News Release

Hispanic Heritage Month 2024: Shaping the Future Together
September 15, 2024 — National Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, marks a time to showcase and honor the many contributions Hispanic Americans have made to the Defense Department and the nation. This year's theme, "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together," coincides with important dates in many communities and encompasses independence days for several Latin American countries. Members of the D.C. National Guard describe what the month means to them. Whether serving in the military or contributing through our civilian workforce, their dedication and service are deeply appreciated... MORE

The Confidentiality of DEOCS: Ensuring members' voices are heard safely
September 11, 2024 — The DEOCS is a vital tool for the D.C. National Guard, enabling us to continuously improve and foster a positive work environment. By ensuring the confidentiality of our responses, the DEOCS encourages honest and open participation, which is essential for driving change. As members of the DC National Guard, our voices matter. Let's take part in the survey, knowing that our feedback is both anonymous and impactful. Together, through candid communication and collective effort, we can address concerns, celebrate successes, and build a stronger, more inclusive organization... MORE

The DEOCS is a vital tool for the D.C. National Guard, enabling us to continuously improve and foster a positive work environment. By ensuring the confidentiality of our responses, the DEOCS encourages honest and open participation, which is essential for driving change. As members of the DC National Guard, our voices matter. Let's take part in the survey, knowing that our feedback is both anonymous and impactful. Together, through candid communication and collective effort, we can address concerns, celebrate successes, and build a stronger, more inclusive organization.

This is My Squad: 74th Troop Command uses professional development staff ride to build unit cohesion
September 7, 2024 — In a building that houses America’s national treasures, members of the District of Columbia Army National Guard (DCNG) toured the National Museum of American History as part of a professional development staff ride aimed at enhancing unit cohesion and readiness... MORE

Members of the 74th Troop Command, District of Columbia National Guard, explore exhibitions and collections inside the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History during a team-building staff ride in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 11, 2024. The purpose of the visit was to deepen their understanding of the nation’s heritage and strengthen unit cohesion.

Your Money Newsletter: Prepare for the Holiday Season Without Debt
September 6, 2024 — As September rolls in with cooler weather, it's a reminder that the holiday season is fast approaching. This often means higher spending, but this year can be different. Let’s focus on preparing for the holidays without overspending or falling into debt. Throughout September, I'll be sharing financial strategies to help you plan wisely for the upcoming holiday season... MORE

As September rolls in with cooler weather, it's a reminder that the holiday season is fast approaching. This often means higher spending, but this year can be different. Let’s focus on preparing for the holidays without overspending or falling into debt.

National Guard Counterdrug Programs from DC, DE, and NJ Convene for Joint Annual Training
September 5, 2024 — To enhance effectiveness in combating drug-related crime and to stay at the forefront of best practices, 53 service members from the District of Columbia, Delaware, and New Jersey National Guard Counterdrug Programs gathered in Cambridge, Maryland, for joint annual training to get a wider scope and understanding of program best practices... MORE

U.S. Army Major Gen. John C. Andonie, Commanding General (Interim) of the District of Columbia National Guard, addresses National Guard Counterdrug Program personnel attending annual training in Cambridge, Maryland, August 27, 2024. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and alignment with state and government leadership during the joint annual training of the National Guard Counterdrug Program.

Suicide Prevention Month: Highlighting the importance of asking for help
September 3, 2024 — Leadership plays a pivotal role in suicide prevention efforts. By prioritizing mental health and fostering an environment of openness and support, leaders can significantly impact their team’s well-being. Training leaders to recognize and respond to mental health issues is a critical component of the 113th Wing's strategy... MORE

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise greater awareness of resources for 113th Wing D.C. National Guard Airmen, civilians and family members who may need crisis support or want to help someone they know. Leadership plays a pivotal role in suicide prevention efforts. By prioritizing mental health and fostering an environment of openness and support, leaders can significantly impact their team’s well-being. Training leaders to recognize and respond to mental health issues is a critical component of the 113th Wing's strategy.

Suicide Prevention Month: Message from the Commanding General
September 1, 2024 — September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise greater awareness of resources for D.C. National Guard Soldiers, Airmen, civilians and family members who may need crisis support or want to help someone they know. Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, Commanding General (Interim), discusses the significance of an organization that is resilient and knowledgeable regarding at-risk behaviors, stress reduction measures and available resources to help... MORE

DCARNG Medical Detachment remove gaps in health, dental, and vet services in rural Montana
August 30, 2024 — Members of the District of Columbia Army National Guard Medical Detachment perform medical, dental, and optometry clinic services during Innovative Readiness Training - Operation Walking Shield 2024 at Fort Belknap Reservation... MORE

Members of the District of Columbia Army National Guard Medical Detachment perform medical, dental, and optometry clinic services during Innovative Readiness Training - Operation Walking Shield 2024 at the Fort Belknap Reservation, Mont., Aug. 2-17, 2024. Operation Walking Shield Innovative Readiness Program (IRT) is a real-world mission led by the Montana Army National Guard in collaboration with the Fort Belknap Indian Health Service, U.S. Army Reserve and Minnesota Army National Guard.

Your Money Newsletter: Retirement Planning and the Thrift Savings Plan
August 28, 2024 — Valerie Purvis is the DCNG Personal Financial Counselor that provides no-cost, face-to-face (or virtual) financial counseling appointments, trainings, and workshops on a variety of topics, such as money management, budgeting, debt, and credit card management, homebuying, retirement and estate planning, and more... MORE

Valerie Purvis is the DCNG Personal Financial Counselor that provides no-cost, face-to-face (or virtual) financial counseling appointments, trainings, and workshops on a variety of topics, such as money management, budgeting, debt, and credit card management, homebuying, retirement and estate planning, and more.

Battle of Bladensburg ceremony sheds new light on D.C. Militiamen
August 24, 2024 — Members of the District of Columbia National Guard in collaboration with Historic Congressional Cemetery participate in a community-wide program and wreath laying ceremony honoring the dozens of D.C. Militia members buried at the cemetery who fought in the Battle of Bladensburg, in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 24, 2024. The ceremony featured remarks from various speakers and recognized the Militiamen who defended the nation’s capital on August 24, 1814... MORE

Members of the District of Columbia National Guard in collaboration with Historic Congressional Cemetery participate in a community-wide program and wreath laying ceremony honoring the dozens of D.C. Militia members buried at the cemetery who fought in the Battle of Bladensburg, in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 24, 2024. The ceremony featured remarks from various speakers and recognized the Militiamen who defended the nation’s capital on August 24, 1814.