News Release

West Virginia Guardsmen support first responders after Washington shooting
July 30, 2026 — A routine shift change became an emergency response July 29 when a civilian notified West Virginia National Guard Soldiers that two people had been shot near N Street and Fifth Street NW in the Shaw neighborhood. ... MORE

U.S. National Guardsmen with the West Virginia National Guard, assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia, in support of the DC Safe and Beautiful mission, pose for a photo in Washington, July 30, 2026. About 5,000 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.

Training Meets Purpose: Arkansas National Guard Soldiers Respond to Civilian Medical Emergency
July 30, 2026 — A presence patrol through the Columbia Metro took an unexpected turn when Soldiers with the Arkansas National Guard responded to a civilian experiencing a medical emergency... MORE

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 photo in Arlington, VA, July 30, 2026. About 5,000 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.

Service Takes the Microphone: Maj. Karen Fraley-Deegan's Mission in Music
July 29, 2026 — Music can inspire, unite, and tell the story of a nation. For U.S. Air Force Maj. Karen Fraley-Deegan, every performance of The Star-Spangled Banner is another act of service—honoring those who have served, those who continue to serve, and the freedoms they protect. From military ceremonies to center court at a Washington Mystics game, this Capital Guardian proves that leadership isn't just heard through commands—sometimes, it's heard through song... MORE

U.S. Air Force Maj. Karen Fraley-Deegan, Military Personnel Management Officer, 113th Wing, District of Columbia Air National Guard, performs the National Anthem during pregame ceremonies before a Washington Mystics game at CareFirst Arena, July 16, 2026. Fraley-Deegan has performed the National Anthem at promotions, retirements, change of command ceremonies, inter-service transfers, military commemorations, and civic events, using her voice to honor those who serve, strengthen esprit de corps, and tell the nation's story through song.

SPB: A One of One Brigade
July 29, 2026 — In the nation's capital, no two missions are exactly alike. One day, Soldiers coordinate with federal agencies to protect critical infrastructure and conduct maritime operations. The next, they support first responders during emergencies or help secure nationally recognized events attended by millions of visitors. Those missions belong to the 260th Special Purpose Brigade (SPB), a one-of-a-kind Army formation that brings military and other law enforcement agencies together... MORE

(From left) U.S. Army Cpl. Dustin Arnold and Spc. Kristin Rivera, military police, 273rd Military Police Company, 372nd Enhanced Military Battalion, 260th Special Purpose Brigade, unload ammunition on a range during training at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, July 29, 2026. This training was part of a multi-day advanced marksmanship exercise focused on enhancing individual and team weapons proficiency while preparing soldiers for contingency operations.

CSM Williamson Leaves a Lasting Legacy at the LCC
July 27, 2026 — Command Sergeant Major Octavia V. Williamson, the command sergeant major for the Land Component Command (LCC) of the District of Columbia National Guard, retired after 37-years of service. Over the course of her service career, she held three military occupational specialties, deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and held multiple leadership assignments - including being the first female LCC command sergeant major... MORE

The District of Columbia National Guard's Land Component Command (LCC) held a Change of Responsibility ceremony at the D.C. Armory on July 22, 2026, honoring the distinguished service of Command Sgt. Maj. Octavia V. Williamson and welcoming Command Sgt. Maj. James E. Perrault as the organization's new senior enlisted leader. Officiated by Brig. Gen. Craig M. Maceri, commander of the D.C. National Guard Land Component Command, the ceremony marked the formal transfer of responsibility for the enlisted force. As the LCC's senior enlisted leader, the command sergeant major serves as the principal advisor to the commander on all matters affecting Soldiers, overseeing enlisted readiness, training, discipline, morale, welfare, and leader development across the District's Army National Guard formations.

Williamson concludes an extraordinary 37-year military career after enlisting in the District of Columbia National Guard in 1989. Throughout her decades of service, she provided steadfast leadership while mentoring generations of Soldiers and strengthening the readiness of the District's land forces. Perrault now assumes responsibility for ensuring the continued development, preparedness, and welfare of the enlisted force.

