Texas Adjutant General Air Force Maj. Gen. John Nichols addresses attendees at the National Guard Association of Texas Conference in Corpus Christi, March 25. The TAG discussed his vision to put soldiers, airmen, families and civilians first in his remarks.

 Story by Spc. Suzanne Carter

 CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - Plaques and engraved, Texas-shaped crystal awards neatly lined the table. Each one  represented the sacrifice, dedication, and hard work of service members and their families over the past year or longer.  They convey gratitude and respect from senior leadership, who are proud of the personnel without whom the military could never succeed.

 U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. John Nichols, the Texas adjutant general, presented the awards to Family Readiness  volunteers and the winners of the TAG Performance Excellence Competition, March 25, at the opening ceremony of the  52nd National Guard Association of Texas Conference in Corpus Christi. 

 Company through brigade-level commanders from across the state participated in the TAGPEC. Captains, majors,  lieutenant colonels and colonels wrote self-assessments that examined seven areas of their organizations such as  leadership and social responsibility; strategic planning; customer knowledge; measurement, analysis and  improvement; motivation and safety; emergency preparedness and results. 

 U.S. Army Maj. Tyra Swanson from the Office of Performance Optimization at Joint Forces Headquarters said the self-  assessments help commanders establish a baseline for their unit performance and point toward improvements they can make. 

"In an era like this with constrained resources," Swanson said, "using those resources and moneys effectively is really important. If we can get rid of mission creepers, then we can focus our efforts on what's important: defining our mission and getting the organization to accomplish that mission."

The TAGPEC highlights two categories of command level for award, from captain and major to lieutenant colonel and colonel.

At the captain and major level, Army Capt. Gregory Brown and Delta Forward Support Company earned 1st place. The TAG awarded Army Capt. Terrance Tysall and the 672 Engineer Detachment 2nd place. 

At the lieutenant colonel and colonel level, Army Lt. Col. Michelle Bryant and the 536 Brigade Support Battalion earned 1st place, Air Force Lt. Col Leslie Kurt and the 147th Maintenance Group earned 2nd and Air Force Col. Kevin Turnbo and the 254th Combat Communications Group earned 3rd.

Nichols also presented State Family Program Volunteer Awards for a variety of achievements. The awards recognized volunteers for five or ten years of volunteer service with Family Readiness Groups, outstanding FRG leadership and the consistent support they provide for troops at home and while deployed. 

Tammorrow Constantine, who received the Silver Service Award for ten years of volunteering, said she got her whole family involved in supporting the Texas Military Forces. 

"I found that it's easier to get through deployments if you stay involved," she said, "instead of sitting at home feeling sorry for yourself."

Nichols also recognized Katherine Boynton, Jason Cowan and Matthew Constantine as exemplary young volunteers for their service in support of Texas Military Forces Youth during the past year.

The recognition and prestige of these awards, from both the TAGPEC and the State Family Program, deliver a sense of appreciation and acknowledgement to the recipients. Though, even without the accolades, their work would continue as each contributor works toward a purpose greater than themselves. They work with and for an organization esteemed in history and accomplishment. 

"It feels good to support the troops," said Jason Cowan, Friendship Award recipient. "I don't really deserve an award for it because I'm just doing what I feel I should do."

Story by Sgt. Josiah Pugh

CAMP MABRY, Texas – The Texas Military Forces welcomed its incoming commander Saturday during a change-of-command ceremony held at Camp Mabry in Austin.

Maj. Gen. Jose S. Mayorga relinquished command after nearly two years of dutiful service. Nichols assumed duties as the new adjutant general of Texas, following two years as the assistant adjutant general (Air) and commander, Texas Air Guard.

“I’m humbled by being able to serve people every day,” said Nichols, “and be able to devote my career to your careers, your lives and your families.”

U.S. Senator for Texas John Cornyn took part in the ceremony, passing the flag for the Texas Military Forces from the outgoing to the incoming commander. 

“You have my commitment to fight for whatever you need, and our men and women in uniform need, as well as their families,” said Cornyn, “so that you can continue to remain a great credit to our state and contributor to our nation’s security.”

Mayorga expressed his gratitude toward his troops, saying, “Thank you for your service to our state of Texas and to our United Sates. You represent a very small segment of our society and are truly a remarkable group of individuals. You are the very best our state and our nation have to offer.”

Mayorga leaves command after leading Texas service members in more than 160,000 man-days of defense and support through hurricane relief, flood response and emergency disaster missions.

“Without your dedication and devotion,” said Mayorga to his formation, “we could not be successful in providing ready-trained forces for homeland support of civil authorities, homeland security missions or overseas contingency operations to both of our commanders in chief, the governor of Texas and the president of the United States.”

As commander of the Texas Air National Guard, Nichols was responsible for almost 3,500 Air National Guardsmen through out the state of Texas. He served his country loyally as a pilot with the U.S. Air Force and continues to serve his community as a member of the Air Force Association, National Guard Association of the United States, National Guard Association of Texas and the Association of Graduates of the U.S. Air Force Academy. 

