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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.

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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

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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.

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Indiana National Guard members pose for a photo after a wedding ceremony at the Old Post Chapel on Fort Myer, 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.

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U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (interim) of the District of Columbia National Guard, Hasan Alpkan and Spc. Ester Henriquez, an Indiana National Guard member assigned to Joint Task Force - DC, pose for a photo after their wedding ceremony at the Old Post Chapel on Fort Myer, 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.

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U.S. Army Maj. Ceasar Pajarillo, Indiana National Guard Chaplain assigned to Joint Task Force - District of Columbia, delivers a message during the wedding ceremony of Spc. Ester Henriquez and Hasan Alpkan at the Old Post Chapel, Fort Myer, 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.

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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 Fort Myer, 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.

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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 Fort Myer, 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.

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U.S. Army Spc. Aaralyn Mills, a patrol team lead with Joint Task Force - District of Columbia, plays piano before a fellow Indiana National Guard member's wedding at the Old Post Chapel on Fort Myer, 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.

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U.S. Army Lt. Col. Benjamin Brown with the D.C. National Guard, gives a Soldier a brigade unit patch during the 260th Special Purpose Brigade activation ceremony at the D.C. National Guard Armory in the District of Columbia on March 7, 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.

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U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Whitehead (left) and Lt. Col. Andrew Garwitz (right), both with the D.C. National Guard, stand in front of the formation with the brigade colors during the 260th Special Purpose Brigade activation ceremony at the activation ceremony at the D.C. Armory in Washington, D.C., March 7, 2026.

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U.S. Army Soldiers stand in formation during the 260th Special Purpose Brigade activation ceremony at the D.C. Armory in Washington, D.C., on March 7, 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.

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U.S. Army Col. Larry Doane, commander of the 260th Special Purpose Brigade (right), and Command Sgt. Maj. Larry Mckennon, senior enlisted leader (left), cut a celebratory cake after the 260th Special Purpose Brigade activation ceremony at the D.C. Armory, in Washington, D.C., March 7, 2026.

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Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the District of Columbia National Guard, hosts a Law Enforcement Recognition Ceremony recognizing partner law enforcement agencies at the D.C. Armory, Feb. 26, 2026. Distinguished guests included U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi; Gady Serralta, Director of the U.S. Marshals Service; and Jeffery Carroll, Interim Chief of Police for Metropolitan Police Department. The ceremony recognized officers from 10 local and federal law enforcement agencies for their partnership with the National Guard and contributions to public safety in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission. Officers received the District of Columbia National Guard Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal or Distinguished Service Medal based on their individual achievements and level of impact.

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Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the District of Columbia National Guard, hosts a Law Enforcement Recognition Ceremony recognizing partner law enforcement agencies at the D.C. Armory, Feb. 26, 2026. Distinguished guests included U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi; Gady Serralta, Director of the U.S. Marshals Service; and Jeffery Carroll, Interim Chief of Police for Metropolitan Police Department. The ceremony recognized officers from 10 local and federal law enforcement agencies for their partnership with the National Guard and contributions to public safety in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission. Officers received the District of Columbia National Guard Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal or Distinguished Service Medal based on their individual achievements and level of impact.

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Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the District of Columbia National Guard, hosts a Law Enforcement Recognition Ceremony recognizing partner law enforcement agencies at the D.C. Armory, Feb. 26, 2026. Distinguished guests included U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi; Gady Serralta, Director of the U.S. Marshals Service; and Jeffery Carroll, Interim Chief of Police for Metropolitan Police Department. The ceremony recognized officers from 10 local and federal law enforcement agencies for their partnership with the National Guard and contributions to public safety in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission. Officers received the District of Columbia National Guard Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal or Distinguished Service Medal based on their individual achievements and level of impact.

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Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the District of Columbia National Guard, hosts a Law Enforcement Recognition Ceremony recognizing partner law enforcement agencies at the D.C. Armory, Feb. 26, 2026. Distinguished guests included U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi; Gady Serralta, Director of the U.S. Marshals Service; and Jeffery Carroll, Interim Chief of Police for Metropolitan Police Department. The ceremony recognized officers from 10 local and federal law enforcement agencies for their partnership with the National Guard and contributions to public safety in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission. Officers received the District of Columbia National Guard Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal or Distinguished Service Medal based on their individual achievements and level of impact.

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U.S. Air National Guard Master Sgt. William Blankenship records video alongside Joint Task Force–District of Columbia leadership during a circulation in Washington, Oct. 30, 2025. The Joint Task Force supports civil authorities in the nation’s capital through coordinated security operations, interagency collaboration and disciplined presence. Clear, accurate communication remains central to the mission, reinforcing transparency and public confidence while safeguarding lawful governance. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Angelina Tran)

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U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the Mississippi National Guard conduct a presence patrol near the Thomas Jefferson statue inside the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, Feb. 10, 2026. Operating as part of Joint Task Force–District of Columbia, the Soldiers provide a visible and steady presence at historic landmarks in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. William Blankenship)

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U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, interim commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard, visits with Soldiers and Airmen supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission in Washington, D.C., Jan. 31, 2026. As the senior leader of the D.C. National Guard, Blanchard provides command oversight and guidance to National Guard forces supporting public safety and interagency coordination across the capital. His visit reinforced the importance of disciplined presence, partnership with local and federal agencies, and sustained readiness in support of the mission. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. William Blankenship)

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Video by Senior Airman Amanda Bodony

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National Guard Supports the Capitol

DC National Guard

Jan. 15, 2021 | 0:36

U.S. Air Force Capt. Scott Malcolm, with the District of Columbia National Guard, describes the joint reception, staging, onward movement, and integration process in Washington, D.C., Jan. 15, 2021. National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from several states have traveled to Washington to provide support to federal and district authorities leading up to the 59th Presidential Inauguration. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Senior Airman Amanda Bodony)

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