News Release

DC National Guard Partners with DEA for National Prescription Take Back Day
November 18, 2024 — The District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG) Counterdrug Program takes pride in its partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Metropolitan Police Department. The joint goal is to foster healthy, drug-free environments through collaborative community initiatives... MORE

The DC National Guard Counterdrug Program partnered with the DEA and Metropolitan Police Department for National Prescription Take Back Day at multiple locations in Washington, D.C., on October 26, 2024. Take Back Day encouraged community members to prevent medication misuse by clearing out their medicine cabinets. By participating, the DC National Guard aimed to foster a healthier, drug-free environment for all.

D.C. National Guard Counterdrug Program and MPD Unite for "Plant the Promise" Event, Inspiring Youth to Choose Drug-Free Futures
November 15, 2024 — "Plant the Promise" brought 5th to 8th-grade students together in a symbolic tulip planting activity. Students planted bulbs that will bloom in the spring, representing both their commitment to stay drug-free and their own potential for growth... MORE

The DC National Guard Counterdrug Program partners with the Metropolitan Police Department's 4th District Community Outreach Unit to host a Plant the Promise event at Center City Public Charter School's Brightwood Campus, October 29, 2024. The event encouraged students to commit to a drug-free lifestyle as part of Red Ribbon Week. By participating, the DC National Guard aims to inspire youth to make healthy choices and build a drug-free future.

Black Hawk Landing Sparks Pride and Excitement at Armed Forces Retirement Home
November 11, 2024 — Members of the District of Columbia Army National Guard aviation command arrive in a UH-60 Black Hawk medical evacuation helicopter for a Veterans Day commemoration at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington, D.C... MORE

Members of the District of Columbia Army National Guard aviation command land a UH-60 Black Hawk medical evacuation helicopter during a Veterans Day commemoration at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 8, 2024. The event, designed to honor retired service members, allowed veterans to connect with D.C. National Guard aviators, their mission and capabilities.

D.C. National Guard Welcomes New Direct Commissioned Cyber Officer
November 9, 2024 — U.S. Army 1LT Mohammed Wardeh’s journey to becoming a commissioned officer with the District of Columbia Army National Guard may have culminated in a brief ceremony, but it was the result of years of resilience, commitment, and a path that spanned continents... MORE

U.S. Army 1LT Mohammed Wardeh receives his direct commission to the rank of first lieutenant during a commissioning ceremony at the D.C. Armory on Nov. 7, 2024. In 2016, Wardeh enlisted in the New York National Guard as an infantryman and transitioned to the D.C. National Guard as an officer candidate in 2021. He was selected through the Army Talent Innovation Program and now serves as a 26B Data Systems Engineer.

Native American Heritage Month: D.C. Air National Guard Crew Chief Embraces Heritage and Family’s History of Service
November 7, 2024 — U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jesse Lookingglass, whose roots trace back to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, has found a way to honor his heritage while maintaining aircraft readiness for the National Guard... MORE

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jesse Lookingglass, crew chief and mechanic with the 213th Maintenance Squadron, District of Columbia Air National Guard, performs a pre-flight inspection on a C-40 aircraft at Joint Base Andrews, Oct. 22, 2024. These inspections are crucial for ensuring the aircraft is mission-ready, identifying potential issues before takeoff, and maintaining the safety and reliability needed for every operation. The aircraft SSgt Lookingglass maintains provides world-class travel for members of the Executive Branch, Congress, Department of Defense, and high-ranking U.S. foreign dignitaries.

Legacy of Service: 222nd "First Muster" Commemoration
November 1, 2024 — The District of Columbia National Guard recognized the 222nd anniversary of the First Muster of the D.C. Militia at the D.C. Armory, on Oct. 30 2024. The commemoration consisting of remarks, a historical reenactment, and Oath of Enlistment ceremony underscored the D.C. National Guard’s legacy, from its beginnings in 1802 to present-day missions supporting both the capital city and national defense, and the organization's future... MORE

District of Columbia National Guard Honors Legacy of Service with First Muster Ceremony
October 30, 2024 — The District of Columbia National Guard celebrated the 222nd anniversary of the First Muster of D.C. Militia at the D.C. Armory, on Oct. 30 2024. The ceremony consisting of remarks, a historical reenactment, and Oath of Enlistment underscored the D.C. National Guard’s legacy, from its beginnings in 1802 to present-day missions supporting both the capital city and national defense, and the organization's future... MORE

The District of Columbia National Guard celebrated the 222nd anniversary of the First Muster of the D.C. Militia at the D.C. Armory, on Oct. 30 2024. The event consisting of remarks, a historical reenactment, and Oath of Enlistment underscored the D.C. National Guard’s legacy, from its beginnings in 1802 to present-day missions supporting both the capital city and national defense, and the organization's future.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month: The Importance of Staying Vigilant and Maintaining Strong Cyber Hygiene
October 23, 2024 — Held every October, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a team effort to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and to ensure all service members and civilians have the resources they need to be safer and more secure online... MORE

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Francisco Fuentes, Cybersecurity Operations Branch Chief and Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM) within the D.C. National Guard, encourages individuals and the entire organization to own their role in protecting their part of cyberspace, stressing personal accountability and the importance of taking proactive steps to enhance cybersecurity. Held every October, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) is a collaborative effort to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and to ensure all service members and civilians have the resources they need to be safer and more secure online.

‘Connect to Protect’ during National Depression Education & Awareness Month
October 18, 2024 — During October, we recognize National Depression Education & Awareness Month to educate the force on the symptoms and treatment options for depression. Year-round awareness of connection and belonging is also very important as a preventive measure to help combat and reduce mental health concerns such as depression or suicide within the military... MORE

During October, we recognize National Depression Education & Awareness Month to educate the force on the symptoms and treatment options for depression. Year-round awareness of connection and belonging is also very important as a preventive measure to help combat and reduce mental health concerns such as depression or suicide within the military.

National Guard Father and Son Conquer Air Assault School Together
October 16, 2024 — 1st Lt. Andrew Devine and his son, U.S. Army Pfc. Isaiah Castellanos, earned Air Assault wings together at ARNG Warrior Training Center, Fort Moore, Ga. The training is for enlisted NCOs and Officers who will be involved in the conduct of Air Assault operations... MORE

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Andrew Devine, second from left, and his son, Pfc. Isaiah Castellanos, fourth from left, stand for a photograph with members of the District of Columbia National Guard following the completion of Air Assault School at Fort Moore, Ga., on Sept. 20, 2024. Upon completion of Air Assault School each soldier is able to perform skills required to make maximum use of helicopter assets in training and in combat to support mission objectives.