AUGUST 22, 2025 – Soldiers and Airmen assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia walked the concourse of Nationals Park Aug. 19 as part of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force with an ongoing mission to support local law enforcement.
U.S. Air Force Chaplain Maj. Jay Green of the 113th Wing, District of Columbia Air National Guard, has found the assignment has been personally significant.
“I grew up here all my life and this mission is very important,” Green said. “It helps show the public that we actually care about them.”
Green said he believes that the visible presence of National Guard members sends a clear message, “that we’re there with you, that we care about you and that we want to make sure that this place is safe.”
Green said he hopes the public sees the mission as an expression of community service.
“As service members we’re one of you all,” he said.
The service members’ responsibilities include patrolling the streets and coordinating with law enforcement.
“If there’s any concerns, we notify [the Metropolitan Police Department] or the right personnel to make sure that situation is taken care of,” Green said.
He added that developing and maintaining readiness for such missions doesn’t happen quickly.
The D.C. National Guard has spent years cultivating relationships with local, District and federal partners. Soldiers spend many training days throughout the year practicing scenarios and rehearsing contingency plans to ensure they can conduct their duties as safely as possible. That way, explained U.S. Army Col. Larry Doane, commander of Joint Task Force-District of Columbia, when units are called up, they can rely on the habits they’ve built.
Other D.C. Guard members shared positive sentiments about serving their hometown.
“It’s amazing,” said U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Etop Ekanem, a chaplain candidate with the 372nd Military Police Battalion, D.C. Army National Guard. “I think that the military is an important asset that we have in this country, and it definitely feels good to be utilized at home as opposed to abroad.”
Ekanem noted that although the mission tasks have substantial similarities, there are some differences between this mission and others.
“We’ve done security at the black history museum [National Museum of African-American History and Culture] when that first opened; we’ve done different missions supporting the Metropolitan Police Department; we’ve supported park police,” Ekanam said. “This is different in that we’ve all been activated by the president. It’s rare that that happens. I think the last time was during COVID.”
Ekanem said that he feels good about his mission supporting what the Guard has been called to do.
“My job as a chaplain candidate is definitely to make sure that Soldiers are good and their welfare is taken care of. It gives me great peace knowing that I’m supporting a Soldier’s spiritual and moral well-being. That gives me fuel to keep going,” Ekanem said.
Whether they are posted at Union Station, engaging with citizens on the National Mall or caring for their fellow service members, the Soldiers and Airmen of the D.C. Guard are committed to their community and making it a better place for everyone to live, work and play.
By Spc. Carrol Walter Hughes IV
Joint Task Force DC