Story by Spc. Dwayne Holt, Texas State Guard

League City, Texas - When Hurricane Harvey hit the Texas coast and dumped historic amounts of rain, the Texas State Guard members responded to assist Texans who needed help.  Those members, who lived in the hurricane strike zone and could not deploy, became civilian rescuers of neighbors and friends in the flooded areas around Houston.  

Texas State Guard Spc. Dwayne Holt, 8th Regiment, was one of those courageous rescuers.   

On the morning of August 27, 2017, Holt received a phone call from fellow Texas State Guard member, Sgt. 1st Class Cheryl Lemmings, Texas Medical Brigade, who was desperately trying to find a way to rescue her mother, Nina, from her flooded home.  Owning a big pickup truck, Holt responded that he would try to get as close to the neighborhood as he could.  The flood waters were deep and even his big truck was no match.  

“I had to wade through flood waters for about four blocks to meet Lemming’s brother-in-law, Joe Green.  Then wading in chest high water, we finally reached Lemming’s mother,” stated Holt.  

A neighbor gave them a canoe to assist in the rescue.  Holt and Green packed up medicines and clothes and loaded Lemming’s mother and her dogs into the canoe.  Back at his truck, Holt drove Nina to a family member’s home.

“My training in the Texas State Guard was very important in my assisting with rescues.  I had learned to think quickly and figure out the best solution to get these rescues done successfully with the assets available and save lives,” commented Holt. 

Holt returned to the same neighborhood to continue to assist Green and a high-water rescue EMT team with evacuating residents.  “In one rescue after another we pushed boats through the flood waters, taking at least fifteen families, their pets, and a few possessions to high ground.”  In his truck, Holt drove family after family to a local HEB store, which had become a staging area for the evacuation to a shelter.  At the end of the rescue efforts, Holt made sure that Green and his son got home safely.

“Texans are amazing.  Families reached out to help other families in need.  I was very proud of how people came together, unselfishly, to assist neighbors and strangers.  The Texas State Guard is like that, too.  Texans serving Texans,” remarked Holt.

By 4th Civil Affairs Regiment Public Affairs

Texas State Guard

MINERAL WELLS, Texas- “Team leader, look what the terrain is doing to your formation,” said Staff Sgt. Joe Ringnald, platoon sergeant and certified Ground Search and Recovery (GSAR) trainer as he coached a team leader maneuvering a 12-member team through heavy terrain. “Look how that thick foliage to your right is driving your entire team to the left.” 

The GSAR drill was an element of a 4th Civil Affairs Regiment, Texas State Guard field training exercise at Fort Wolters Training Center, in Mineral Wells, in July. The TXSG contains a total of six GSAR Mission Ready Packages (MRP) for deployment across the state.  

To kick off the exercise, Regimental Operations alerted the GSAR team to assemble and move to a nearby remote community where recent storms and flooding had resulted in several missing persons.  

“In this scenario, we knew based on the operations briefing we were looking for remains.  The Soldiers conducted a deliberate search pattern focused on terrain where experience has taught us remains were likely to be found,” said Warrant Officer Jack Snow, GSAR operations officer.   

In the Fort Wolters mission, the GSAR team conducted two training iterations.  In a daylight scenario, the team conducted a wide-area search resulting in the location of simulated human remains.  The team then reset and conducted a night operation, successfully locating a simulated lost child.  The night search was the most advanced and challenging mission the unit has undertaken to date. 

“Guardsmen from this team have deployed on a number of real-world GSAR missions,” said Snow.  “Our goal here is to share their knowledge and experience and to make the training more challenging and under more difficult conditions to ensure we can successfully execute out in those real-world scenarios.” 

“Demanding training like this is all about confidence.  When lives are on the line we don’t want soldiers doubting themselves, their leaders or their teams,” he added.

To maximize the training value, the team rotated several Soldiers through the planning and leading roles.  

“The mission of the 4th Regiment is to provide task-organized mission ready teams to support civil emergency management authorities principally in the disaster response domain,” said Col. Robert Hastings, 4th Regiment commander, Texas State Guard. “We train to conduct mass shelter operations, emergency tracking network operations, search and recovery and to augment civil emergency operations centers. The mission ready MRP is the end-state. There are a number of enabling skills that are important – such as land navigation, first aid and radio operations, but the ‘magic sauce’ that brings it all together is teamwork and leadership, and that’s really the focus of our annual training plan and field exercises like this one.”   

Texas State Guard GSAR teams are validated and certified by other state agencies.

