News Release - Tag JTFDC

D.C. National Guard Commanding General Offers Message Commemorating 224th Birthday
May 1, 2026 — At the Lincoln Memorial, Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, marked the organization’s 224th birthday ahead of May 3—honoring a legacy built on courage, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to freedom. From the battlefields of the Civil War, World War II, Vietnam, and Operation Desert Storm, to today’s global missions, the D.C. National Guard has answered the call—every time. ... MORE

JTF-DC at the White House Correspondents Association Dinner
April 28, 2026 — U.S. Soldiers with the North Dakota, Arkansas and Nebraska Army National Guard, assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia in support of the DC Safe and Beautiful mission, responded to a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner (WHCAD) at the Washington Hilton in Northwest Washington April 25, 2026... MORE

U.S. Soldiers with the Nebraska and North Dakota National Guards, assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia in support of the DC Safe and Beautiful mission, pose for a group photo at a hotel in Alexandria, Virginia, April 28, 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.

From the Drill Floor to Tournament Stage, D.C. National Guard Launches Modern Combatives Program
April 15, 2026 — Formally established in February, the District of Columbia National Guard’s Combatives Program has already sent competitors to the 2026 Lacerda Cup, one of the Army’s premier hand-to-hand combat tournaments, and is beginning to influence how some units approach physical training. The effort aligns with the Modern Army Combatives Program (MACP), which launched in the 1990s, and blends techniques from wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, boxing and Muay Thai. Sister services have since also developed their own programs to enhance combat readiness, self-defense capabilities, unit cohesion, and Warrior Ethos... MORE

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers compete in the finals during day three of the 2026 Lacerda Cup All-Army Combatives Championship at Fort Benning, Ga. Apr. 10, 2026. The two Army National Guard teams finished the tournament with third and sixth place team standings out of twenty-one teams competing, with three National Guard Soldiers earning championship belts.

From Duty to 'I Do'
March 23, 2026 — While serving in Washington, U.S. Army Spc. Ester Henriquez moved forward with one of the most important days of her life—her wedding to Hasan Alpkan at the historic Old Post Chapel at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia... MORE

U.S. Army Spc. Ester Henriquez, an Indiana National Guard member assigned to Joint Task Force - District of Columbia, holds Hasan Alpkan's hand during their wedding ceremony at the Old Post Chapel on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia, March 21, 2026. About 2,700 National Guard members support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, assisting the Metropolitan Police Department in maintaining public safety for residents, commuters and visitors throughout the District.