News Release

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.

National Guard Father and Son Conquer Air Assault School Together
October 16, 2024 — 1st Lt. Andrew Devine and his son, U.S. Army Pfc. Isaiah Castellanos, earned Air Assault wings together at ARNG Warrior Training Center, Fort Moore, Ga. The training is for enlisted NCOs and Officers who will be involved in the conduct of Air Assault operations... MORE

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Andrew Devine, second from left, and his son, Pfc. Isaiah Castellanos, fourth from left, stand for a photograph with members of the District of Columbia National Guard following the completion of Air Assault School at Fort Moore, Ga., on Sept. 20, 2024. Upon completion of Air Assault School each soldier is able to perform skills required to make maximum use of helicopter assets in training and in combat to support mission objectives.

Junior Leaders Course (JLC): Empowering the next generation of enlisted leaders from within the organization’s ranks
October 10, 2024 — The District of Columbia Army National Guard completed its first two inaugural Junior Leaders Courses at Camp Dawson, West Virginia. The first of its kind course is purposed to develop forward leaning junior enlisted members and equip them to be the next generation of home-grown leaders... MORE

Participants in the District of Columbia Army National Guard’s Junior Leaders Course participate in a field training exercise (FTX) at Camp Dawson, West Virginia, on Sept. 25, 2024. This was the DCARNG’s second Junior Leaders Course and was established to grow and empower the DCANG’s next generation of enlisted leaders from within the organization’s ranks.

Hispanic Heritage Month: Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie on Heritage and Heart
October 2, 2024 — A proud graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie’s journey in the military has been marked by key leadership roles, from commanding battalion and company units to serving as the Deputy Director of the Army National Guard. For Hispanic Heritage Month, he reflects on his heritage, the values that shape his leadership, and the critical role of diversity in the military... MORE

A proud graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie’s journey in the military has been marked by key leadership roles, from commanding battalion and company units to serving as the Deputy Director of the Army National Guard. For Hispanic Heritage Month, he reflects on his heritage, the values that shape his leadership, and the critical role of diversity in the military.

One Unit’s Journey: Bike Riding as a Path to Wellness and Unit Cohesion
September 24, 2024 — For the past five years, the D.C. National Guard’s Combined Support Maintenance Shop at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling have embraced a unique weekly ritual: a 10–25-mile bike ride that fosters a culture of support that extends beyond the workplace... MORE

Members of the District of Columbia National Guard’s Combined Support Maintenance Shop set off on their weekly 10–25-mile bike ride from Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Aug. 16, 2024. The rides, which promote physical fitness, mental well-being, and team cohesion, take participants through the D.C. area and help maintain mission readiness.