The DC Safe and Beautiful mission is approaching its first-year mark. As time continues on from its original start, so too does its leadership.
U.S. Army Col. Lawrence Doane passes on the title of commander of Joint Task Force-District of Columbia to Col. Adrian Perez at the DC Armory in Washington, July 27 2026.
At mission start, Doane would take command and immediately build out a strong plan and operating force in the DC area. This is thanks to his extensive experience with leadership through the years.
Through operating as commander, Doane spent time both in office helping direct troops to their designated task force locations and going out on patrols with soldiers in the field.
“I had seen you standing on those streets, walking those patrols, being ready in the moments between the drama,” said Doane, “ Your only companion, discipline to keep you focused. In those quiet moments, I watched and saw you.”
Originally enlisted as a combat medic with the Vermont National Guard, he would then attend and commission through the University of Vermont's Reserve Officer Training Corp in 2002. He then deployed as a Rifle Platoon Leader of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, from Fort Lewis in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2003 to 2004. After his deployment, he returned to Fort Lewis and served as a platoon leader and executive officer in C Company, 52nd Infantry Battalion.
Doane eventually returned to the Vermont National Guard and spent several years serving in different staff positions within the 3rd Battalion. Doane eventually took command of B Troop, 1st Squadron, 172nd Cavalry Regiment, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) in 2009. This was followed by a deployment in 2010 to 2011 to Afghanistan.
Upon returning from his 2nd deployment, He transferred to HeadQuarters Department of the Army (HQDA). This allowed him to serve alongside leadership as executive officer to HQDA Deputy Director of Operations, Readiness and Mobilization. This led to the role of Deputy Chief, Current Operations, Army National Guard.
He would again return to Vermont in 2019 and serve as commander of 1st Squadron, 172nd Cavalry Regiment, 86th IBCT. His unit deployed to Camp Lemonier, Djibouti in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, where he would also be Ground Force Commander, Combined Joint Task Force (CJTF)-Horn of Africa.
Upon his last overseas deployment, Doane graduated from the National War College and then served as Chief, Current Operations Division, National Guard Bureau. Serving in this position for several years, he would be assigned to operate as commander of Joint Task Force-District of Columbia and the 260th Special Purpose Brigade.
“We talked about this country being a shiny city like a beacon on a hill if we embraced the ideas of liberty and freedom," said Col. Doane. “I realized that's not the beacon. The shining city is real, but you are the beacons”
This change of leadership comes with a new opportunity to show and share the skills and perspectives of one leader to another.
“Our mission to make DC safe and beautiful is unlike any other. It is a mission of preservation, security, and national pride.” Said Col. Perez. “What makes JTF-DC truly remarkable is the sheer diversity of this force.”
Originally commissioned as an Engineer Officer in May 2005, from the University of Portland ROTC, he would earn a masters degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, PA, and a management degree from Webster University, St Louis, MO.
Perez would spend years serving in dual operational assignments in engineer battalions and company leadership positions as commander of the 111th Engineer Battalion, 36th Infantry Division, Abilene TX, and Executive Officer, HeadQuarters HeadQuarters Company 249th Engineer Battalion (Prime Power), USACE, Fort Belvoir, Virginia; and platoon Leader, 16th Engineer Battalion (Sapper), 1st Armored Division, Giessen, Germany and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Being responsible for directing strategic planning, coordinating, and executing joint operations, Perez will work with federal and local partner organizations to maintain the current mission tempo.
“My directive to you is to commit to growing every single day. Look out for those on your left and your right,” said Col. Perez. “ With us watching over this mission, every single one of us returns to our families safer, stronger, and more capable than ever.”