Story by: Chief Warrant Officer 2 Malana Nall, Texas State Guard

Warrant Officer Jack Snow and Sgt. Earl Woolbright, 2nd Battalion, 4th Regiment, Texas State Guard, were deep in a conversation about their recent ground search and recovery training and the importance of being prepared for an emergency or disaster as they headed home from drill on Interstate 35 south of Hillsboro, Texas, April 17, 2017.  

Then they saw the motorcycle accident.  Emergency personnel had not yet arrived, so Snow and Woolbright pulled over and got to work rendering medical aid and support to the two injured riders.  

“Those who were at the accident scene saw two Texas State Guardsmen rendering aid which is what they are trained to do in an emergency or disaster.  Snow and Woolbright represent the best of the Guard,” stated Maj. Ted Prescott, Commander, 2nd Battalion, 4th Regiment.  

Woolbright, who is the Assistant Fire Chief for Dallas County Fire/Rescue and an emergency medical technician, took charge of the scene.  He began assessing one victim, who was having difficulty breathing, seemed confused, had broken legs. Snow, who is a twenty-five year law enforcement veteran and deputy of Johnson County, attended to the other victim who showed signs of trauma to the head and hand. They attended to the victims until Texas Department of Public Safety troopers and emergency personnel arrived.

“Sgt. Woolbright was instrumental in providing emergency assistance at the scene.  He performed his duties professionally and calmly.  He provided important patient information to the emergency responders,” stated Snow.

Both credit the emergency training that they have received from the Texas State Guard and their law enforcement professions.  

“I have been an EMT/Firefighter for 27 years. My training and service in the Texas State Guard keeps my skills sharp and provides me with another opportunity to serve others.  I am honored to be a member of the Texas State Guard,” stated Woolbright.

Snow agreed.  “My training in the Texas State Guard for emergency situations and my law enforcement background give me the skills and knowledge that allowed me to assist the victims of this accident just as I would do in any other emergency or disaster,” commented Snow.

Woolbright and Snow received the Texas State Guard Meritorious Service Ribbon from Brig. Gen. Howard Palmer, Commander, Army Component, during a ceremony held at Camp Maxey, Paris, Texas, May 6, 2017.

AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Lawmakers had the opportunity to see first hand the Texas Military Department’s capabilities as representatives of the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, Texas State Guard, Domestic Operations Taskforce, Office of the Executive Director and the National Guard Association of Texas, set up informational displays and met with elected officials as the Texas Capitol hosted TMD Day on March 8, 2017,
 
“There are always questions about how our organization works, how our funding works and how we help Texas,” said Maj. Christopher R. Mckeag, Texas Army National Guard legislative liaison. “A lot of people know we show up to the scene during disasters, but there’s a lot of behind the scenes work.”
 
Among the visitors was Texas Senator Donna Campbell, chairwoman for the Veterans Affairs and Border Security Committee. 
 
“She is pretty spun up so there wasn’t any questions that were burning for us,” said McKeag. “But just her coming out here, her presence serves as visibility and it increases the awareness of the organization.” 
 
During the visit, legislators recognized the members of the Texas Military for their service to the state and nation. Service members received a standing applause by all representatives and members of the public present, for the service the Texas Military Department gives to both the state and nation.
 
“We are Texans first and foremost so we are here for everyone,” said McKeag.
 
As part of TMD day at the Capitol, the Texas Army National Guard 36th Infantry Division Band held a surprise performance playing several patriotic and military songs in the rotunda. 
 
According to Mckeag, the Government Affairs team said they achieved their goal of increasing awareness and understanding of the Texas Military Department’s dual state and federal mission to both state representatives and the general public.
 
While addressing the gathered soldiers, airmen and civilian employees Maj. Gen. John F. Nichols, the adjutant general of Texas explained the importance of TMD Day at the Capitol. 
 
“I thought today went extremely well, they got to meet you all, they didn’t just see Nichols. They got to see the National Guard.”
 

Story By: 1st. Lt. Jolene Hinojosa, Texas Army National Guard Command Group, Unit Public Affairs Representative

BROWNWOOD, Texas – Brig. Gen. Tracy Norris, Deputy Adjutant General - Army and Texas Army National Guard Commander and Command Sgt. Maj. Kristopher Dyer, Senior Enlisted Leader for the Texas Army National Guard, addressed the Sustainment Assistance Logistics Training Course of the Texas Army Career Training Program, at Camp Bowie in Brownwood, to discuss the way ahead for logistics operations within the Texas Army National Guard, March 28, 2017.

“I recognize that the bulk of our battles begins with the supply sergeant,” said Norris. “You are the front line, and we need to get back to basics and empower our logisticians to become professional experts in their craft.”

