An official website of the United States Government 
Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov

.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Tennessee National Guard Sustains D.C. Safe, Beautiful Mission

Soldiers and airmen from the Tennessee National Guard are delivering essential sustainment support to the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force, Joint Task Force District of Columbia, mission by ensuring guard members remain equipped, supplied and ready to safeguard the nation's capital. 

A guardsman stands on a street corner during daytime as pedestrians cross a road lined with buildings and a vehicle waits to turn in the background.
Look Both Ways
Army Spc. Laredo Hickson, a Tennessee Army National Guardsman assigned to the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force, patrols a street in Washington, Aug. 23, 2025. About 2,300 National Guardsmen are supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force, Joint Task Force District of Columbia, mission, helping police ensure the safety of all who live in, work in and visit the district.
Credit: Army Sgt. Kalina Hyche, Army National Guard
VIRIN: 250823-Z-HE111-1005P

 
Operating from a logistics support area at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling and forward positions across the district, Tennessee guard sustainment and supply personnel provide critical resources that enable mission success. From maintaining accountability of sensitive equipment to distributing mission-essential gear, supply professionals ensure every patrol element and command team can remain focused on public safety. 
 
"By equipping our guardsmen with the tools they need, we're ensuring [the task force] is a strong, capable force," said Army Staff Sgt. Cody Ruth, a supply sergeant assigned to the 269th Military Police Company, Tennessee National Guard. "Investment in preparation today directly translates to mission success tomorrow. Our soldiers and airmen are prepared to accomplish their mission." 

Two soldiers in military camouflage uniforms talk to two people in blue police uniforms as they stand on a sidewalk in a city. There is a police car parked on the street and two other soldiers in similar attire walking in the background.
Military Policing
Soldiers assigned to the Tennessee Army National Guard provide military police support to civil authorities in Washington, Aug. 24, 2025.
Credit: Army Sgt. Kalina Hyche, Army National Guard
VIRIN: 250824-Z-HE111-1003P

 
Sustainment requires a constant rhythm. Bulk supplies move into staging areas, hand receipts transfer equipment as elements rotate and forward supply teams push essentials directly to patrol sites. Anchored in Army logistics principles, this process ensures resources flow seamlessly from warehouse to warfighter, keeping every element of the mission fully resourced and ready. 
 
For this mission, sustainment is more than routine, it is decisive. Tennessee supply personnel anticipate mission requirements, adapt schedules to match operational shifts, and preposition resources ahead of taskings. This approach allows leaders to maintain a presence across the city without interruption. 

{{slideNumber}}/{{numSlides}} - {{slideCaption}}
Credit: {{photographer}}
VIRIN: {{virin}}
{{slideNumber}} of {{numSlides}}

{{slideNumber}}/{{numSlides}} {{slideTitle}} - {{slideCaption}}

{{slideInfo.slideNumber}}/{{numSlides}} {{slideInfo.slideTitle}} - {{slideInfo.slideCaption}}

"Making sure soldiers and airmen have what they need; that's what gets me up in the morning," said Army Spc. Joshua Hodges, a senior supply specialist assigned to the 269th Military Police Company. "I take pride knowing that when our team is equipped and ready, I've done my job right. Seeing a unit roll out and knowing they have everything needed to accomplish their mission, it gives me a sense of purpose."
 
About 2,300 National Guard members are supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force mission in providing critical support to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department in ensuring the safety of all who live in, work in and visit the district. While medics, military police and security teams provide visible presence, supply professionals ensure they remain sustained, equipped and mission capable.

Related Stories