WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 30, 2026 — As Washington, D.C., continues recovery efforts following Winter Storm Fern, which brought heavy snow and disruptions across the region, National Guard members assigned to Joint Task Force–District of Columbia continue presence patrols throughout the District. Working alongside the Metropolitan Police Department, Metro Transit Police, and other local and federal partners, Guard members support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission by reinforcing public safety and maintaining a visible, reassuring presence across the city. The mission, initiated in August 2025 under Executive Order 14333, Declaring a Crime Emergency in the District of Columbia, builds on Executive Order 14252, Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful, issued March 27, 2025. Together, the directives enable coordinated action among federal agencies, the National Guard, and local partners to prevent crime, uphold public order, and support long-term improvements to the capital. As stated in the executive order, Americans deserve a capital that is safe, beautiful, and prosperous. Since the mission’s launch, National Guard members from more than 10 states have supported operations in Washington, with contributions continuing into 2026. Among those states, the Georgia National Guard remains actively engaged, adapting to evolving operational requirements. In recent weeks, Georgia Guard Soldiers assumed responsibility for presence patrols in the Anacostia neighborhood of Southeast Washington, D.C. U.S. Army Capt. Jonathan Davis assumed responsibility for the area earlier this month following the transition of Florida National Guard forces. Davis, who has supported the mission since September 2025 and commands approximately 82 Georgia National Guard Soldiers, emphasized the importance of coordination with local law enforcement. “We’re working closely with transit police officers and Metro PD,” Davis said. “They maintain a constant presence here, and that coordination allows us to integrate smoothly and support the mission effectively.” The patrols, often conducted at key locations such as the Anacostia Metro station, exemplify the mission’s supportive role. Guard members augment local law enforcement through visible presence, information sharing on community conditions and traffic patterns, and coordination with partner agencies when needed. U.S. Army Spc. Drew Pathammavong, who serves under Davis, described the value of that collaboration. “We get information about the areas we work in—the environment, the people, and traffic patterns,” Pathammavong said. “They’re good people to work with and talk to.” Even as winter recovery continues, the mission’s dual focus on safety and beautification remains in effect. Guard members have coordinated with local partners on cleanup efforts and recently supported community initiatives, including snow removal activities with local schools. As recovery efforts progress, Joint Task Force–District of Columbia and its partners remain committed to sustaining momentum, ensuring the nation’s capital remains safe, resilient, and welcoming for residents, commuters, and visitors alike.