The SALT course is aimed at training Texas logisticians on topics such as GCSS-Army, Command Supply Discipline and Defense Support of Civil Authorities. SALT Class 17-L2 was comprised of 14 students that held duty positions ranging from company and battalion level supply sergeants to readiness noncommissioned officers.

The course max capacity is 30 students. BG Norris and CSM Dyer anticipate future classes will be filled to max capacity in the near future as a result of the GCSS-Army conversion.

“Logistics is the number one factor for our units because without supplies, we are unable to support our missions,” said retired Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond Jacobson, the Texas Army Career Training Program Manager. “It is great to have Brig. Gen. Norris and Command Sgt. Maj. Dyer here to address the class today. Soldiers need to see the senior leaders in the Texas Army National Guard recognize the importance of the work that they are doing and the steps they are taking to make organizational progress.”

The students had the opportunity to offer their input to Norris’ vision for the Texas Army National Guard and to give their recommendations on changes that could be made to improve the organization.

“It is refreshing to see that we have such caring, yet aggressive leaders, that understand that we logisticians are the backbone,” said Texas Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Wiggin, Delta Company, 156th Brigade Engineer Battalion. “Being a supply sergeant is a very demanding position that faces a lot of challenges due to the size of our state. I am glad to hear that our hard work is recognized, have our concerns addressed and understand how we fit in to the bigger picture in bettering the organization.”

Both Norris and Dyer said their support would be hands on.

“We are going to emphasize to command teams at all levels that we need to support our supply sergeants,” said Norris. “It is critical for the success of our organization to have logisticians that are professional experts. With the command sergeant major, we are going to work together to get us back to where we need to be.”

They discussed using inventories and showdown inspections as a means to help resolve financial liability investigations for property loss, and the conversion to the new GCSS-Army.

“I want to make sure that we have input from all levels,” said Dyer. “It is about assistance, helping the field, and giving the tools to help our force. I value everyone’s experience and I know that we can work together to come up with a solution.”

Story by: Warrant Officer Malana Nall, Texas State Guard

SPRING BRANCH, Texas – Sgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel A. Dailey made a surprise visit to the  soldiers of the 8th Regiment, Texas State Guard, when he stopped by a training drill held at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8790 in Spring Branch, Texas, February 25, 2017.  Dailey was in the Houston area to visit the 75th Army Reserves Training Command and meet with local and community leaders regarding the United States Army mission and recruiting.  

Dailey thanked the 8th Regiment soldiers for their selfless service as volunteer citizen soldiers in the Texas State Guard.  Watching the regiment conduct a rehearsal of concept hurricane evacuation training exercise, he commented that Texas was most fortunate to have such a well-trained state defense force to assist the people of Texas in times of disaster or emergency.

Dailey then presented his challenge coin to the regiment.  

Col. E. A. “Buddy” Grantham, commander, 8th Regiment, returned the honor by presenting Dailey with the regiment’s challenge coin and made him an honorary member of the unit.  

Command Sergeant Major John Marshall, 8th Regiment, observed that “you can go your entire military career and never meet anyone above your unit.  Today we were honored to meet the Sergeant Major of the Army, the highest ranking non-commissioner officer of the U. S. Army.  He spoke to us as members of the Texas State Guard and as a force multiplier within the Texas Military Forces when called upon to assist our fellow Texans during an emergency or natural disaster.  This is something that I will always remember.”

Story by: Sgt. Stefan Wray, 2nd Regiment, Texas State Guard

Posted On: 1/28/2017

AUSTIN, Texas – Col. John W. Muirhead assumed command of the 2nd Regiment, Texas State Guard, at a change of command ceremony at Camp Mabry, Austin, Oct. 15, 2016. Prior to the change of the command, Muirhead was promoted to the rank of colonel in the Texas State Guard.

He will lead the regiment, which is headquartered in Gatesville, with battalions in Austin, Gatesville and Killeen.

“The 2nd Regiment has an outstanding history and outstanding soldiers,” said Muirhead. “It is an honor to be a part of it and to command is the greatest responsibility for an officer. I believe in leading from the front will not ask anyone to do what I have not already done. I will capitalize on our greatest asset – the soldier. We need to make sure that we are developing leaders at every level.”

Muirhead began his military career when he was commissioned into the U.S. Air Force after completing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and the Air Force ROTC program at the University of Texas at Austin, in 1990. During his federal service, he served in the Strategic Air Command Missile Combat Crew Flight Command, as a jump-duty Special Operations Forces Intelligence Officer, the Chief of Research and Analysis for the Joint Psychological Operations Support Element and the Chief of Influence Operations on the Air Staff at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

His other assignments have included commander, operations squadron, Defense Language Institute English Language Center and deputy commander for the 37th Mission Support Group, the largest support group in the United States, at Joint Base San Antonio- Lackland.

