Texas State Guard Announces Junior and Senior Enlisted Members of the Year
COL Robert Hastings, PAO, TXSG
2011/12/12
AUSTIN, TX -- The Texas State Guard has announced its outstanding enlisted members of the year.

Cpl. Peggy Gutierrez, a civil affairs specialist with the 4th Civil Affairs Regiment in Denton and Staff Sgt. Robert Lewis, an NCO with the Texas Maritime Regiment in Dallas have been selected as the Texas State Guard (TXSG) Junior Enlisted and Senior Enlisted Members of the Year.

Gutierrez and Lewis were recognized by TXSG Commanding General Maj. Gen. Ray Peters during ceremonies at the annual holiday dinner Dec. 10th. “These two individuals represent what is best about the Texas State Guard and Texas Military Forces,” said Maj. Gen. Peters. “They are dedicated professionals who give their all for their fellow Texans. I’m proud to serve with them.”

Cpl. Gutierrez has been a member of the TXSG for about one year. During that time she was recognized as the Honor Graduate of her Basic Orientation Course, earned the Military Emergency Management Specialist qualification, and was selected for Officer Candidate School.

“Cpl. Gutierrez's participation and commitment to the Texas State Guard is unparalleled,” said Col. Howard Palmer, commander of the 4th Civil Affairs Regiment. “Cpl. Gutierrez has distinguished herself as both an exemplary soldier and a selfless community servant and leader. She has brought an unequaled drive to excel to the 4th Regiment. Cpl. Gutierrez hit the ground running, and hasn't slowed down yet.”

Staff Sgt. Lewis has served in a number of key leadership roles including Operations Officer, Logistics NCO, training instructor and member of the TXSG Joint Color Guard.

“Staff Sgt. Lewis has been and continues to be an inspiration to the entire Maritime Regiment,” said Brig. Gen. Robert Bodisch, commander of the Texas Maritime Regiment (TMAR). “His determined and gifted leadership, dedication and military bearing combined with his talent as an instructor place him above all others. Staff Sgt. Lewis is a role model to us all.”

The Texas State Guard is one of four branches of the Texas Military Forces (TXMF), operating under the command of the Adjutant General of Texas and the Governor as Commander-in-Chief of all state military forces. The TXMF includes the Texas Army National Guard, the Texas Air National Guard and th4 Adjutant General’s Department.

The mission of the Texas State Guard (TXSG) is to provide mission-ready military forces to assist state and local authorities in times of state emergencies; to conduct homeland security and community service activities under the umbrella of Defense Support to Civil Authorities; and to augment the Texas Army National Guard and Texas Air National Guard as required.

Headquartered at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas, the TXSG functions as an organized state militia under the authority of Title 32 of the U.S. Code and Chapter 431 of the Texas Government Code.