News Release

D.C. National Guard Commanding General Retires
August 10, 2025 — After more than 35 years of service, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, Commanding General (interim) of the District of Columbia National Guard, retired during a combined Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony on August 9, 2025, at DAR Constitution Hall. Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, the Adjutant General (TAG) of the D.C. National Guard, will serve as interim Commanding General until a permanent successor is announced... MORE

Kathleen Andonie accepts flowers during a combined change of command and retirement ceremony Aug. 9, 2025, at DAR Constitution Hall. Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, outgoing Commanding General (Interim) of the District of Columbia National Guard, gifted his wife flowers in honor of the support she has provided during his time in service.

Change of Command Ceremony for D.C. National Guard Commanding General
August 9, 2025 — The District of Columbia National Guard will hold a Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony on Aug. 9 at 2 p.m. at DAR Constitution Hall, 1776 D Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006 in honor of Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, who is retiring. Brig. Gen. Leland Blanchard II will serve as the Interim... MORE

Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie Tribute Video
August 9, 2025 — The D.C. National Guard honors U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, the Commanding General (Interim), for 35+ years of military service. We also recognize August 9, 2025, as Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie Day in the District of Columbia. Mayor Muriel Bowser honored Maj. Gen. Andonie with a proclamation recognizing his decades of distinguished service to the U.S. Army. His leadership strengthened the bond between the DC National Guard and the District, enhancing public safety, community partnerships, and emergency response. Please watch this tribute video as service members and partners discuss Maj. Gen. Andonie's commitment to build, maintain, and balance readiness objectives over the last two years... MORE

D.C. National Guard Command Team Holiday Message 2024
December 23, 2024 — Amid the holiday season and a fast approaching New Year, the D.C. National Guard command team personally thanks each Soldier, Airmen, civilian and family member for their accomplishments over the year... MORE

D.C. National Guard Commanding General takes to the sky in F-16 during familiarization flight
September 20, 2024 — U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, Commanding General (Interim), District of Columbia National Guard, receives a familiarization flight on a F-16D Fighting Falcon at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Sept. 4, 2024. The aircraft was flown by U.S. Air Force Col. Jerome Wonnum, deputy commander, 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