News Release

Hispanic Heritage Month 2024: Shaping the Future Together
September 15, 2024 — National Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, marks a time to showcase and honor the many contributions Hispanic Americans have made to the Defense Department and the nation. This year's theme, "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together," coincides with important dates in many communities and encompasses independence days for several Latin American countries. Members of the D.C. National Guard describe what the month means to them. Whether serving in the military or contributing through our civilian workforce, their dedication and service are deeply appreciated... MORE

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.

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.

D.C. National Guard recognizes National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
January 9, 2024 — Some D.C. National Guard Soldiers and Airmen share in receiving and giving appreciation, as they have the distinctive experience of being both District of Columbia National Guard members while also serving in law enforcement agencies in the metropolitan area... MORE

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day was created in 2015 by several national organizations to thank officers across the country for all their daily sacrifices they continually make for their communities and surrounding areas. Some District of Columbia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen share in receiving and giving appreciation, as they have the distinctive experience of being both D.C. National Guard members while also serving in law enforcement agencies in the metropolitan area.

'Class of many firsts': CGYCA Class 61 grads earn scholarships and admission into UDC
January 2, 2024 — Cadets of the Capital Guardian Youth Challenge Academy Class 61 receive their diplomas upon completion of a 22 week “quasi-military" course, during a residential phase commencement ceremony at the University of the District of Columbia, Dec. 29, 2023. Since 2013, the mission of the program is to intervene in and reclaim the lives of at-risk youth, and produce program graduates with the values, skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed as adults... MORE

Cadets of the Capital Guardian Youth Challenge Academy Class 61 receive their diplomas upon completion of a 22 week long “quasi-military" course, during a residential phase commencement ceremony at the University of the District of Columbia, Dec. 29, 2023. Since 2013, the mission of the program is to intervene in and reclaim the lives of at-risk youth, and produce program graduates with the values, skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed as adults.

2023 Year in Review
December 27, 2023 — Whatever the next year holds, the Soldiers of the District of Columbia National Guard will continue to support the District and the Nation with trained, ready and resilient Soldiers for multi-domain operations... MORE

Family Affair: 257th Army Band continues legacy of music and connection
December 18, 2023 — The District of Columbia National Guard’s 257th Army Band holds its annual “Sounds of the Season” holiday concert at Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Catholic Church, Dec. 11, 2023. The annual event is part of the band’s commitment to community engagements bolstering music, connection and recruitment throughout the year... MORE

The District of Columbia National Guard’s 257th Army Band holds its annual “Sounds of the Season” holiday concert at Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Catholic Church, Dec. 11, 2023. The annual event is part of the band’s commitment to community engagements bolstering music, connection and recruitment throughout the year. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)

2023 Holiday message from DCNG Commanding General, TAG and Command Senior Enlisted Leader
December 13, 2023 — Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, Commanding General (interim), District of Columbia National Guard; Brig. Gen. Aaron R. Dean, The Adjutant General, D.C. National Guard and Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Smith, Jr., Command Senior Enlisted Leader, D.C. National Guard thank Soldiers, Airmen, civilians, and family members for their accomplishments over the year... MORE

Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, Commanding General (interim), District of Columbia National Guard; Brig. Gen. Aaron R. Dean, The Adjutant General, D.C. National Guard and Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Smith, Jr., Command Senior Enlisted Leader, D.C. National Guard thank Soldiers, Airmen, civilians, and family members for their accomplishments over the year.

D.C. National Guard's ‘District Dustoff’ maintains hoist proficiency
December 6, 2023 — Members of the District of Columbia Army National Guard's aeromedical evacuation operation, Det 2 G Co 2/104th General Support Aviation Battalion (GSAB) at Davison Army Airfield, Va., conduct hoist training, Nov. 8, 2023. Training scenarios are used to build proficiency and effectiveness to ensure members are ready to respond to emergency medical missions anywhere... MORE

Flutist hits different note as 2023 National Guard Army Bands Soldier of the Year
November 29, 2023 — The U.S. Army School of Music named Spc. Margaret Suarez, a flutist with the District of Columbia National Guard 257th Army Band, the National Guard Army Bands Soldier of the Year for 2023, Oct. 13, 2023. The purpose of The Army Bands Soldier/NCO of the Year competition identifies those Army musicians who best embodied the concept of highly trained, disciplined, holistically fit experts and professionals... MORE

The U.S. Army School of Music named Spc. Margaret Suarez, a flutist with the District of Columbia National Guard 257th Army Band, the National Guard Army Bands Soldier of the Year for 2023, Oct. 13, 2023. The purpose of The Army Bands Soldier/NCO of the Year Competition identifies those Army musicians who best embodied the concept of highly trained, disciplined, holistically fit experts and professionals.