Task Force Beautification Teams With Advisory Neighborhood Commission in the District’s Ward 8

WASHINGTON - Soldiers and Airmen from the District of Columbia National Guard worked shoulder to shoulder with Ward 8 residents, volunteers and local leaders Sept. 13, marking Task Force Beautification's first-ever participation in a neighborhood cleanup effort in Washington, D.C.

Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, commanding general (interim) of the D.C. National Guard, said the project reflected the Guard's ties with the neighborhoods it serves.

"It is critical to us that we continue to invest our energy into our community, not just today, but every day. Many of our Soldiers and Airmen live here, and we want to make sure that we reinforce that connection," Blanchard said.

The cleanup was organized by Advisory Neighborhood Commission 8B06 Commissioner Marcus "Mick" Hickman, who launched monthly events in March to tackle litter and illegal dumping across his neighborhood.

"You want to feel comfortable where you live," Hickman said. "You don't want to come outside and see piles of trash on the curb. Cleaner communities are wider communities, safer communities. When people offer their help, you accept it, and this is what it looks like when residents, the Guard, the Metropolitan Police Department and elected officials come together."

Cleanup efforts spanned several Ward 8 blocks, culminating in a community gathering at DC Prep Anacostia Middle School.

Neighbors Emily Jackson and Patrick Kincaid joined the effort for the first time. Jackson, who moved to the area in March, said she felt welcomed when Marcus Hunt, director of D.C. Government Operations for the D.C. National Guard, personally encouraged her to take part.

"It's a great community, and we just wanted to give back," Jackson said. "We live here, so we want to help keep it clean and safe."

Brig. Gen. Craig M. Maceri, Task Force Support commander and D.C. Army National Guard Land Component Command commander, emphasized the Guard's commitment to long-term community partnerships.

"This initiative highlights our commitment to community service and reinforces our role as active, engaged members of the District [of Columbia], and we are eager to build on this success in future projects," Maceri said.

Since its launch, Task Force Beautification has carried out more than 60 cleanup projects - primarily trash removal - across Washington, D.C. Leaders say the mission is now expanding, with plans to shift toward revitalization and community outreach initiatives. Upcoming efforts will include projects with the Capital Guardian Youth ChalleNGe Academy, as well as coordination with city partners to broaden engagement across neighborhoods.

Task Force Beautification is led entirely by D.C. Guard members. Unlike the broader Joint Task Force - District of Columbia, which draws on support from more than 2,300 personnel across Washington, D.C. and eight states - Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, Louisiana and West Virginia - Task Force Beautification is focused solely on restoration and improvement. The task force primarily responds to requests from the D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. National Park Service.

For Commissioner Hickman, the day represented more than trash removal; it was about reshaping perceptions and building trust.

"Today dismantles the narrative that the National Guard is a threat to our community," Hickman said. "Instead, it shows what it looks like to bridge divides and work together for something better."