WASHINGTON -- Five White House sentries assigned to Guard Company, Marine Barracks Washington, received Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals for their diligent and faithful service, providing more than 1,600 hours of White House security in support of the President of the United States throughout Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Absolute Resolve.
White House Sentries Recognized For Presidential Support
Photo by Capt. Lauri Schleicher
U.S. Marines who serve as White House sentries with Guard Company, Marine Barracks Washington, pose for a photo after receiving Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals during an awards ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Sept 9, 2026. Col. Jason Copeland, commanding officer, Marine Barracks Washington, presented Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals to five Guard Company Marines for their professionalism, vigilance and resilience while serving as White House sentries during Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Absolute Resolve from June 2025 to March 2026. Whether safeguarding the “Oldest Post of the Corps” or standing watch in direct support of the President, Barracks Marines demonstrate the discipline and resilience required to respond when and where they are needed. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Capt. Lauri Schleicher)
Cpl. Nathaniel Swartwood, Cpl. James McGhee, Cpl. Jaryn CarrilloTalmadge, Cpl. Jeremiah Chancey and Cpl. Alexander Wilson serve with 3rd Platoon, Guard Company. From June 2025 to March 2026, the Marines remained vigilant, ready to respond to any situation at a moment’s notice, including nights, weekends and holidays.
White House Sentries Recognized For Presidential Support
Photo by Capt. Lauri Schleicher
U.S. Marine Corps Col. Jason Copeland, commanding officer, Marine Barracks Washington, congratulates Cpl. Alexander Wilson, a White House sentry with Guard Company, Marine Barracks Washington, following an awards ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Sept 9, 2026. Five White House sentries assigned to Guard Company, Marine Barracks Washington, received Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals for their professionalism, vigilance and resilience while serving as White House sentries during Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Absolute Resolve from June 2025 to March 2026. Whether safeguarding the “Oldest Post of the Corps” or standing watch in direct support of the President, Barracks Marines demonstrate the discipline and resilience required to respond when and where they are needed. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Capt. Lauri Schleicher)
“You understand the significance of the mission every time you stand post at the White House,” said Swartwood, noncommissioned officer in charge of the White House sentries. “A lot of the work happens when no one sees it. You trust the Marines around you, stay ready and do what the mission requires.”
White House Sentries Recognized For Presidential Support
Photo by Capt. Lauri Schleicher
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Juan Segura, sergeant major, Marine Barracks Washington, congratulates Cpl. Nathaniel Swartwood, noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the White House sentries, assigned to Guard Company, Marine Barracks Washington, following an awards ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Sept 9, 2026. Col. Jason Copeland, commanding officer, Marine Barracks Washington, presented Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals to five Guard Company Marines for their professionalism, vigilance and resilience while serving as White House sentries during Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Absolute Resolve from June 2025 to March 2026. Whether safeguarding the “Oldest Post of the Corps” or standing watch in direct support of the President, Barracks Marines demonstrate the discipline and resilience required to respond when and where they are needed. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Capt. Lauri Schleicher)
Col. Jason C. Copeland, commanding officer of Marine Barracks Washington, presented the awards in recognition of the Marines’ professionalism, discipline and resilience. Their ability to adapt to changing requirements while maintaining continuous coverage contributed to the successful execution of both operations.
White House Sentries Recognized For Presidential Support
Photo by Capt. Lauri Schleicher
Col. Jason Copeland, commanding officer, Marine Barracks Washington, speaks to White House sentries assigned to Guard Company Marine Barracks Washington, following an awards ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Sept 9, 2026. Copeland presented five Guard Company Marines with Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals for their professionalism, vigilance and resilience while serving as White House sentries during Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Absolute Resolve from June 2025 to March 2026. Whether safeguarding the “Oldest Post of the Corps” or standing watch in direct support of the President, Barracks Marines demonstrate the discipline and resilience required to respond when and where they are needed. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Capt. Lauri Schleicher)
The awards reflect the responsibility entrusted to Guard Company Marines to remain ready when and where they are needed, often with little notice and outside the public eye. Whether safeguarding the “Oldest Post of the Corps” or standing watch in direct support of the President, Barracks Marines demonstrate the discipline and readiness required of Marines in every mission.
White House Sentries Recognized For Presidential Support
Photo by Capt. Lauri Schleicher
U.S. Marine Corps Col. Jason Copeland, commanding officer, Marine Barracks Washington, presents a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal to Cpl. James McGhee, a White House sentry assigned to Guard Company, Marine Barracks Washington, during an awards ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Sept 9, 2026. Five White House sentries assigned to Guard Company, Marine Barracks Washington, received Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals for their professionalism, vigilance and resilience while serving as White House sentries during Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Absolute Resolve from June 2025 to March 2026. Whether safeguarding the “Oldest Post of the Corps” or standing watch in direct support of the President, Barracks Marines demonstrate the discipline and resilience required to respond when and where they are needed. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Capt. Lauri Schleicher)
“You understand the significance of the mission every time you stand post at the White House. A lot of the work happens when no one sees it. You trust the Marines around you, stay ready and do what the mission requires.” Cpl. Nathaniel Swartwood, noncommissioned officer in charge of the White House sentries