News Release - Tag D.C. National Guard

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.

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.

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

DCNG Commanding General's Army 251st Birthday Message
June 14, 2026 — As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday and the U.S. Army marks its 251st Birthday on June 14, 2026, Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, reflects on the Army’s enduring commitment to the nation. Here in the nation’s capital, the D.C. National Guard and Joint Task Force–District of Columbia carry that legacy forward every day—supporting interagency partners, enhancing public safety, and service during some of the nation's most significant events. Reliable. Ready. Resolute. For 251 years, the Army has stood watch under one timeless promise: This We’ll Defend. ... MORE

D.C. National Guard to Host Law Enforcement Career Fair at D.C. Armory June 9
June 5, 2026 — Members of the District of Columbia National Guard will join more than 90 federal and local law enforcement agencies, first responders, training and higher education institutions, and resource organizations during the Law Enforcement Career Fair at the D.C. Armory on June 9, 2026. The multi-agency event is expected to connect thousands of attendees with career opportunities in public safety and public service throughout the National Capital Region and across Georgia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and North Carolina... MORE

Memorial Day Message 2026
May 25, 2026 — Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, reminds Americans that Memorial Day is more than a holiday or seasonal tradition — it is a solemn time to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to the nation. From ceremonies and parades to flags placed at cemeteries and moments of silence, Americans commemorate the fallen through acts of gratitude and respect. The freedoms enjoyed today were secured through the courage and selflessness of heroes, both known and unknown, whose sacrifices will never be forgotten... MORE

Protect the Capital, Defend the Nation: DCNG Unveils Freedom 250 Patch
May 23, 2026 — Leaders of the District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG) have introduced a new assignment patch that highlights their participation in the celebration of honoring Freedom 250 legacy and recognizes the National Guard’s support of key events in the nation’s capital. The historic, once-in-a-generation opportunity to serve reflects the grounding principles of the United States while also reinforcing partnerships with local and federal authorities... MORE

U.S. Army Spc. Shretha Broderick with the Georgia National Guard assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia in support of the DC Safe and Beautiful mission, salutes the American flag while wearing the Freedom 250 Brassard at the DC Armory in Washington, May 21, 2026. About 2,500 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.

JTF-DC Soldiers respond to vehicle accident
May 21, 2026 — U.S. Soldiers with the Arkansas National Guard assigned to JTF-DC in support of the DC Safe and Beautiful mission responded to a vehicle accident involving a diplomatic vehicle near Dupont Circle in Washington, May 15, 2026... MORE

U.S. Army Spc. Brennan Ridgen, a combat medic, left, and Spc. Logan Jackson, right, an artilleryman, both with the Arkansas National Guard currently assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia in support of the DC Safe and Beautiful mission, pose for a portrait near Dupont Circle in Washington, May 21, 2026. About 2,500 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.