D.C. National Guard Commanding General Discusses MDCSAB Impact with ABC News

About this video

Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the District of Columbia National Guard, visits ABC News studios in Washington for an interview with Kyra Phillips of ABC News Live, Aug. 11, 2026. The interview focused on the one-year anniversary of the Make DC Safe and Beautiful mission, including the National Guard’s impact throughout the District, current force posture and partnerships with local and federal agencies.

Since the mission began Aug. 11, 2025, Soldiers and Airmen from across the country have served alongside law enforcement and interagency partners providing a visible presence while responding to real-world situations ranging from medical emergencies and overdose incidents to locating missing children and helping de-escalate potentially dangerous encounters. The mission has also provided Guardsmen opportunities to strengthen readiness, exercise sound judgment in complex environments and build relationships with the communities they serve.

During the interview, Blanchard reflected on the professionalism, discipline and compassion demonstrated by Guardsmen throughout the past year and emphasized the importance of strong partnerships in supporting a safe and secure nation’s capital. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)