News Release

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... MORE

Brig. Gen. Natasha S. Taylor, director of the Joint Staff, Joint Force Headquarters, District of Columbia National Guard, speaks to attendees at a ceremony formally promoting her to the rank on Joint Base Andrews, Dec. 3, 2025. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing and managing the development, execution, and evaluation of joint staff programs and policies pertaining to the command, control, and operation of joint functions within the District of Columbia Army and District of Columbia Air National Guard. She manages readiness of joint defense programs to include the Civil Support Team, Homeland Response Force, State Partnership Program, Counter Drug Task Force, and Defense Support to Civil Authorities. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Andrew Enriquez)

W.Va. National Guard Soldier dies following D.C. shooting
November 27, 2025 — We are saddened to confirm the death of Army National Guard Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, of Summersville, West Virginia. Spc. Beckstrom died Nov. 27, 2025, as a result of a gunshot wound. She was one of the two West Virginia National Guardsmen who were shot near the Farragut Square Metro Station in Washington D.C. on November 26... MORE

DCNG Counterdrug Program Closes Out Fiscal Year 2025 with Historic Impact Across Enforcement, Community Outreach, and Compliance
November 12, 2025 — The District of Columbia National Guard Counterdrug Program concluded Fiscal Year 2025 with historic achievements in drug interdiction support, community outreach, and compliance, solidifying the program’s supporting role in protecting District residents and assisting law enforcement partners across the region... MORE

Veterans Day 2025 Command Message
November 10, 2025 — Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the District of Columbia National Guard, reflects on the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of the men and women, past and present, who have worn the uniform of the Armed Forces. Veterans Day serves as a call to action, reminding the public that the freedoms enjoyed by Americans are the result of the sacrifices made by service members, and it highlights the enduring significance of military service... MORE

75 Days Strong — Guard Members Keep the Nation’s Capital Safe and Beautiful
October 28, 2025 — Seventy-five days into the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, Soldiers and Airmen from across the country continue to serve alongside local law enforcement and community partners to enhance safety, resilience and quality of life throughout the nation’s capital. Since late August, the Joint Task Force - District of Columbia — composed of National Guard units from more than a dozen states — has maintained a visible, professional presence across Washington’s neighborhoods, parks and transit hubs. Their support to the Metropolitan Police Department and District agencies has become a cornerstone of interagency cooperation, demonstrating the Guard’s enduring commitment to the defense and well-being of the American people at home... MORE

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Scott McKennon, right, Joint Task Force–District of Columbia senior enlisted leader, D.C. National Guard, coordinates with civilian law enforcement in Washington, D.C., Oct. 31, 2025. About 2,400 National Guard members support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, assisting the Metropolitan Police Department in maintaining public safety for residents, commuters and visitors throughout the District.

D.C. National Guard Welcomes Seventh Command Chief Warrant Officer (CCWO)
October 23, 2025 — The District of Columbia National Guard welcomed its seventh Command Chief Warrant Officer, CW5 Robert Gibson, Sr., assumed responsibility from CW5 Bernard Aguon during a change of responsibility ceremony held at the D.C. Armory. He most recently served as the State Command Chief Warrant Officer for the Florida National Guard... MORE

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5) Robert Gibson, Sr., assumes responsibility as the seventh Command Chief Warrant Officer of the District of Columbia National Guard from CW5 Bernard Aguon during a change of responsibility ceremony at the D.C. Armory, Oct. 22, 2025. The ceremony was officiated by Brig. Gen. Craig M. Maceri, the D.C. Army National Guard’s Land Component Command (LCC) commander. The Command Chief Warrant Officer is the top Warrant Officer advisor to the D.C. National Guard’s Commanding General, the Adjutant General (TAG), and Land Component Command commander. The CCWO provides specialized expertise, leadership, and mentorship, and is responsible for the training, readiness, and professional development of the warrant officer corps.

Leadership of District of Columbia National Guard and the U.S. Marshals Service Mark 60 Days of Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful Operations
October 11, 2025 — Leadership of District of Columbia National Guard and the U.S. Marshals Service inform the public of the many accomplishments after 60 days of operations in the D.C. area, Washington D.C. Oct. 11th, 2025. Approximately 2,300 National Guard members support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, providing critical assistance to the Metropolitan Police Department in ensuring the safety of all who live, work and visit the District... MORE

Task Force Beautification Marks 100 Projects, Unveils New Strategy for Safer DC
October 3, 2025 — 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. The task force operates under a framework of resilience, opportunity, and community... MORE

A U.S. Soldier with the District of Columbia Army National Guard rakes mulch during an area beautification mission in Washington, D.C., Sept. 4, 2025. About 2,300 National Guard members are supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission providing critical support to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department in ensuring the safety of all who live, work, and visit the District.

DMV Law Enforcement Career Fair promo
September 24, 2025 — U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, and Chief Pamela A. Smith, Chief of Police for the Metropolitan Police Department, discuss the DMV Law Enforcement Career Fair at MPD Academy, 4665 Blue Plains Drive SW, Washington, DC, 20032. The multi-agency recruiting event on Sept. 27, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. is hosted by the Metropolitan Police Department Recruiting Unit and will include over 27 federal and local law enforcement agencies... MORE

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... MORE