His ground combat tours include the U. S. Army 6th Psychological Operations in Kosovo during Operation Allied Force; the Allied Rapid Reaction Force in Macedonia during Operations Noble Anvil and Joint Guardian and the 18th Airborne Corps Chief of Current Operations for Information Operations in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Many of his assignments included duty as a behavioral scientist, psychological operations tools and technologies research, psychological profiling, strategic intelligence planning and counter-terrorism.

Retiring in 2011, Muirhead joined the Texas State Guard in December 2014. He previously served as the Executive Officer for the 1st Regiment and the Operations Officer for the Army Component Command.

"Col. John Muirhead is the best qualified with the experience, education and vision to lead the 2nd Regiment to even greater achievements," said Brig. Gen. Howard N. Palmer, Jr.,

Commander, Army Component Command, Texas State Guard. “He knows how the Texas State Guard fits into the Texas Military Forces and Texas Military Department. He understands that we are here to serve our fellow Texans as a mission ready force.”

Muirhead and his wife, Sgt. Yvonne Muirhead, reside in San Antonio. In his civilian role he is a lieutenant with the Bexar County Constable Office, Precinct 4.

Texas State Guard perform community service at Wings over Houston Air Show

Story and photos by: Warrant Officer Malana Nall

8th Regiment, Texas State Guard

HOUSTON- As citizen-guardsmen, the Texas State Guard is known for its volunteerism and putting others first, with support to the Wings over Houston Air Show at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, Houston, Oct. 22-23, 2016, a prime example of serving in their own communities. 

For 32 years members from the 8th Regiment, Texas State Guard, have provided event organizers with logistical support. This year, volunteers provided information and directions to a record-breaking 50,000 visitors.  

“Because of our participation at the air show, many Texans got to see firsthand a well-trained Texas State Guard, as we assisted the thousands of visitors.  Our troops demonstrated professionalism and courtesy as they guided visitors to the many air show venues,” said Col. Edwin Grantham, Commander, 8th Regiment. “Wings over Houston gives the Texas State Guard a real-world opportunity to apply our communications and logistical skills; which are necessary skills when we are called upon to assist our fellow Texans in an emergency.” 

For one volunteer this annual air show remains a favorite community service project.

“It always exciting to see the planes and talk to all the visitors and introduce them to the Texas State Guard,” said Staff Sgt. Troy Charleville, 3rd Battalion, 8th Regiment.

During a ceremony at the air show, Col. Grantham and Command Sgt. Maj. John Marshall, 8th Regiment Senior Enlisted Advisor, presented a regimental challenge coin to Col. Richard “Dick” Cole, the last surviving member of the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders and co-pilot to Gen. Doolittle during the famous raid on Tokyo during World War II.  

“It was a privilege to meet such a legendary pilot and hear his firsthand account of such a pivotal event in the war. There was not enough time in the day to hear about his service to our country,” said Marshall. “It is something I won’t forget.”

According to event organizers, the Wings over Houston Air Show is one of the largest in the United States. For 2016, the main attraction was the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.  The event also showcased vintage World War II aircraft. 

1st Regiment Texas State Guard Welcomes New Commander

Story by:  Chief Warrant Officer 2 Janet Schmelzer, Texas State Guard Public Affairs

Posted: Sept. 8, 2016

SAN ANTONIO - The 1st Regiment, Texas State Guard, welcomed a new commander, Col. Kristopher Krueger, during a change of command held at the Alamo, in San Antonio, Texas, July 16, 2016.  Krueger will lead the 1st Regiment headquartered in San Antonio and its subordinate battalions in both San Antonio and Donna.

Krueger expressed how honored he was to be taking command of the 1st Regiment.

"I have to thank Brig. Gen. Howard Palmer for the opportunity to come back and lead the unit where I started my Texas State Guard service,” said Krueger. “I also want to thank Col. Vince Carag for an outstanding job as the regiment's previous commander. Vince’s work has added another chapter to the great history of 1st Regiment. I look forward to working with the best soldiers in the Texas State Guard as we continue to grow that history and serve this great state."

Krueger first enlisted in the Texas State Guard in 1994.  Upon graduating from Texas A&M University, he received his commission as a second lieutenant in the TXSG in 1998. 

During his twenty-two years in the guard, he has served in the 2nd Brigade, at Texas State Guard Headquarters, Deputy J-3 for Plans, Joint Staff, as well as commander of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Regiment. Most recently, he served as the G-3 operations, Army Component Command.

