Features

DCNG Commanding General's Army 251st Birthday Message
June 14, 2026 — As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday and the U.S. Army marks its 251st Birthday on June 14, 2026, Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, reflects on the Army’s enduring commitment to the nation. Here in the nation’s capital, the D.C. National Guard and Joint Task Force–District of Columbia carry that legacy forward every day—supporting interagency partners, enhancing public safety, and service during some of the nation's most significant events. Reliable. Ready. Resolute. For 251 years, the Army has stood watch under one timeless promise: This We’ll Defend. ... MORE

D.C. National Guard to Host Law Enforcement Career Fair at D.C. Armory June 9
June 5, 2026 — Members of the District of Columbia National Guard will join more than 90 federal and local law enforcement agencies, first responders, training and higher education institutions, and resource organizations during the Law Enforcement Career Fair at the D.C. Armory on June 9, 2026. The multi-agency event is expected to connect thousands of attendees with career opportunities in public safety and public service throughout the National Capital Region and across Georgia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and North Carolina... MORE

How a Soldier's Humanity Helped Two Lives
May 30, 2026 — A man sat on the ledge of Arlington Memorial Bridge, his feet dangling over its edge when U.S. Army Sgt. Jordan Gillespie, a Crisis Intervention Training-certified personnel and Soldier with the Mississippi National Guard sat by him and began a conversation that ultimately helped bring him to safety on May 30, 2026. This was one the first of two similar interventions Gillespie would make that day... MORE

A man sat on the ledge of Arlington Memorial Bridge, his feet dangling over its edge when U.S. Army Sgt. Jordan Gillespie, a Crisis Intervention Training-certified personnel and Soldier with the Mississippi National Guard sat by him and began a conversation that ultimately helped bring him to safety on May 30, 2026. Approximately 2,500 National Guard members support the DC Safe and Beautiful mission, providing critical assistance to the Metropolitan Police Department and community partners to enhance safety and quality of life throughout the District.

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 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... MORE

Protect the Capital, Defend the Nation: DCNG Unveils Freedom 250 Patch
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 support of key events in the nation’s capital. The historic, once-in-a-generation opportunity to serve reflects the grounding principles of the United States while also reinforcing partnerships with local and federal authorities... MORE

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.

JTF-DC Soldiers respond to vehicle accident
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... MORE

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.

The D.C. National Guard: Making History Since 1802
May 20, 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. ... MORE

Full Circle: From Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP) Recruit to Commander, Capt. Hames Leads the DCARNG "Trailblazers"
May 4, 2026 — U.S. Army Capt. Desjamebra Y. Hames assumed command of the very type of program that launched her own decorated military career. She now leads the District of Columbia Army National Guard’s (DCARNG) Recruit Sustainment Program Company, newly christened the "Trailblazers." 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... MORE

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.

D.C. National Guard Commanding General Offers Message Commemorating 224th Birthday
May 1, 2026 — At the Lincoln Memorial, Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, marked the organization’s 224th birthday ahead of May 3—honoring a legacy built on courage, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to freedom. From the battlefields of the Civil War, World War II, Vietnam, and Operation Desert Storm, to today’s global missions, the D.C. National Guard has answered the call—every time. ... MORE

JTF-DC at the White House Correspondents Association Dinner
April 28, 2026 — U.S. Soldiers with the North Dakota, Arkansas and Nebraska Army National Guard, assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia in support of the DC Safe and Beautiful mission, responded to a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner (WHCAD) at the Washington Hilton in Northwest Washington April 25, 2026... MORE

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.