'Class of many firsts': Three CGYCA Class 61 grads earn scholarships and admission into UDC

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Maj. Gen John C. Andonie, Commanding General (interim) of the District of Columbia National Guard; Maj. Gen. Errol R. Schwartz (ret.), former Commanding General, D.C. National Guard; Mr. Keith Hammond, CGYCA Manager of Information Systems; Mr. Philip M. Burke, CGYCA program director, and Brig. Gen. Aaron R. Dean II, the Adjutant General of the District of Columbia National Guard, stand for a photograph during the Capital Guardian Youth Challenge Academy Class 61 residential phase commencement ceremony at the University of the District of Columbia, Dec. 29, 2023. Since 2013, the mission of the program is to intervene in and reclaim the lives of at-risk youth, and produce program graduates with the values, skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed as adults.

231229-F-PL327-2454.JPG Photo By: Master Sgt. Arthur Wright

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'Class of many firsts': CGYCA Class 61 grads earn scholarships and admission into UDC

WASHINGTON - Maj. Gen John C. Andonie, Commanding General (interim) of the District of Columbia National Guard; Maj. Gen. Errol R. Schwartz (ret.), former Commanding General, D.C. National Guard; Mr. Keith Hammond, CGYCA Manager of Information Systems; Mr. Philip M. Burke, CGYCA program director, and Brig. Gen. Aaron R. Dean II, the Adjutant General of the District of Columbia National Guard, stand for a photograph during the Capital Guardian Youth Challenge Academy Class 61 residential phase commencement ceremony at the University of the District of Columbia, Dec. 29, 2023. Since 2013, the mission of the program is to intervene in and reclaim the lives of at-risk youth, and produce program graduates with the values, skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed as adults. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)

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Video by Sgt. 1st Class Erica Jaros

MIC'd Up with JTF-DC Commander Col. Doane

715th Public Affairs Detachment

Sept. 17, 2025 | 1:01

U.S. Army Col. Larry Doane, commander, Joint Task Force - District of Columbia, D.C. National Guard, speaks with Soldiers from various states and members of the public about their experiences during the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission at locations across the District on Sept. 17, 2025. About 2,300 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 video by Sgt. 1st Class Erica Jaros)