News Release - Tag 113th Wing

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...

Brig. Gen. Natasha S. Taylor Reflects on Service, Promotion, and New Role
December 3, 2025 — Brig. Gen. Natasha S. Taylor has built a career defined by service, leadership, and resilience. Qualities she says she plans to now bring to her role as the Director of Joint Staff - Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ), District of Columbia National Guard. She says her recent promotion and new position are less about personal achievements and more about the people who shaped her career...

D.C. National Guard Commanding General receives familiarization flight in an F-16D
September 20, 2025 — U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, receives his first familiarization flight in a 113th Wing, D.C. Air National Guard F-16D Fighting Falcon on Joint Base Andrews, Sep. 19, 2025. The aircraft was flown by Maj. Benjamin Saunders, pilot, 113th Wing Operations Group. Since Sept. 11, 2001, the 113th Wing's Aerospace Control Alert (ACA) mission has protected the skies 24/7 above the National Capital Region...

'Awarenessgram': Suicide Prevention and Resource Awareness Selfies
June 27, 2025 — The D.C. National Guard Risk Reduction program has introduced the ‘Awarenessgram’, a visual invitation that allows service members to seek support. The selfies are to encourage those who may be unknowingly or knowingly facing mental health challenges to utilize the appropriate resources...

DCNG Tuition Assistance (TA) and Mission Success
June 3, 2025 — Military leaders at every level must be multifaceted to complete the mission. Education is a paramount aspect of leader development. The DC Tuition Assistance program provides Soldiers and Airmen the opportunity to better themselves through formal education and certification programs. In celebration of graduation season, we spoke with recent graduates who made the most out of the benefit...

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...

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...

D.C. National Guard Commanding General takes to the sky in F-16 during familiarization flight
September 20, 2024 — U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, Commanding General (Interim), District of Columbia National Guard, receives a familiarization flight on a F-16D Fighting Falcon at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Sept. 4, 2024. The aircraft was flown by U.S. Air Force Col. Jerome Wonnum, deputy commander, 113th Wing Operations Group. Since Sept. 11, 2001, the 113th Wing's Aerospace Control Alert (ACA) mission has protected the skies 24/7 above the National Capital Region...

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...

D.C. National Guard Command Team Holiday Message 2023
December 12, 2023 — Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, Commanding General (interim), District of Columbia National Guard, and Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Smith, Jr., Command Senior Enlisted Leader, D.C. National Guard thank Soldiers, Airmen, civilians, and family members for their accomplishments over the year...