Army technology chief reviews JTF-DC systems ahead of future events
July 26, 2026 — The Army’s chief technology officer, Alex Miller, visited Joint Task Force-District of Columbia (JTF-DC) on July 26 to assess the systems supporting the Make DC Safe and Beautiful mission and identify improvements ahead of large-scale events, including the Freedom 250 Grand Prix... MORE

Alex Miller, the U.S. Army's Chief Technology Officer, talks with U.S. National Guardsmen assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia, in support of the DC Safe and Beautiful mission, at the DC Armory in Washington, July 26, 2026. About 5,000 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.

Georgia National Guard Soldiers Assist in Medical Emergency
July 23, 2026 — While conducting a routine presence patrol in Georgetown on July 20, Georgia Army National Guardsmen assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia (JTF-DC) sprang into action after being flagged down by two women whose mother had become unresponsive in a vehicle. The Soldiers immediately assessed the situation, called emergency services, secured the area, directed the responding ambulance, and monitored the woman until D.C. Fire and EMS personnel arrived and assumed care. The incident highlights how nearly 5,000 National Guard members supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission are prepared to provide lifesaving assistance through continuous training, strong leadership, and close coordination with local first responders. For the team, the successful response reinforced their commitment to protecting the community and demonstrated the value of being visible, vigilant, and ready to serve wherever they are needed... MORE

(From the left) Sgt. Louis Ferdinando, 1st Lt. Jacob Wagner, Spc. Fredie Cerrano, Spc. Brayden Cundiff, and Spc. Ryan Austin, all with the Georgia Army National Guard, U.S. Army, assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia (JTF-DC) in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, pose for a photo in Arlington, V.A., July 21, 2026. Approximately 5,000 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.

D.C. National Guard Boosts Homeland Defense as 260th Special Purpose Brigade Commissions First Maritime Security Vessel
July 11, 2026 — The District of Columbia National Guard’s 260th Special Purpose Brigade (SPB) has commissioned its first maritime security vessel, marking the first time an Army unit in the Nation’s Capital has operated a dedicated waterborne platform. The new capability strengthens the Guard’s ability to secure the District’s waterways, critical infrastructure, and major national events — a mission aligned with the National Defense Strategy’s warning that “the homeland is no longer a sanctuary.”... MORE

U.S. Army Sgt. Nigeria Myers with the District of Columbia National Guard, assigned to Joint Task Force District of Columbia, in support of the DC Safe and Beautiful mission, assesses the newly transferred 260th Special Purpose Brigade boat in Williamsburg, Va., June 26, 2026. About 4,500 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.

Keeping Freedom Cool: Lt. Col. Christian Cannon and the National Guard’s Lifesaving Mission at Freedom 250
July 6, 2026 — Freedom 250's largest event brought record-breaking crowds, extreme heat, and unprecedented public safety demands to the National Mall, requiring immediate, coordinated response from Joint Task Force-District of Columbia and interagency partners. Across the Mall, JTF‑DC, a force of 5,000 Guardsmen, provided 510,000 bottles of cold water; 353 medical assists; 108,000 wayfinding assists; 1,757 quality‑of‑life assists; and support at 69 traffic control points... MORE

U.S. National Guard members supporting DC Safe and Beautiful hand out bottles of water to tourists visiting the Great American State Fair during Independence Day celebrations in Washington, D.C., July 4, 2026. About 5,000 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.

Walk and Talk: On the Move with the Commanding General (ep. 2)
July 3, 2026 — Happy 250th, America—and thank you to the Guardsmen standing watch as our nation celebrates this historic milestone. What does it mean to serve during one of the most historic celebrations in our nation's history? In this edition of Walk and Talk: On the Move with the Commanding General, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, visits Soldiers supporting presence patrols, entry control, and traffic operations at and around the Great American State Fair on the National Mall. As preparations continue for Freedom 250, Guardsmen from across the country share what it means to leave home, represent their states in the nation's capital, work alongside federal, state, and local partners, and help safeguard America's 250th birthday celebration. Hear directly from Joint Task Force–District of Columbia Guardsmen as they reflect on the pride, purpose, and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of a mission that will forever be woven into our nation's history... MORE