Image Gallery

An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Official websites use .mil

A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.

Secure .mil websites use HTTPS

A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

ImageGallery

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.

Share

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.

Share

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.

Share

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.

Share

U.S. Soldiers with the Arkansas National Guard, 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 Washington, April 27, 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.

Share

First-year medical students at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences conduct a medical evacuation training exercise with a UH-60L MEDEVAC Black Hawk assigned to the D.C. Army National Guard Aviation Battalion in Bethesda, Maryland, on April 10, 2026. The training provided medical school applicants and first-year medical students with instruction in medical evacuation procedures and tactical combat casualty care (TCCC).

Share

First-year medical students at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences conduct a medical evacuation training exercise with a UH-60L MEDEVAC Black Hawk assigned to the D.C. Army National Guard Aviation Battalion in Bethesda, Maryland, on April 10, 2026. The training provided medical school applicants and first-year medical students with instruction in medical evacuation procedures and tactical combat casualty care (TCCC).

Share

First-year medical students at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences conduct a medical evacuation training exercise with a UH-60L MEDEVAC Black Hawk assigned to the D.C. Army National Guard Aviation Battalion in Bethesda, Maryland, on April 10, 2026. The training provided medical school applicants and first-year medical students with instruction in medical evacuation procedures and tactical combat casualty care (TCCC).

Share

First-year medical students at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences conduct a medical evacuation training exercise with a UH-60L MEDEVAC Black Hawk assigned to the D.C. Army National Guard Aviation Battalion in Bethesda, Maryland, on April 10, 2026. The training provided medical school applicants and first-year medical students with instruction in medical evacuation procedures and tactical combat casualty care (TCCC).

Share

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers compete in the finals during day three of the 2026 Lacerda Cup All-Army Combatives Championship at Fort Benning, Ga. Apr. 10, 2026. The two Army National Guard teams finished the tournament with third and sixth place team standings out of twenty-one teams competing, with three National Guard Soldiers earning championship belts.

Share

U.S. Army Spc. Isaiah Castellanos (2nd from left), District of Columbia National Guard, and Spc. Sandra Chheng, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, compete in the bantamweight finals during day three of the 2026 Lacerda Cup All-Army Combatives Championship at Fort Benning, Ga. Apr. 10, 2026. The two Army National Guard teams finished the tournament with third and sixth place team standings out of twenty-one teams competing, with three National Guard Soldiers earning championship belts.

Share

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers compete in the finals during day three of the 2026 Lacerda Cup All-Army Combatives Championship at Fort Benning, Ga. Apr. 10, 2026. The two Army National Guard teams finished the tournament with third and sixth place team standings out of twenty-one teams competing, with three National Guard Soldiers earning championship belts.

Share

Army National Guard Combatives team member Spc. Isaiah J. Castellanos, with the 2-104th General Support Aviation Battalion, District of Columbia National Guard, poses for a portrait ahead of the 2026 Army Lacerda Cup (All-Army Combatives Championship) taking place at Fort Benning, Georgia, April 7, 2026.

Share

Army National Guard Combatives team member Spc. Wilson Maliek, 276th Military Police Co., District of Columbia National Guard, poses for a portrait ahead of the 2026 Army Lacerda Cup (All-Army Combatives Championship) taking place at Fort Benning, Georgia, April 7, 2026.

Share

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers representing Pennsylvania, Ohio, Nevada, Guam, and the District of Columbia compete during day two of the 2026 Lacerda Cup All-Army Combatives Championship at Fort Benning, Ga. Apr. 9, 2026. Fighters progress through the quarterfinals and semifinals to earn their championship cage match bouts. The competition features eight-person teams and individual Soldiers performing multiple close-quarters combatives techniques, proving their readiness to close with and destroy the enemy in hand-to-hand combat.

Share

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers representing Pennsylvania, Ohio, Nevada, Guam, and the District of Columbia compete during day two of the 2026 Lacerda Cup All-Army Combatives Championship at Fort Benning, Ga. Apr. 9, 2026. Fighters progress through the quarterfinals and semifinals to earn their championship cage match bouts. The competition features eight-person teams and individual Soldiers performing multiple close-quarters combatives techniques, proving their readiness to close with and destroy the enemy in hand-to-hand combat.

Share

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers representing Pennsylvania, Ohio, Nevada, Guam, and the District of Columbia compete during day two of the 2026 Lacerda Cup All-Army Combatives Championship at Fort Benning, Ga. Apr. 9, 2026. Fighters progress through the quarterfinals and semifinals to earn their championship cage match bouts. The competition features eight-person teams and individual Soldiers performing multiple close-quarters combatives techniques, proving their readiness to close with and destroy the enemy in hand-to-hand combat.

Share

Brig. Gen. Matthew F. Blue serves as the Assistant Adjutant General for the District of Columbia National Guard, leading over 3,000 Air and Army Guardsmen. He is responsible for ensuring the readiness of the Guard's fighter, airlift, and support forces for global missions, the defense of the Nation's Capital, and local emergency response. As a principal advisor to the Commanding General, he oversees strategic planning, logistics, and personnel. Brig. Gen. Blue also plays a key role in high-visibility operations, leading congressional engagement and assisting in the execution of the President’s "DC Safe and Beautiful" mission.

Share

CH (COL) Vincent A. Cummings serves as Command Chaplain for The District Of Columbia National Guard. He provides executive leadership in delivery of Religious Support, across the District Of Columbia Army & Air National Guard, as a Dual Status Military Technician. Chaplain Cummings additionally serves as a member of Special Staff, advising the Commanding General on all matters pertaining to Religious Affairs, for the District Of Columbia National Guard

Share

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.

Share

Video Player

Video by Master Sgt. Arthur Wright

Download

DCNG Commanding General Memorial Day Message 2026

DC National Guard

May 25, 2026 | 1:36

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. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)

More

Tags

D.C. National GuardDCSafejtfdcMemorial DayNational Guard

More

Up Next

DCNG Commanding General Memorial Day Message 2026

DCNG Commanding General Memorial Day Message 2026

D.C. National Guard Command Team Holiday Message

D.C. National Guard Command Team Holiday Message

Alabama National Guard supports JTF -DC patrols

Alabama National Guard supports JTF -DC patrols

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

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

642nd Cooking for Annual Training

642nd Cooking for Annual Training

Motivational Monday Minute preview

Motivational Monday Minute preview

2023 Army-Navy Game Shout Out

2023 Army-Navy Game Shout Out

Holistic Health and Fitness

Holistic Health and Fitness

Mental Health Awareness

Mental Health Awareness

D.C. National Guard Soldier Spotlight: Capt. Michelle Watkis

D.C. National Guard Soldier Spotlight: Capt. Michelle Watkis

Three Soldiers Assist With a Pedestrian That Was Hit By A vehicle

Three Soldiers Assist With a Pedestrian That Was Hit By A vehicle

District of Columbia National Guard Commemorates First Muster

District of Columbia National Guard Commemorates First Muster

More Videos