WASHINGTON –
Task Force Beautification, a D.C. National Guard initiative, has completed its 100th project, revitalizing a recreation center in Ward 7, officials said. The initiative aims to improve public safety and empower communities by addressing the root causes of crime.
Task Force Beautification focuses on factors contributing to crime, such as food insecurity, unstable housing, limited youth opportunities, health disparities, and neglected public spaces. The task force combines military logistics with community insight to create lasting improvements.
"The Task Force reframes beautification not as cosmetic, but as structural," said U.S. Army Colonel Laura Keenan, Deputy Commander for the task force. "Building trust with the public is central to security."
The task force operates under a framework of resilience, opportunity, and community:
- Resilience: The task force partners with local food banks to package food for those in need and leads cleanup efforts in neglected areas.
- Opportunity: The task force supports the Youth ChalleNGe Academy, a dropout reintegration program run by the D.C. National Guard, assisting with campus cleanup and supporting the Special Olympics for the District of Columbia.
- Community: The task force volunteers at wellness programs, visiting the Armed Forces Veterans Home, and creates safe public spaces by cleaning parks, removing graffiti and restoring neglected areas.
Keenan said addressing the root causes of crime is crucial. "Creating a visible presence is only part of the solution," she said. "It's critical to foster conditions where young people see futures, families find stability, and every block reflects the pride citizens have for the District."
The task force collaborates with city and local leaders, including Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners, to identify priority areas.
“The National Guard’s involvement had a strong positive impact. Having Soldiers alongside residents not only increased manpower for the clean-up, but also reinforced a sense of unit, pride, and shared responsibility in our neighborhood,” said Marcus “Mick” Hickman, ANC Commissioner, 8B06, Chair of Schools & Libraries, Ward 8. “At first, I did receive some apprehension from residents, mainly due to how the media was portraying things. But once residents understood that the DCNG was coming in to support our ongoing monthly efforts, and that they would be unarmed, they began looking forward to the partnership.”
As of Sept. 27, Task Force Beautification has engaged in more than 100 community projects, including collecting 1,099 bags of trash, spreading 1,045 cubic yards of mulch and contributing over 5,320 service member hours.
"The D.C. National Guard is confident that these beautification efforts will continue to build positive momentum within the District for years to come," said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Craig Maseri, task force support commander, JTF-DC. "The team developed a blueprint for success guided by the principles of hard work, partnerships, and pride in community. Even after our mission ends, the collaboration amongst residents and partner agencies will continue, ensuring the district’s long-term vitality. As members of the National Guard, we will always be active and engaged members of the community. We live here, we work here, we serve here."
Joint Task Force-DC continues to work closely with the District and federal partners to maintain public safety and security.
For more information, contact the Joint Information Center at jtf-dcmediadesk@army.mil or 202- 880-4267.
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