard Welcomes Fifth‑Generation Fighter
From left to right, U.S. Air Force Gen. Steven Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau; U.S. Senator Richard Neal of Massachusetts; Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll; U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Gary W. Keefe, adjutant general of the Massachusetts National Guard; Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healy; Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe; U.S. Army Maj. John Velis, Massachusetts senator for Hampden and Hampshire districts; and U.S. Air Force Col. Michael 'Shot' Glass, commander of the 104th Fighter Wing, pose for a group photo in front of an F-35A Lightning II multi-role fighter aircraft during a ceremony at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Westfield, Massachusetts, Sept. 13 2026. The official arrival of the F-35 to Barnes marks the culmination of a decade of effort, including work by military officials, Massachusetts state lawmakers, congressional committees and local civic partners. The 104th's new mission to provide lethal and ready airpower to combatant commanders anytime and anywhere carries forth the heritage of the National Guard first formed in Massachusetts more than 250 years ago – always ready, and by the sword. Photo by Airman 1st Class Ellen Ozkaptan.
Sept. 14, 2026 - BARNES AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mass. – The Massachusetts National Guard’s 104th Fighter Wing marked a milestone Sept. 13 when it officially welcomed the F‑35A Lightning II to Barnes Air National Guard Base with a...
Alabama Guard Helps De-Escalate Metro Station Confrontation
U.S. Army Sgt. Jeffery Vernon with the Alabama National Guard, assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia, or JTF-DC, in support of the DC Safe and Beautiful mission, patrol at the Judiciary Circle in Washington, Sept. 10, 2026. About 3,100 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. Photo by Sgt. Katlynn Pickle.
Sept. 14, 2026 - WASHINGTON – U.S. Soldiers with the Alabama National Guard, assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia, or JTF-DC, in support of the DC Safe and Beautiful mission, assisted Metro Transit Police Sept. 8 in de-escalating...
Alaska Guard Rescues Pilots From Two Plane Crashes
U.S. Air Force HH-60W Jolly Green II aviators assigned to the 210th Rescue Squadron, 176th Wing, Alaska Air National Guard, conduct flight operations while responding to a simulated medical emergency during SAREX 2026 near Sitka, Alaska, April 16, 2026. SAREX 2026 was a search-and-rescue exercise conducted by U.S. Coast Guardsmen assigned to Sector Southeastern Alaska and U.S. Arctic out of USCG Air Station Sitka. Participants also included Alaska Army National Guard aviators assigned to the 207th Aviation Troop Command, Alaska Air National Guardsmen assigned to the 210th and 212th Rescue Squadrons, Air Force Reserve pararescuemen from the 304th Rescue Squadron out of Portland, Oregon, civilian search and rescue personnel with Sitka Search and Rescue, and volunteers from the National Park Service. The collaborative and realistic training drew on the participants’ varied backgrounds, experiences and practices, to enhance SAR proficiency and collective readiness when conducting life-saving missions along Alaska’s extensive and austere coast. Photo by Alejandro Pena.
Sept. 14, 2026 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska – Alaska Air National Guardsmen of the 176th Wing rescued two pilots in two separate plane crashes Sept. 10.The Alaska Rescue Coordination Center at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson...
