National Guard Officer Honored for Key Role in D.C. Safe and Beautiful Mission
Photo By Ayan Sheikh |
U.S. Army Capt. Kyle D. Hartleben, West Virginia National Guard supporting the Make......read moreread more
Photo By Ayan Sheikh | U.S. Army Capt. Kyle D. Hartleben, West Virginia National Guard supporting the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission was awarded the Joint Service Achievement Medal for exceptional performance during the operation’s early phase, at D.C. Armory on Feb. 2, 2026. see less
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National Guard Officer Honored for Key Role in D.C. Safe and Beautiful Mission
WASHINGTON — A West Virginia National Guard officer supporting the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission has been awarded the Joint Service Achievement Medal for exceptional performance during the operation’s early phase.
Capt. Kyle D. Hartleben, Contract Specialist, was recognized for rapidly developing and executing a procurement strategy that delivered a National Guard MOLLE-style patch in a matter of days, a process that normally takes months.
The Joint Service Achievement Medal, established in 1983 by the secretary of defense, is awarded to service members in the Armed Forces, below the rank of colonel for outstanding achievement or meritorious service while assigned to joint activities. The award recognizes contributions that strengthen joint operations and improve mission effectiveness across services and agencies.
Cpt. Hartleben deployed as part of the mission’s advance party, serving as one of the first 15 West Virginia Guardsmen on the ground in Washington.
“My initial encounter with Captain Hartleben occurred this past August, during the first few days of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission,” said Lt. Col. Paul Caldwell, Chief of Contracting for the District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG) United States Property and Fiscal Office (USPFO).
“He immediately volunteered to assist, and after gaining his leadership’s approval, began working for me in the USPFO Purchasing and Contracting Division where his contributions were invaluable. Kyle is a bright and talented 51C Army officer who is poised for a distinguished career in the acquisition field.”
A recent graduate of the Army Acquisition School, Hartleben had limited prior experience in the acquisition field when he arrived. He quickly adapted to complex mission requirements, coordinated with multiple stakeholders and developed an innovative procurement approach that accelerated timelines and improved operational efficiency during a critical period of the mission.
Through his efforts, Cpt. Hartleben successfully sourced, produced, and delivered the distinctive patch worn by National Guard members supporting the operation. The capability was fielded when needed and later received national-level recognition, strengthening relationships across the joint and interagency enterprise.
“My job is to turn requirements into contracted supplies and services,” Hartleben said. “I work with requirement activity to build the requirement package for a contract solution. I also assist with surveillance and quality control after contracts are awarded.”
Hartleben said he was honored to receive the award, particularly because of who presented it.
“I thought it was inspiring that Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II took the time to recognize me,” he said. “I know he has a busy schedule, but that meant a lot.”
Hartleben credited professional relationships and mentorship for his success.
“The networking and relationships I have built with Lt. Col. Caldwell, National Guard Bureau Acquisition and the DCNG G4 staff prepared me to excel,” he said. “I have only been successful because Lt. Col. Caldwell has continuously taken the time to mentor, develop and teach me.”
Approximately 2,600 National Guard members from multiple states are supporting the Make DC Safe and Beautiful mission, providing critical assistance to the Metropolitan Police Department to help ensure the safety of residents, commuters and visitors throughout the District.
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