News Release

D.C. National Guard command team signs 2024 SAAPM Joint Proclamation
April 18, 2024 — April is designated as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. Preventing and responding to sexual assault remains a fight that demands our attention every day. Sexual assault and sexual harassment erode the fabric of our National Guard, breaking the sacred trust of our Nation, Service Members, Civilians, and their families... MORE

From left, Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Smith, Senior Enlisted Leader, D.C. National Guard; Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, commanding general (interim), D.C. National Guard; Dr. Theresa Owolabi, Sexual Assault Response Program Manager, D.C. National Guard, and Amanda Dunsford, Victim Advocate Coordinator, D.C. National Guard, stand for a photograph following the command team signing a joint proclamation in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, at the D.C. Armory, April 17, 2024. The D.C. National Guard continues to take bold actions on victims care and support, accountability, prevention, climate and culture.

D.C. Army National Guard Marks Change in Leadership for Land Component
April 15, 2024 — U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland L. Blanchard II relinquished command of the District of Columbia Army National Guard’s Land Component Command to Brig. Gen. Craig M. Maceri during a change of command ceremony at the D.C. Armory, April 13, 204. The ceremony, steeped in military tradition and protocol, featured the traditional passing of the unit colors symbolizing the transfer of authority from one commander to another... MORE

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland L. Blanchard II relinquished command of the District of Columbia Army National Guard’s Land Component Command to Brig. Gen. Craig M. Maceri during a change of command ceremony April 13 at the D.C. Armory. The ceremony, steeped in military tradition and protocol, featured the traditional passing of the unit colors symbolizing the transfer of authority from one commander to another.

2024 D.C. Emancipation Day Parade
April 14, 2024 — Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, Commanding General (interim), D.C. National Guard, and the 257th Army Band joined Mayor Muriel Bowser for the 2024 Emancipation Day Parade and concert. The event which commemorates the end of slavery is organized by the Mayor's Office of Community Affairs (MOCA). On April 16, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act, ending slavery in the District of Columbia. Passage of the law came over 8 months before President Lincoln issued his Emancipation Proclamation... MORE

Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, Commanding General (interim), D.C. National Guard, and the 257th Army Band joined Mayor Muriel Bowser for the 2024 Emancipation Day Parade and concert. The event which commemorates the end of slavery is organized by the Mayor's Office of Community Affairs (MOCA). On April 16, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act, ending slavery in the District of Columbia. Passage of the law came over 8 months before President Lincoln issued his Emancipation Proclamation.

Integrated Resilience Operations (IRO): Pillars of mental, spiritual, physical, and social resilience
April 10, 2024 — The District of Columbia National Guard's Integrated Resilience Operations (IRO) program works with leaders at all levels to help them execute recommendations with the overall intent of improving the environment of the D.C. National Guard for all Airmen, Soldiers, and Civilians. ... MORE

From left, Mr. Joseph Althoff, Integrated Primary Prevention Manager; Mr. Jason Dickson, DCANG Prevention Coordinator, Ms. Juliann Bryant, DCANG Prevention Analyst, and Mr. Karlus Madison, DCARNG Prevention Analyst, stand for a photograph following a meeting at Joint Base Andrews, April 5, 2024. The District of Columbia National Guard's Integrated Resilience Operations (IRO) program equips the organization with the knowledge, skills, tools and resources required to continually assess and adjust mitigation plans for unit commanders and senior leaders of the D.C. National Guard geared toward identifying where the organization succeeds and where there's challenges.

Special Operations Forces (SOF) SMEE: U.S. and Canadian Special Forces Forge Partnerships in Jamaica
April 7, 2024 — Members of the District of Columbia Army National Guard joined forces with elite units from the U.S. and Canada for a Special Operations Forces (SOF) Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE). The collaboration with SOF counterparts from the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, and Trinidad and Tobago, marked a significant milestone in international military cooperation amid the backdrop of Tropical Dagger... MORE

U.S. Army Capt. Michael Humphrise and U.S. Army Maj. Bill Seskey receive an island tour by plane Feb. 21, 2024. Members of the District of Columbia Army National Guard joined forces with elite units from the U.S. and Canada for a Special Operations Forces (SOF) Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE).

National Guard night at Nationals Park 2024
April 6, 2024 — The Washington Nationals honored members of the National Guard during National Guard Night at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., April 5, 2024. National Guard Soldiers and Airmen were featured in the pregame ceremonies to honor their military service. The District of Columbia National Guard provides trained, ready and resilient joint forces for multi-domain operations globally for the U.S. Army and Air Force, and locally in the District... MORE

District of Columbia National Guard holds Women Empowerment Panel to celebrate Women’s History Month
March 31, 2024 — The District of Columbia National Guard's Joint Resilience Directorate (J9) in collaboration with D.C. Government Operations-DCNG, presented a Women's Empowerment Hour at the D.C. Armory in recognition of Women's History Month... MORE

District of Columbia National Guard holds Women Empowerment Panel to commemorate Women’s History Month in the D.C. National Guard Armory, March 28, 2024. The panel features Chief Master Sgt. Naconda Hinton, Senior Enlisted Leader, 113th Medical Group; Capt. Mayauda Bowens, Logistics Support Operations Officer; Chief Warrant Officer 3 Annette Johnson-Tate, DCARNG Officer Strength Manager; Vakisa Bragg, Program Analyst and Ms. Nicole McDermott, Chief of Staff (DCGO-DCNG).

Marching Through History: A Soldier's Perspective on Women's History Month
March 20, 2024 — As Soldiers, we stand on the shoulders of courageous women who have contributed to the nation's defense, often against the backdrop of historical challenges and societal expectations. Today, we celebrate Women's History Month not only to honor the remarkable achievements of women throughout history but also to recognize the invaluable contributions of our comrades in the armed forces... MORE

The 2024 theme of Women's History Month is Women Who Have Made Great Achievements. This month, we recognize the achievements of contributors throughout American military history.

Beyond the Table: Making the most of National Nutrition Month
March 18, 2024 — March marks National Nutrition Month, a time when individuals across the nation are encouraged to focus on making more informed food choices and developing healthier eating and physical activity habits... MORE

A member of the District of Columbia National Guard is served lunch at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Feb. 3, 2024. March marks National Nutrition Month, a time when individuals across the nation are encouraged to focus on making more informed food choices and developing healthier eating and physical activity habits.

‘The President’s CST’ for a reason: 33rd WMD-CST supports 2024 SOTUA
March 14, 2024 — In addition to supporting high-profile events, including the State of the Union Address, United Nations Summits, and Super Bowl LVII, WMD-CSTs train with their military counterparts and federal authorities steadily... MORE

U.S. Army Maj. Keith Hapenney, commander, 33rd WMD-CST, speaks with interagency partners in Washington, D.C., March 7, 2024. The 33rd WMD-CST was strategically positioned to respond effectively with D.C. Fire, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Capitol Police, and CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Packages (CERFP) units.