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September is National Preparedness Month! National Guard members assigned to the JTF-DC put combat lifesaver skills to work through hands-on exercise focused on treating injuries, controlling bleeding, assessing casualties and preparing patients for evacuation. #AlwaysReady https://t.co/04Jj3GYd2X
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From vehicle maintenance and transportation coordination to supply, logistics and operational sustainment, the Joint Task Force-DC J4 Transportation Team keeps the force moving! #DCSafe https://t.co/exCVxn4QRp
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The District came together to remember its own—and a day that forever changed our city, our nation and our mission. Twenty-five years later, we carry their memory forward through our enduring commitment to stand ready, serve our neighbors and protect the nation’s capital. https://t.co/s7ZRHMVk79
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National perspective. Local mission. “We’re everywhere…our role is to provide support.” Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II joined Bloomberg’s Balance of Power to discuss security in the nation’s capital—25 years after the September 11 terrorist attacks: https://t.co/W6e0rcdzur https://t.co/NAaiF4ZouW
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Vigilance is more than watching — it’s knowing what to look for, recognizing when something isn’t right and being prepared to respond. Every patrol. Every interaction. Every shift. https://t.co/27x2TI0Yjj
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Enhancing Mission Readiness Through realistic training and dedicated teamwork, Soldiers continue sharpening the capabilities needed to enhance mission readiness and respond whenever duty calls. #AlwaysReady https://t.co/sDfHAKtLLY
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The D.C. National Guard’s 33rd WMD-CST gathered for a Hail and Farewell and Dining-Out, recognizing teammates who are moving on, marking career milestones and celebrating the people behind the mission. https://t.co/7eQymrhMlS
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Supporting #DCSafe means being prepared for more than what the mission demands today—it means staying ready for whatever the nation may demand tomorrow. @AlabamaNG https://t.co/8MaAGNEGpx
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“I have a helicopter, I have a crew and a full bag of gas. What can I do to help?” As smoke rose from the Pentagon and our nation struggled to comprehend the attacks of 9/11, members of the District of Columbia National Guard answered the call: https://t.co/H4JCD2la7L https://t.co/206gtQGrjM
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Meaningful engagement with the community reinforces trust, strengthens partnerships, and advances our shared commitment to public safety. By showing up, listening, and working together, we build more than connections—we build confidence in one another and in the mission we share. https://t.co/rS0nzr3CTb
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RT @SecretService: Tonight is your last chance to sign up for tomorrow's virtual recruiting session! Join Secret Service Special Agents, P…
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This #LaborDay, remember: Every day is progress. 🇺🇸 @GeorgiaGuard Sgt. Tyler Crosby, a combat medic assigned to Joint Task Force-DC, reflects on his experience supporting #DCSafe—and the purpose behind the work. @USNationalGuard https://t.co/U9u7uAnCQS
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🤼‍♂️Coed wrestlers ages 14–21 from across the DMV took to the mat, testing their skill, discipline, and competitive spirit at the 2026 DCNG Summer Slam. More than a wrestling tournament, the event highlights the Guard's support to the next generation of athletes! @DCNationalGuard https://t.co/Xm3WP1LCOZ
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Different agencies. One shared commitment to the nation’s capital. Built on fidelity, bravery and integrity — and united by a shared commitment to be here, ready to help when it matters most. @USNationalGuard @GeorgiaGuard https://t.co/V5Nt55yM7b
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20 kilometers. 25 pounds. One challenge. Members of the District of Columbia National Guard and Joint Task Force-District of Columbia put their endurance to the test during the Danish Flyver Ruck March, joining thousands of participants around the world. @DCNationalGuard https://t.co/Wxq9OkDmbL
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Presence, partnership and public safety! @nationalguardMS https://t.co/DiL8ckROct
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RT @SecretService: Only a few days left to sign up for our September 8 virtual recruiting session! Join Secret Service Special Agents, Pol…
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RT @SecretService: Ride along with the Secret Service Police Patrol Unit Division as they patrol and protect the foreign embassies and dipl…
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Move it. Maintain it. Keep the mission moving. Behind every mission is a logistics team making sure the right people, equipment and resources get to the right place at the right time. @USNationalGuard https://t.co/P1Ak4oMkgZ
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🚨DEOCS is more than a survey. Your feedback gives leaders a clearer picture of what's happening across our force — from trust in leadership and morale to fairness, respect and cohesion! ⏱️ It takes about 10 minutes: https://t.co/OUB9kJk7qR https://t.co/sFyQuZ3255
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Commanding General
                                        
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II
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