News Release - Tag JTF-DC

Georgia National Guard Soldiers Assist in Medical Emergency
July 23, 2026 — While conducting a routine presence patrol in Georgetown on July 20, Georgia Army National Guardsmen assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia (JTF-DC) sprang into action after being flagged down by two women whose mother had become unresponsive in a vehicle. The Soldiers immediately assessed the situation, called emergency services, secured the area, directed the responding ambulance, and monitored the woman until D.C. Fire and EMS personnel arrived and assumed care. The incident highlights how nearly 5,000 National Guard members supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission are prepared to provide lifesaving assistance through continuous training, strong leadership, and close coordination with local first responders. For the team, the successful response reinforced their commitment to protecting the community and demonstrated the value of being visible, vigilant, and ready to serve wherever they are needed... MORE

(From the left) Sgt. Louis Ferdinando, 1st Lt. Jacob Wagner, Spc. Fredie Cerrano, Spc. Brayden Cundiff, and Spc. Ryan Austin, all with the Georgia Army National Guard, U.S. Army, assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia (JTF-DC) in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, pose for a photo in Arlington, V.A., July 21, 2026. Approximately 5,000 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.

Keeping Freedom Cool: Lt. Col. Christian Cannon and the National Guard’s Lifesaving Mission at Freedom 250
July 6, 2026 — Freedom 250's largest event brought record-breaking crowds, extreme heat, and unprecedented public safety demands to the National Mall, requiring immediate, coordinated response from Joint Task Force-District of Columbia and interagency partners. Across the Mall, JTF‑DC, a force of 5,000 Guardsmen, provided 510,000 bottles of cold water; 353 medical assists; 108,000 wayfinding assists; 1,757 quality‑of‑life assists; and support at 69 traffic control points... MORE

U.S. National Guard members supporting DC Safe and Beautiful hand out bottles of water to tourists visiting the Great American State Fair during Independence Day celebrations in Washington, D.C., July 4, 2026. About 5,000 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.

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

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

How a Soldier's Humanity Helped Two Lives
May 30, 2026 — A man sat on the ledge of Arlington Memorial Bridge, his feet dangling over its edge when U.S. Army Sgt. Jordan Gillespie, a Crisis Intervention Training-certified personnel and Soldier with the Mississippi National Guard sat by him and began a conversation that ultimately helped bring him to safety on May 30, 2026. This was one the first of two similar interventions Gillespie would make that day... MORE

A man sat on the ledge of Arlington Memorial Bridge, his feet dangling over its edge when U.S. Army Sgt. Jordan Gillespie, a Crisis Intervention Training-certified personnel and Soldier with the Mississippi National Guard sat by him and began a conversation that ultimately helped bring him to safety on May 30, 2026. Approximately 2,500 National Guard members support the DC Safe and Beautiful mission, providing critical assistance to the Metropolitan Police Department and community partners to enhance safety and quality of life throughout the District.

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.

The D.C. National Guard: Making History Since 1802
May 20, 2026 — The D.C. Armory’s Brigadier General West A. Hamilton Museum preserves more than 200 years of District of Columbia National Guard history, honoring the legacy of the Soldiers and Airmen who have defended the nation’s capital and served the United States through times of war, national emergencies, and peace. Located inside the historic D.C. Armory, the museum serves as a place of education, connecting visitors to the unique story of the only federally controlled National Guard in the nation. Through historic artifacts, uniforms, photographs, and personal stories, the museum highlights the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of generations who answered the call to serve something greater than themselves. ... MORE

Amtrak Police, National Guard Support Public Safety Operations at Union Station
January 20, 2026 — A coordinated response between the Amtrak Police Department and National Guard members supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission led to the swift identification of a shoplifting suspect at Union Station on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, 2025. The incident began when Amtrak Police received a report of a shoplifting in progress at a Walgreens located in the station’s food court. Store employees reported that an individual wearing a red hoodie and gray jacket had taken merchandise and fled toward the Metro gates... MORE