News Release

2024 Holiday Message from the DCNG Commanding General
December 18, 2024 — The holidays offer an opportunity to reflect on professional and personal accomplishments over 2024 and consider goals to set for 2025. Every Soldier, Airmen, National Guard family member, and civilian is a gift. And in the season of giving, we give thanks for your ongoing service to the District of Columbia and our Nation... MORE

The holidays offer an opportunity to reflect on professional and personal accomplishments over 2024 and consider goals to set for 2025. Every Soldier, Airmen, National Guard family member, and civilian is a gift. And in the season of giving, we give thanks for your ongoing service to the District of Columbia and our Nation.

CGYCA Class 63 Celebrates New Milestones
December 16, 2024 — Cadets of the Capital Guardian Youth Challenge Academy Class 63 receive their diplomas upon completion of a 22 week-long “quasi-military" course, during a residential phase commencement ceremony at the University of the District of Columbia, Dec.13, 2024. Since 2013, the mission of the program is to intervene in and reclaim the lives of at-risk youth, and produce program graduates with the values, skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed as adults... MORE

Cadets of the Capital Guardian Youth Challenge Academy Class 63 receive their diplomas upon completion of a 22 week-long “quasi-military" course, during a residential phase commencement ceremony at the University of the District of Columbia, Dec.13, 2024. Since 2013, the mission of the program is to intervene in and reclaim the lives of at-risk youth, and produce program graduates with the values, skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed as adults.

Hey, U.S. Naval Academy! The D.C. National Guard has your goat!
December 11, 2024 — In anticipation of the 2024 Army-Navy football game at Northwest Stadium on Dec. 14, the D.C. National Guard’s senior leaders collaborated on a light-hearted spirit video. The video features Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, Commanding General (Interim), and Brig. Gen. Craig. M. Maceri, Land Component Command commander. Maj. Gen. Andonie graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1989, and Brig. Gen. Maceri graduated in 1996. ... MORE

Toy Ruck Exemplifies D.C. National Guard’s Enduring Commitment to Community
December 7, 2024 — More than 450 members of the District of Columbia National Guard, Maryland National Guard, Virginia National Guard, National Guard Bureau (NGB), various DoD partners, D.C. Government Operations-DCNG, Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs, and ROTC programs participated in a 5-mile holiday toy ruck in partnership with Children’s National Hospital, in Washington, D.C. Participants were asked to bring a toy or purchase one. Additional donations were collected during a holiday toy drive at the D.C. Armory and the Herbert R. Temple Jr. Army National Guard Readiness Center (TARC), and later presented to children who will spend the holidays at the Children’s National Hospital... MORE

More than 450 members of the District of Columbia National Guard, Maryland National Guard, Virginia National Guard, National Guard Bureau (NGB), various DoD partners, D.C. Government Operations-DCNG, Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs, and ROTC programs participated in a 5-mile holiday toy ruck in partnership with Children’s National Hospital, in Washington, D.C., Dec. 7, 2024. Participants were asked to bring a toy or purchase one. Additional donations were collected during a holiday toy drive at the D.C. Armory and the Herbert R. Temple Jr. Army National Guard Readiness Center (TARC), and later presented to children who will spend the holidays at the Children’s National Hospital.

Black Hawk Landing Sparks Pride and Excitement at Armed Forces Retirement Home
November 11, 2024 — Members of the District of Columbia Army National Guard aviation command arrive in a UH-60 Black Hawk medical evacuation helicopter for a Veterans Day commemoration at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington, D.C... MORE

Members of the District of Columbia Army National Guard aviation command land a UH-60 Black Hawk medical evacuation helicopter during a Veterans Day commemoration at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 8, 2024. The event, designed to honor retired service members, allowed veterans to connect with D.C. National Guard aviators, their mission and capabilities.

D.C. National Guard Welcomes New Direct Commissioned Cyber Officer
November 9, 2024 — U.S. Army 1LT Mohammed Wardeh’s journey to becoming a commissioned officer with the District of Columbia Army National Guard may have culminated in a brief ceremony, but it was the result of years of resilience, commitment, and a path that spanned continents... MORE

U.S. Army 1LT Mohammed Wardeh receives his direct commission to the rank of first lieutenant during a commissioning ceremony at the D.C. Armory on Nov. 7, 2024. In 2016, Wardeh enlisted in the New York National Guard as an infantryman and transitioned to the D.C. National Guard as an officer candidate in 2021. He was selected through the Army Talent Innovation Program and now serves as a 26B Data Systems Engineer.

Native American Heritage Month: D.C. Air National Guard Crew Chief Embraces Heritage and Family’s History of Service
November 7, 2024 — U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jesse Lookingglass, whose roots trace back to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, has found a way to honor his heritage while maintaining aircraft readiness for the National Guard... MORE

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jesse Lookingglass, crew chief and mechanic with the 213th Maintenance Squadron, District of Columbia Air National Guard, performs a pre-flight inspection on a C-40 aircraft at Joint Base Andrews, Oct. 22, 2024. These inspections are crucial for ensuring the aircraft is mission-ready, identifying potential issues before takeoff, and maintaining the safety and reliability needed for every operation. The aircraft SSgt Lookingglass maintains provides world-class travel for members of the Executive Branch, Congress, Department of Defense, and high-ranking U.S. foreign dignitaries.

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... MORE

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... MORE

The District of Columbia National Guard celebrated the 222nd anniversary of the First Muster of the D.C. Militia at the D.C. Armory, on Oct. 30 2024. The event 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.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month: The Importance of Staying Vigilant and Maintaining Strong Cyber Hygiene
October 23, 2024 — Held every October, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a team effort to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and to ensure all service members and civilians have the resources they need to be safer and more secure online... MORE

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Francisco Fuentes, Cybersecurity Operations Branch Chief and Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM) within the D.C. National Guard, encourages individuals and the entire organization to own their role in protecting their part of cyberspace, stressing personal accountability and the importance of taking proactive steps to enhance cybersecurity. Held every October, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) is a collaborative effort to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and to ensure all service members and civilians have the resources they need to be safer and more secure online.