News Release - Tag Capital Guardians

D.C. National Guard Commanding General Offers Message Commemorating 224th Birthday
May 1, 2026 — At the Lincoln Memorial, Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, marked the organization’s 224th birthday ahead of May 3—honoring a legacy built on courage, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to freedom. From the battlefields of the Civil War, World War II, Vietnam, and Operation Desert Storm, to today’s global missions, the D.C. National Guard has answered the call—every time. ...

D.C. National Guard Activates 260th Special Purpose Brigade to Strengthen Security in the Nation’s Capital
March 8, 2026 — The District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG) activated the 260th Special Purpose Brigade March 7 at the D.C. Armory, establishing the only brigade in the U.S. Army specifically designed to coordinate military support to civil authorities and protect critical infrastructure in the nation’s capital. The brigade was created in response to Executive Order 14339 and a subsequent directive from the Secretary of War, which called for the immediate establishment, training, and equipping of a dedicated National Guard unit capable of supporting public safety operations and strengthening coordination between military forces and civilian security partners in the District...

JTF-DC Commander Delivers Holiday Message to the Force
December 20, 2025 — U.S. Army Col. Larry Doane, Joint Task Force - District of Columbia commander, delivers a holiday message to Guardsmen supporting the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission. The message highlights unwavering service, reinforced mission readiness, and dedication to duty. Additionally, the task force also extends heartfelt words of encouragement to U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, and the families of U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and the West Virginia National Guard...

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...

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...

D.C. National Guard Command Team Holiday Message 2024
December 23, 2024 — Amid the holiday season and a fast approaching New Year, the D.C. National Guard command team personally thanks each Soldier, Airmen, civilian and family member for their accomplishments over the year...

Legacy of Service: 222nd "First Muster" Commemoration
November 1, 2024 — The District of Columbia National Guard recognized the 222nd anniversary of the First Muster of the D.C. Militia at the D.C. Armory, on Oct. 30 2024. The commemoration consisting of remarks, a historical reenactment, and Oath of Enlistment ceremony underscored the D.C. National Guard’s legacy, from its beginnings in 1802 to present-day missions supporting both the capital city and national defense, and the organization's future...

District of Columbia National Guard Honors Legacy of Service with First Muster Ceremony
October 30, 2024 — The District of Columbia National Guard celebrated the 222nd anniversary of the First Muster of D.C. Militia at the D.C. Armory, on Oct. 30 2024. The ceremony consisting of remarks, a historical reenactment, and Oath of Enlistment underscored the D.C. National Guard’s legacy, from its beginnings in 1802 to present-day missions supporting both the capital city and national defense, and the organization's future...

D.C. National Guard generator mechanic serves as a connector for both mission and people
August 6, 2024 — Generator mechanics are critical to the 104th Maintenance Company’s mission because so because much of the external training and missions conducted by the company runs on generator power. Furthermore, generators must be fully mission capable 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week...

All-hazards approach: Full-scale weapons of mass destruction exercise tests interoperability when disaster strikes
July 17, 2024 — Weapons of mass destruction exercise bolsters interoperability with emergency response agencies, the Hawaii National Guard, and a half dozen other integrated CST teams and CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Packages (CERFP)...