WASHINGTON – Since their activation on Aug. 11, Joint Task Force–District of Columbia National Guard members have partnered with local authorities across the city, responding to life-threatening emergencies to protect and save citizens by securing scenes, assisting first responders and delivering immediate aid during multiple incidents.
During one such event on Aug. 20, Guard members rushed into action when a man was struck by a Washington Metro train at the New York Avenue–Florida Avenue–Gallaudet University station.
“It was chaotic—people were running and screaming,” recalled U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Zachary Graham, a South Carolina National Guard Soldier assigned to Joint Task Force–District of Columbia.
Graham and his fellow Soldiers from the 4th Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment quickly secured the scene, called 911 and worked with first responders to render life-saving aid. Their efforts revived the victim, who was conscious and moving by the time EMTs transported him.
“Everybody was panicking but able to keep a clear head and make the phone call to 911 to get an ambulance on the way,” said U.S. Army Spc. Nicholas Garrison, who was on patrol with Graham. “Our presence was important for getting him help as quickly as possible.”
During a different event on Aug. 15, two District of Columbia Army National Guard military police officers on joint patrol with Amtrak Police at Union Station discovered an unconscious man in distress.
“He was having what appeared to be a pretty serious episode, and looked like he might be dying,” said Sgt. Jay Whited, team leader with the 372nd Military Police Battalion. “It did not look good, but we helped [first responders] get him into an ambulance.”
Amtrak Police suspected a narcotic overdose and asked the Guard members to secure the scene while paramedics administered naloxone. Whited radioed for Spc. Elias Figueroa—a medic and third-year medical student who has responded to multiple medical emergencies while assigned to the task force. Before Figueroa could complete his evaluation, the man regained consciousness, became disoriented and nearly ran into traffic. Guard members, at the request of local authorities, quickly pulled him to safety.
“We are pretty uniquely positioned here, like all National Guard units, but even more so because it’s D.C. and it’s so small,” Whited said. “We are uniquely experienced as well, and we integrate with local agencies well because we have done it so many times.”
In addition to the Metro emergencies, Guard members intervened during the assault of a U.S. Park Police officer, alerted D.C. Metropolitan Police to a man threatening bystanders with a knife at the Waterfront Metro Station and assisted authorities in locating a missing child at the Southwest Waterfront.
“The Soldiers and Airmen of the D.C. National Guard are highly trained and ready to support our interagency partners in keeping the District safe,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard, interim commanding general of the D.C. National Guard.
About 2,300 National Guard members are serving with Joint Task Force–District of Columbia, supporting District and federal law enforcement agencies in safeguarding all who live, work and visit the nation’s capital.