OCTOBER 9, 2025 – National Guardsmen supporting the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission bring with them an extraordinary range of experiences. From educators, social workers, pastors to first responders, engineers and entrepreneurs.
Those civilian backgrounds don’t just shape who we are; they shape how we serve.
Each Soldier and Airman supporting the mission draws on more than military training during their duty day. They lean on the skills they have developed through their civilian careers – communication, empathy, and problem solving – to help them navigate the often complex human interactions and unpredictable dynamics of a distinctive mission in an urban environment.
“The magic of the National Guard is our wide array of backgrounds and experiences,” said U.S. Army Col. Larry Doane, commander of the Joint Task Force-District of Columbia. “Our teams contain experts in everything from emergency medicine to electrical systems. Drawing on that diversity of skills to help each other solve problems is what makes our formations so unique and effective.”
That same focus on the whole person extends beyond professional skill sets. The JTF-DC and the D.C. National Guard has made mental, physical, and spiritual readiness of service members on the ground a top priority.
In addition to the plethora of professional counselors, chaplains and behavioral health specialists assigned to the mission, National Guardsmen also have access to a wide network of outside resources devoted to supporting the mission and those involved.
“Having access to care is a top priority for the leadership on this mission,” said U.S. Army Maj. Edward Lartey, a chaplain with the D.C. National Guard. “Being a chaplain, communicating and letting service members know we are there for them is the most important part… (But) we are a part of the tree that allows those on the mission to branch out and get any of the resources that they need.”
Lieutenant Col. Leah Fletcher, chief behavioral health officer with the D.C. National Guard, agrees. She notes that in addition to having a range of people and services available to listen to those who may be having problems in or outside of the mission, Fletcher notes the variety of professional services available to those on the mission in need of them. Those included, but are not limited to; world class health care facilities, career services for both those with or currently searching for a job, financial resources, and childcare fee assistance.
Business cards from the D.C. National Guard care team with a QR code providing more information about resources available to service members can be found through the operation area at dining facilities, distribution centers, and armories. That ensures no one misses out on getting any help they might need.
“This is a special mission, getting to serve in our nation’s capital city,” Fletcher said. “While the D.C. National Guard is extremely familiar with this because of missions they have worked in the past, our other states supporting here may not be… That is why it is absolutely beneficial to talk to your leadership and professionals if needed about how they can help you, even if it is just to listen for a bit.”
For those on the ground serving in Washington, maintaining that balance between skills they bring to the mission and the support they receive is what keeps the operation strong.
The same variety of background that makes National Guardsmen most effective when called to action also reminds them of the importance of taking care of themselves and one another.
“We can’t take care of anyone if we don’t take care of ourselves first,” Doane continued. “Our mission, while rewarding, requires an incredibly high level of focus and professionalism throughout a service member’s shift. The District is a busy, engaging place which requires us all to remain alert while we work to keep our fellow citizens safe. Taking time to seek out places to recharge between patrols is vital to being our best selves when we are on duty.”
Story by Sgt. Austin Goss
129th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment