News Release

D.C. National Guard 223rd Birthday Message
May 2, 2025 — On May 3, we celebrate the 223rd Birthday of the District of Columbia National Guard. This drill weekend should serve as a reminder of a tradition that links us to D.C. Militia members who wore the uniform before us—heritage rooted in courage, discipline, loyalty, perseverance, respect, trust, and adaptability. Like the early patriots of 1802 who... MORE

Washington Nationals hit a home run with service members and families
May 1, 2025 — The 113th Wing, D.C. Air National Guard and 316th Wing welcomed members of the Washington Nationals to Joint Base Andrews for a base visit, April 23, as part of ongoing engagements with national sports teams in the National Capital Region. The 113th Wing and 316th Wing enhanced public awareness of Air Force mission and strategic role of the installation... MORE

Washington Nationals players Michael Soroka, Eduardo Salazar and Alex Call receive a briefing on the 113th Wing’s mission and the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft capabilities from U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Dalton Yeager, 113th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, at Joint Base Andrews, Md., April 23, 2025. The players visited the base to gain a better understanding of Andrews’ mission, policies, and programs.

D.C. ESGR Honors Law Enforcement Partners Supporting Guard Members
April 24, 2025 — The District of Columbia chapter of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) hosted a recognition luncheon April 15 to honor local law enforcement agencies and employers that support National Guard and Reserve service members in their ranks. The event served as a reminder that by supporting dual-service (M-Day) members, law enforcement agencies not only reinforce their own ranks but also contribute to a resilient and secure nation. National Guardsmen remain ready, modern, and prepared to defeat those who threaten our homeland, our partners and allies, and our American way of life... MORE

Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, Commanding General (Interim) of the District of Columbia National Guard, joins D.C. ESGR (Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve) Chair Kelvin Hart, and local law enforcement representatives during the “Beyond the Badge” luncheon at the D.C. Armory, on April 15, 2025. Hosted by the D.C. ESGR and the D.C. National Guard, the event recognized employers and agencies that support service members within the law enforcement community. ESGR, a Department of Defense office, was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment.

1,114-Day Safety Mark: 113th Wing CES Achieves Major Safety Milestone
April 17, 2025 — The 113th Wing, D.C. Air National Guard Civil Engineer Squadron has recently achieved over 1,114 accident-free days through strict adherence to safety protocols... MORE

A member of the 113th Wing Civil Engineer Squadron wears hearing protection before operating power tools at Joint Base Andrews, Md., March 25, 2025. Proper use of personal protective equipment, including ear protection, is a key factor in the squadron’s achievement of 1,114 accident-free days.

Beyond the Call: Stress & Resilience in the DC National Guard
April 8, 2025 — Serving in the DC National Guard is both an honor and a responsibility. Our mission, unity of purpose, and readiness extends both to our Nation and communities. However, the challenges faced by DC Guardsmen are unique compared to those in other states and territories, requiring a focused approach to resilience and well-being. This article outlines those specific challenges and offers strategies for managing their impact... MORE

Serving in the DC National Guard is both an honor and a responsibility. Our mission, unity of purpose, and readiness extends both to our Nation and communities. However, the challenges faced by DC Guardsmen are unique compared to those in other states and territories, requiring a focused approach to resilience and well-being.

Maj. Gen. Andonie Reviews Achievements of DC National Guard's Counterdrug Program with Metropolitan Police
April 6, 2025 — The D.C. National Guard visited the Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters' Joint Operations Command Center to participate in a briefing about the Counterdrug Program. This briefing, held with Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice Lindsey Appiah and Executive Assistant Chief of Patrol Operations Andre Wright, reviewed the program's significant partnerships and achievements over the past year... MORE

Members of the DC National Guard Counterdrug Program, D.C. Army National Guard Aviation Command, and other sections participate in a strategic briefing at Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters, in Washington, DC, on March 25, 2025. They discussed the impacts and evolution of the Counterdrug Program, focusing on strengthening partnerships and enhancing community-based drug prevention initiatives.

Ms. District of Columbia Balances National Guard Service and Pageantry
April 4, 2025 — Senior Airman Trina Quirindongo, a recruiter for the 113th Wing, District of Columbia Air National Guard, is proving that military service and pageantry are not mutually exclusive. Recently crowned Ms. DC, Quirindongo is using her platform to focus on real-world needs, unity, resilience, and service to the community—principles that align with Department of Defense community outreach activities... MORE

Senior Airman Trina Quirindongo, a recruiter for the 113th Wing, District of Columbia Air National Guard and the reigning Ms. District of Columbia, guides an 18-year-old recruit through the enlistment process at the D.C. Air National Guard storefront recruitment office in Brandywine, Md., on March 17, 2025. Quirindongo uses her pageant platform, “Power Over Trauma,” to promote resilience and confidence while serving as an ambassador and mentor for future Air National Guard members.

2025 Sexual Assault Awareness Month Proclamation Signing Ceremony
April 2, 2025 — April is designated as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. Sexual assault and sexual harassment erode the fabric of our National Guard, breaking the sacred trust of our nation, service members, civilians, and their families... MORE

Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, joins senior leaders of the District of Columbia Army National Guard, and 113th Wing D.C. Air National Guard for a Sexual Assault Awareness Month Proclamation Signing Ceremony at the D.C. Armory, on April 2, 2025. Sexual assault and sexual harassment erode the fabric the National Guard, breaking the sacred trust of our Nation, Service Members, Civilians, and their families. The National Guard continues to take bold actions on victim care, support, accountability, prevention, and climate and culture, so that we can eradicate sexual assault and sexual harassment once and for all.

DC National Guard Fields New Technology to Transform Soldier Processing for 60th Presidential Inauguration, Future JRSOI Operations
March 27, 2025 — The District of Columbia National Guard overhauled its reception and personnel accountability process, replacing outdated manual systems with modern digital solutions. Led by LTC Tyson Mele, the Joint Task Force J1, the transition dramatically improved efficiency, accuracy, and security for the thousands of inbound Guardsmen supporting the event... MORE

Service members of the District of Columbia Army National Guard, 74th Troop Command, attached to the Joint Task Force-District of Columbia (JTF-DC) return to the D.C Armory to out-processing through Joint Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration after the 60th Presidential Inauguration at the D.C. Armory in Washington, D.C., Jan. 21, 2025. Approximately 8,000 National Guard service members from approximately 40 states and territories comprise JTF-DC to support the 60th Presidential Inauguration, continuing a legacy that began in 1789 when their predecessors escorted George Washington to the first inauguration. At the request of civil authorities, these National Guard service members provide critical support such as crowd management, traffic control points, CBRN response, civil disturbance response and sustainment operations. Their expertise and seamless collaboration with interagency partners help ensure a safe and peaceful transition of power during this historic event.

U.S. Army Master Sergeant Armando Leon Sworn In as Assistant Inspector General
March 18, 2025 — U.S. Army Master Sergeant Armando Leon was sworn in as Assistant Inspector General during a ceremony on March 9, following his completion of the U.S. Army Inspector General School. Leon is the first Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) to join the office, reflecting recent force structure reforms and a renewed command focus on readiness and care for Soldiers and Airmen... MORE

The District of Columbia National Guard’s Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, Commanding General (Interim), swore in U.S. Army Master Sergeant Armando Leon as Assistant Inspector General during a ceremony on March 9, following his completion of the U.S. Army Inspector General School. Leon is the first Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) to join the office, reflecting recent force structure reforms and a renewed command focus on readiness and care for Soldiers and Airmen.