News Release - Tag D.C. National Guard

The Capital’s Defenders: 212 Years After Bladensburg, Honoring the Citizen-Soldiers Who Answered the Call
August 24, 2026 — As America celebrates 250 years of independence, the District of Columbia National Guard and Historic Congressional Cemetery gathered Aug. 23 to look back 212 years—to a moment when ordinary citizens answered an extraordinary call and stood in defense of the young nation’s capital during the Battle of Bladensburg... MORE

Mark Hudson, Executive Director of Historic Congressional Cemetery, and U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, lay a wreath at the grave of U.S. Army Pvt. Andrew Coyle during a Battle of Bladensburg commemoration at Historic Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C., Aug. 24, 2026. The Maryland Society, Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard then rendered a ceremonial volley honoring the Citizen-Soldiers who answered the call to defend the nation’s capital in 1814.

National Guardsmen Assist in Locating Missing Child
August 16, 2026 — National Guardsmen patrolling near LeDroit Park were approached by a concerned citizen reporting that their 14-year-old daughter was missing... MORE

U.S. National Guardsmen assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia (JTF-DC) in support of the DC Safe and Beautiful mission, patrol nearLeDroit Park in Washington, Aug 15, 2026. About 4,500 National Guard members are supporting the mission, providing critical assistance to the Metropolitan Police Department to help ensure the safety of residents, commuters, and visitors throughout the District.

Year One: Make DC Safe and Beautiful Mission
August 11, 2026 — For 365 days, Soldiers and Airmen from 30 states, territories, and the District of Columbia have answered the call to serve in the nation’s capital as part of Joint Task Force–District of Columbia. But the story of the Make DC Safe and Beautiful mission is more than a timeline of events or a collection of statistics. It is the story of the people... MORE

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... MORE

U.S. Air Force Maj. Karen Fraley-Deegan, Military Personnel Management Officer, 113th Wing, District of Columbia Air National Guard, performs the National Anthem during pregame ceremonies before a Washington Mystics game at CareFirst Arena, July 16, 2026. Fraley-Deegan has performed the National Anthem at promotions, retirements, change of command ceremonies, inter-service transfers, military commemorations, and civic events, using her voice to honor those who serve, strengthen esprit de corps, and tell the nation's story through song.

SPB: A One of One Brigade
July 29, 2026 — In the nation's capital, no two missions are exactly alike. One day, Soldiers coordinate with federal agencies to protect critical infrastructure and conduct maritime operations. The next, they support first responders during emergencies or help secure nationally recognized events attended by millions of visitors. Those missions belong to the 260th Special Purpose Brigade (SPB), a one-of-a-kind Army formation that brings military and other law enforcement agencies together... MORE

(From left) U.S. Army Cpl. Dustin Arnold and Spc. Kristin Rivera, military police, 273rd Military Police Company, 372nd Enhanced Military Battalion, 260th Special Purpose Brigade, unload ammunition on a range during training at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, July 29, 2026. This training was part of a multi-day advanced marksmanship exercise focused on enhancing individual and team weapons proficiency while preparing soldiers for contingency operations.

CSM Williamson Leaves a Lasting Legacy at the LCC
July 27, 2026 — Command Sergeant Major Octavia V. Williamson, the command sergeant major for the Land Component Command (LCC) of the District of Columbia National Guard, retired after 37-years of service. Over the course of her service career, she held three military occupational specialties, deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and held multiple leadership assignments - including being the first female LCC command sergeant major... MORE

The District of Columbia National Guard's Land Component Command (LCC) held a Change of Responsibility ceremony at the D.C. Armory on July 22, 2026, honoring the distinguished service of Command Sgt. Maj. Octavia V. Williamson and welcoming Command Sgt. Maj. James E. Perrault as the organization's new senior enlisted leader. Officiated by Brig. Gen. Craig M. Maceri, commander of the D.C. National Guard Land Component Command, the ceremony marked the formal transfer of responsibility for the enlisted force. As the LCC's senior enlisted leader, the command sergeant major serves as the principal advisor to the commander on all matters affecting Soldiers, overseeing enlisted readiness, training, discipline, morale, welfare, and leader development across the District's Army National Guard formations.

Williamson concludes an extraordinary 37-year military career after enlisting in the District of Columbia National Guard in 1989. Throughout her decades of service, she provided steadfast leadership while mentoring generations of Soldiers and strengthening the readiness of the District's land forces. Perrault now assumes responsibility for ensuring the continued development, preparedness, and welfare of the enlisted force.

Army technology chief reviews JTF-DC systems ahead of future events
July 26, 2026 — The Army’s chief technology officer, Alex Miller, visited Joint Task Force-District of Columbia (JTF-DC) on July 26 to assess the systems supporting the Make DC Safe and Beautiful mission and identify improvements ahead of large-scale events, including the Freedom 250 Grand Prix... MORE

Alex Miller, the U.S. Army's Chief Technology Officer, talks with U.S. National Guardsmen assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia, in support of the DC Safe and Beautiful mission, at the DC Armory in Washington, July 26, 2026. About 5,000 National Guard members are supporting the mission, providing critical assistance to the Metropolitan Police Department to help ensure the safety of residents, commuters, and visitors throughout the District.

D.C. National Guard Boosts Homeland Defense as 260th Special Purpose Brigade Commissions First Maritime Security Vessel
July 11, 2026 — The District of Columbia National Guard’s 260th Special Purpose Brigade (SPB) has commissioned its first maritime security vessel, marking the first time an Army unit in the Nation’s Capital has operated a dedicated waterborne platform. The new capability strengthens the Guard’s ability to secure the District’s waterways, critical infrastructure, and major national events — a mission aligned with the National Defense Strategy’s warning that “the homeland is no longer a sanctuary.”... MORE

U.S. Army Sgt. Nigeria Myers with the District of Columbia National Guard, assigned to Joint Task Force District of Columbia, in support of the DC Safe and Beautiful mission, assesses the newly transferred 260th Special Purpose Brigade boat in Williamsburg, Va., June 26, 2026. About 4,500 National Guard members are supporting the mission, providing critical assistance to the Metropolitan Police Department to help ensure the safety of residents, commuters, and visitors throughout the District.

Walk and Talk: On the Move with the Commanding General (ep. 2)
July 3, 2026 — Happy 250th, America—and thank you to the Guardsmen standing watch as our nation celebrates this historic milestone. What does it mean to serve during one of the most historic celebrations in our nation's history? In this edition of Walk and Talk: On the Move with the Commanding General, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, visits Soldiers supporting presence patrols, entry control, and traffic operations at and around the Great American State Fair on the National Mall. As preparations continue for Freedom 250, Guardsmen from across the country share what it means to leave home, represent their states in the nation's capital, work alongside federal, state, and local partners, and help safeguard America's 250th birthday celebration. Hear directly from Joint Task Force–District of Columbia Guardsmen as they reflect on the pride, purpose, and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of a mission that will forever be woven into our nation's history... MORE

The Monthly Impact Report: June 2026
June 30, 2026 — This month’s report highlights the moments that defined June 2026 for the D.C. National Guard and Joint Task Force–District of Columbia. Guardsmen closed out June with missions that made a lasting impact—from lifesaving responses on the streets to supporting nationally significant events and preparing for future emergencies. Whether protecting lives, strengthening interagency partnerships, connecting communities with careers, or training for the unexpected, every mission reflected a steadfast commitment to service. Because every patrol, every response, and every interaction matters... MORE