Brig. Gen. Aaron R. Dean II, adjutant general, District of Columbia National Guard, served as guest speaker for the Howard University Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) commissioning ceremony, May 17, 2023

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230517-Z-OU142-0021.JPG Photo By: Public Affairs

WASHINGTON - Brig. Gen. Aaron R. Dean II, adjutant general, District of Columbia National Guard, served as guest speaker for the Howard University Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) commissioning ceremony, May 17, 2023. According to Howard's ROTC program website, the goal of these programs is to help students become officers and leaders in the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force and U.S. Army. During Dean's speech, he commended the newly commissioned officers of the United States Army for reaching a pivotal point of earning the rank of Second Lieutenant. "It is at this rank that your commanders will task you with complex and difficult tasks that seem impossible. He expressed that only one percent of the American population currently serve in the armed forces because the requirements are many and the selection process is very competitive. "But I am certain, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the Howard ROTC program gave you the tools and honed the skills you will need to professionally serve the Soldiers that you will be entrusted to lead." (Photos contributed by Howard University)

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Video by Master Sgt. Arthur Wright

D.C. National Guard Command Team Holiday Message

DC National Guard

Dec. 15, 2025 | 3:29

Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard; Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Smith, Senior Enlisted Leader; and their spouses deliver a holiday message emphasizing gratitude for service, readiness, and family sacrifice to the D.C. National Guard and Joint Task Force - District of Columbia. This holiday season, they encourage the entire force to focus on connection, gratitude, achievements, and progress. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)