News Release

Decisions in Motion: Leadership at Street Level in Washington
February 3, 2026 — WASHINGTON — What fell softly days ago in the morning now resists every step. Snow pressed into sidewalks and medians has hardened into uneven barriers, narrowing walkways and subtly reshaping how the city moves. In Washington, winter rarely stops activity—it refines it... MORE

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)

Finding Common Ground in the Nation’s Capital
February 3, 2026 — WASHINGTON — As evening settles over the city, Ohio National Guard Soldiers fan out across Metro platforms, sidewalks and public spaces where thousands of people pass through every night. Some commuters hurry past, others pause to ask a question or offer a quiet thank you. For the Soldiers supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, those everyday interactions reflect a steady, visible presence focused on safety, reassurance and public trust across the nation’s capital... MORE

Ohio National Guard Soldiers supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission stand watch in their assigned patrol area in Washington, D.C., January 2026. Through presence patrols across key transit hubs and surrounding neighborhoods, the Soldiers work alongside local and federal law enforcement partners to help deter crime and enhance public safety. Their visible presence reinforces community confidence and supports a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to keeping the nation’s capital safe and accessible. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. William Blankenship)

Mic’d Up: Walking the Mission with Task Force Ironman
February 3, 2026 — WASHINGTON — The radio crackles softly as footsteps echo through the Metro corridor at Farragut North. It’s early evening, and commuters stream past turnstiles while trains arrive in steady intervals. At the top of the stairs, National Guard Soldiers stand watch—alert, approachable and already familiar with the rhythm of the station... MORE

Built for the Moment: Task Force Thunder on Patrol in the Nation’s Capital
February 3, 2026 — WASHINGTON — The radio crackles to life as the vehicle eases into traffic, weaving through familiar streets under the glow of streetlights and Metro station entrances. From the passenger seat, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Robert Riddle scans sidewalks, stairwells and faces moving past the windshield, narrating his thoughts almost as quickly as the city unfolds around him... MORE

DC Safe and Beautiful builds leaders, strengthens readiness and shapes the force
February 3, 2026 — WASHINGTON —For the District of Columbia National Guard, the DC Safe and Beautiful mission has become more than a community support operation. It provides a practical means to strengthen the force while supporting the Nation’s Capital—advancing leader development, reinforcing readiness and helping prepare the organization to address evolving operational demands under priorities emphasized by U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, commanding general (interim) of the District of Columbia National Guard... MORE

Interagency by Design: Unity of Effort Powers the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Mission
February 3, 2026 — WASHINGTON — As the evening rush hour began and the glow of sunset filtered into the echoing corridor of a Metro station, Spc. Lily Castro paused near a column, watching commuters stream toward the platforms. The rumble of arriving trains and the rhythm of footsteps filled the station. Down the corridor, a small group of Metropolitan Police officers adjusted their positions, preparing to move into another section of the station as daylight faded... MORE

Spc. Lily Castro, an Alabama National Guard Soldier assigned to Joint Task Force–District of Columbia, pauses in a Metro station in Washington, Jan. 9, 2026. Castro supports the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, operating alongside local and federal law enforcement partners to promote coordination, public safety and confidence across the National Capital Region.
(U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. William Blankenship)

Citizens in Uniform: Diverse Experience Fuels National Guard Mission in the Nation’s Capital
February 3, 2026 — WASHINGTON — The National Guard is often described as a force of citizen-Soldiers and Airmen, a distinction that reflects more than part-time service. Across Washington, D.C., that identity is on full display as Guardsmen from multiple states bring their civilian skills, professional experience and diverse backgrounds together in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission—reinforcing public safety while supporting civil authorities in the Nation’s Capital... MORE

Statement from D.C. National Guard regarding potential government shutdown
February 3, 2026 — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Statement from D.C. National Guard regarding potential government shutdown WASHINGTON — District of Columbia National Guard and Joint Task Force - District of Columbia leadership is aware of the potential lapse in appropriations that can result in the event of a government shutdown when the current Continuing Resolution (CR) expires on January 30, 2026. National Guard members supporting JTF-DC will continue to execute their current mission, and our commitment to the welfare and safety of District residents and visitors is resolute... MORE

Steady in the Storm: Guardsmen Support D.C. Through Winter Weather
February 1, 2026 — WASHINGTON— Snow fell steadily as a military Humvee eased through Washington’s streets, tires crunching over packed ice while traffic lights reflected off slush-covered pavement. Inside the vehicle, Col. Larry Doane, commander of Joint Task Force–District of Columbia, scanned a digital map, tracking patrols spread across the city as a winter storm tightened its grip... MORE

Service members assigned to the National Guard move throughout Washington, D.C. to assist residents during a winter storm, Jan. 25, 2026, in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission. Snow and icy conditions impacted travel across the District, prompting National Guard personnel to provide assistance to people in need while maintaining a visible presence in affected neighborhoods. As part of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, approximately 2,500 National Guard members support local and federal partners to help maintain public safety and community resilience throughout the nation’s capital. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. William Blankenship)

Brig. Gen. Blanchard Visits Soldiers in Patrolling in DC
February 1, 2026 — WASHINGTON — Tires crunch over frozen pavement as a military vehicle moves steadily through the streets of the nation’s capital. Snow clings to curbs and medians, packed into uneven ridges by plows that worked through the night. At a red light, a pedestrian slips briefly on ice before regaining balance. Nearby Guardsmen subtly adjust their posture and close distance—not to intervene, but to be ready... MORE

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, interim commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard, visits Soldiers patrolling metro stations in Washington, D.C., Jan. 29, 2026. Approximately 2,600 National Guard members support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission by assisting the Metropolitan Police Department to help ensure the safety of residents, commuters and visitors throughout the District. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Paris Hayes)