Other assignments include the Texas Military Academy, the Standing Joint Interagency Task Force and State Director for the Military Emergency Management Specialist Academy.

From October 2005 to October 2007, Krueger deployed as a civilian to Saudi Arabia with the Army’s Saudi Arabian National Guard Modernization Program working with the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, Department of State, the Saudi military and other foreign allies.

"I've been impressed with Kris Krueger since the first time I met him in 2008," commented Brig. Gen. Howard N. Palmer, Jr., Commander, Army Component Command, Texas State Guard. "What sets him apart is his drive to succeed regardless of the capacity in which he serves. He has the leadership traits to be successful.  I know that he will take the regiment to the next level of skill, training and preparedness to serve Texas." 

Krueger is a graduate of the Texas State Guard Command and General Staff College, where he was first in his class receiving the Colonel Stephen Springer Academic Excellence Award.

He has also completed training at the Emergency Management Institute in Emmitsburg, Maryland, the Texas Department of Public Safety Training Academy and the Governor’s Center for Management Development.

His awards and decorations include the Outstanding Service Medal (5 awards), Medal of Merit (2 awards), Adjutant General’s Individual Award (5 awards), Meritorious Service Ribbon, Commanding General’s Individual Award (4 awards), Texas Faithful Service Medal (4 awards), Texas State Guard Service Medal, SGAUS Commendation Medal, Texas State Guard Association Sam Houston Distinguished Service Medal, as well as the Master MEMS Badge

He is a Life Member of both the National Guard Association of Texas and the State Guard Association of the United States. He served on the National Guard Association of Texas Board of Directors from March 2013-March 2016.

Krueger is employed with the Department of Public Safety. He and his wife, Traci, have a daughter and a son.

Texas State Guard’s 39th Composite Regiment Welcomes New Commander

Story by: Chief Warrant Officer 2 Janet Schmelzer

Posted: Sept. 2, 2016

LUBBOCK, Texas - The 39th Composite Regiment, Texas State Guard, welcomed a new commander, Lt. Col. Jeremy Franklin, during a change of command ceremony in Lubbock, Texas, April 23, 2016.  Franklin will lead the regiment that is headquartered in Midland, and contains subordinate battalions and companies in Midland, El Paso, Lubbock and Amarillo.      

Franklin expressed how honored he is to become the commander of the 39th Regiment.  

"We who are fortunate enough to serve in the Texas State Guard will own the reward of true pride and contentment that comes from knowing that we stand ready to serve Texas.  The 39th Regiment is ready 'Always to Defend.’” 

Franklin received a direct commission into the Texas State Guard, Jan. 2008, and began his service as a physician and then as an executive officer of the Midland-Odessa, Medical Response Group, Texas Medical Brigade.  

When the 39th Regiment and the Medical Response Group were combined into the 39th Composite Regiment, he became the 2nd Battalion commander and was promoted to lieutenant colonel in May 2013.  He then served as the executive officer and chief medical officer for the regiment and was named Commander of the 39th Regiment in April of 2016. 

"Jeremy Franklin has been on my radar for a couple of years, since he became the executive officer and chief medical officer of the 39th Regiment," said Brig. Gen. Howard N. Palmer, Jr., Commander, Army Component Command.  "He is a thinker, a planner and an excellent communicator.  He is the right man to move the regiment forward to fulfill our duty as 'Texans Serving Texas.’”

Franklin is an honor graduate of both the Texas State Guard Advanced Officer's Course and the Command and General Staff College.

He has received multiple Texas State Guard awards, including the Texas Medal of Merit, Texas Adjutant General’s Individual Award, TXSG Meritorious Service Ribbon with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, TXSG Commanding General’s Individual Award, Texas Service Medal, Texas Faithful Service Medal, TXSG Officer Professional Development Ribbon with Gold Frame and “2” Device, Texas Adjutant General’s Performance Excellence Competition (TAGPEC) Winner, O3-O4 Commands, Governor’s Unit Citation with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Unit Award with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster and the TXSG Organizational Excellence Award with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster.

Since 2008, he has deployed every year as a physician provider and Chief Medical Officer for Operation Lone Star, the state's largest annual medical outreach program in the Rio Grande Valley.

He earned his doctorate in medicine at the University of Alabama School of Medicine.  His residency was in general pediatrics at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.  His fellowship was in pediatric infectious diseases at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center and the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center at Memphis.  He also has earned a Master Degree in Public Health with an emphasis in Emergency and Disaster Management and a Master Degree in Business Administration.

Franklin is a board-certified physician from the American Board of Pediatrics in General Pediatrics and board-certified physician from the American Board of Pediatrics in Pediatric Infectious Diseases.