News Release - Tag DCSafe

D.C. National Guard Hosts Inaugural Law Enforcement Recognition Ceremony
February 27, 2026 — The District of Columbia National Guard hosts its first Law Enforcement Recognition Ceremony to honor officers from partner agencies for their service and contributions to public safety in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, a law enforcement and military collaboration started in Aug. 2025. Composed of District and federal law enforcement, and the National Guard, the mission holds accountable those who pose a threat to public safety... MORE

Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the District of Columbia National Guard, hosts a Law Enforcement Recognition Ceremony recognizing partner law enforcement agencies at the D.C. Armory, Feb. 26, 2026. Distinguished guests included U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi; Gady Serralta, Director of the U.S. Marshals Service; and Jeffery Carroll, Interim Chief of Police for Metropolitan Police Department. The ceremony recognized officers from 10 local and federal law enforcement agencies for their partnership with the National Guard and contributions to public safety in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission. Officers received the District of Columbia National Guard Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal or Distinguished Service Medal based on their individual achievements and level of impact.

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

Legal Readiness 101: District of Columbia National Guard Office of the Staff Judge Advocate
January 5, 2026 — Being legally prepared is just as important as being medically and physically ready! Taking proactive steps to get your legal affairs in order means you can focus on your mission with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your family is secure and your personal wishes are protected. To bolster military readiness, the District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG) Office of the Staff Judge Advocate (OSJA) presents "Legal Readiness 101." The goal of the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate is to help Guardsmen achieve legal readiness. Services are completely free and confidential for eligible service members. Legal assistance is available from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the D.C. Armory drill floor on the 1st and 15th of each month. See the QR codes in the video to learn more. ... MORE

D.C. Safe and Beautiful Mission: 2025 Year in Review
December 28, 2025 — The Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission underscores the dedication of National Guard Soldiers and Airmen to work alongside federal, state and local partners. Joint Task Force - District of Columbia strengthens public safety through presence, partnership and trust while supporting communities, honoring service and standing ready to respond... MORE

JTF-DC Commander Delivers Holiday Message to the Force
December 20, 2025 — U.S. Army Col. Larry Doane, Joint Task Force - District of Columbia commander, delivers a holiday message to Guardsmen supporting the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission. The message highlights unwavering service, reinforced mission readiness, and dedication to duty. Additionally, the task force also extends heartfelt words of encouragement to U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, and the families of U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and the West Virginia National Guard... MORE

D.C. National Guard Command Team Holiday Message
December 14, 2025 — Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard; Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Smith, Senior Enlisted Leader; and their spouses deliver a holiday message emphasizing gratitude for service, readiness, and family sacrifice to the D.C. National Guard and Joint Task Force - District of Columbia. This holiday season, they encourage the entire force to focus on connection, gratitude, achievements, and progress... MORE

W.Va. National Guard Soldier dies following D.C. shooting
November 27, 2025 — We are saddened to confirm the death of Army National Guard Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, of Summersville, West Virginia. Spc. Beckstrom died Nov. 27, 2025, as a result of a gunshot wound. She was one of the two West Virginia National Guardsmen who were shot near the Farragut Square Metro Station in Washington D.C. on November 26... MORE

75 Days Strong — Guard Members Keep the Nation’s Capital Safe and Beautiful
October 28, 2025 — Seventy-five days into the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, Soldiers and Airmen from across the country continue to serve alongside local law enforcement and community partners to enhance safety, resilience and quality of life throughout the nation’s capital. Since late August, the Joint Task Force - District of Columbia — composed of National Guard units from more than a dozen states — has maintained a visible, professional presence across Washington’s neighborhoods, parks and transit hubs. Their support to the Metropolitan Police Department and District agencies has become a cornerstone of interagency cooperation, demonstrating the Guard’s enduring commitment to the defense and well-being of the American people at home... MORE

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Scott McKennon, right, Joint Task Force–District of Columbia senior enlisted leader, D.C. National Guard, coordinates with civilian law enforcement in Washington, D.C., Oct. 31, 2025. About 2,400 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.

Leadership of District of Columbia National Guard and the U.S. Marshals Service Mark 60 Days of Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful Operations
October 11, 2025 — Leadership of District of Columbia National Guard and the U.S. Marshals Service inform the public of the many accomplishments after 60 days of operations in the D.C. area, Washington D.C. Oct. 11th, 2025. Approximately 2,300 National Guard members support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, providing critical assistance to the Metropolitan Police Department in ensuring the safety of all who live, work and visit the District... MORE

National Guard Duo Reunite Lost Child With Parents at Washington Monument
October 8, 2025 — A routine patrol near the Washington Monument turned into a moment of human connection on Oct. 6, when two National Guard Airmen helped reunite a lost child with his parents amid the bustling crowds of the National Mall. Guardsmen have helped reunite six children with their families since the start of the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission... MORE

U.S. Air Force Airman Devontae Taylor, left, and Tech. Sgt. Richard Kramer, Airmen with the 172nd Airlift Wing, Mississippi National Guard, with the 112th Military Police Battalion, Mississippi National Guard, Task Force Magnolia, recovered a lost child, center left, near the Washington Monument, Washington, D.C., Oct. 6, 2025. About 2,300 National Guard members are supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission providing critical support to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department in ensuring the safety of all who live, work and visit the District.