Nichols earned a bachelor's degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo,, where he graduated from Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, Air War College, and U.S. Air Force Fighter Weapons Instructor School at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.

As a command pilot with more than 3,000 hours in a fighter aircraft, he held a series of distinguished assignments. While on active duty, Nichols joined the Wisconsin Air National Guard in 1992. At Madison, he was the chief of Wing Weapons, the 176 FS Operations officer and the 115 FW Operations Group commander. Nichols joined the Texas Air National Guard in April of 2000. He served as the vice commander of the 149th Fighter Wing from April 2000 to March 2002.

Nichols was promoted to Maj. Gen. on Jan. 19, coinciding with his selection as successor to Mayorga.

Nichols highlighted his priority in taking care of his troops, saying, “our first task in the Texas Military Forces is going to be our soldiers, our airmen, our civilians and our families.”

 Story by Sgt. Melissa Bright 

 HOUSTON, Texas-- More than 3,000 service members and their families attended Armed Forces Appreciation Day at the  Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, March 2.

 In addition to the Houston-area service members with the Marines, Coast Guard, Air and Army National Guard and  Reserve, more than 1,100 Army III Corp troops and their families were bussed in from Fort Hood, Texas; accompanied by  Brig. Gen. Peter Atkinson, Deputy Commanding General (Canada) for III Armored Corps and Fort Hood.

 The events were open to veterans and current service-members.
 Individuals in their military uniform or carrying their military ID card were given free entry into the carnival. Once inside the  gates, several events were scheduled to honor their service, starting with a catered barbeque luncheon.

During the luncheon, attendees were treated to guest appearances from two Texans cheerleaders; Miss Houston 2011, Annie Flores; and Miss Rodeo Texas Princess 2011, Liz Hughes.

Afterwards, the crowd made their way to the west side of the Reliant Center for a welcome ceremony where U.S. Army Field Band Staff Sgt. Tracy Labrecque sang the national anthem for the second year in a row following a multi-service color guard presentation.

Shortly following the ceremony, troops and their families made their way into the Reliant Stadium to watch several rodeo events including a Mutton-bustin’ competition restricted to children of military members, a demonstration by the U.S. Air Force rappel team and concert by country music artist Trace Adkins.

Changing Of Command Builds On TXSG Success
MAJ Michael Quinn Sullivan, PAO, TXSG
2011/02/27

AUSTIN - A new commander of the Texas State Guard’s army component took charge today as the state’s defense support soldiers expressed gratitude to retiring Brig. Gen. Victor Ortiz.

Serving as Deputy Commander (Army) of the Texas State Guard since 2006, Ortiz said he was proud of the achievements of the men and women he has served alongside.

“They have truly exemplified the spirit of Texas,” said Ortiz. “It has been an absolute honor serving with them. This is what our country is all about.”

More than 2,000 men and women actively service in the Texas State Guard, with two-thirds of them in the Army component. The other sections of the Texas State Guard are the Air Division, Maritime Regiment and Medical Brigade. The TXSG, commanded by Maj. Gen. Ray Peters, is part of the Texas Military Forces, which includes the Army National Guard and Air National Guard.

After retiring from the United States Army National Guard, Ortiz entered the Texas State Guard in August of 2005 as commander of the 1st Civil Affairs Regiment. His entry was a baptism by hurricane; Katrina hit on Sept. 8, 2005, resulting in the largest activation of the TXSG in modern history.

Having been commissioned into the Army in 1969, Ortiz served in Vietnam as a fire direction officer and executive officer. He entered the Texas Army National Guard in 1979, holding numerous leadership positions, including Commander of the Joint Task Force Safe Boarder (Military Observer Mission Ecuador and Peru and Commander 49th Armored Division Artillery.

Ortiz described the Texas State Guard as “a great way to serve your community.”

Brig. Gen. Ortiz works as a volunteer with the Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve. He and his wife Martha have two grown sons, two grandchildren.

Replacing Ortiz as the Deputy Commander (Army) is Manuel Rodriguez, recently confirmed as a brigadier general by the Texas Senate. Retired from the United States Army, Rodriguez – like Ortiz – was introduced to the Texas State Guard by a friend.

“I couldn’t believe what I saw,” said Rodriguez of his first visit to a training weekend. “The men and women serving in the state guard ask for nothing, but give a whole lot to Texas, and want to do the right thing. I had to be a part of that.”

He joined in March 2006, serving first as commander of the 2nd Civil Affairs Regiment, and later as the headquarters personnel officer.

Rodriguez was commissioned in 1983 upon graduation from the University of Southern Mississippi, and found himself posted first at Fort Hood. During his career, the Army had him in Germany, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan, among other assignments. Primarily an intelligence officer, he retired from active duty in 2005. He and his wife own a ranch outside Copperas Cove. He has a college-age son, two grown daughters and a granddaughter.

Rodriguez said he was honored to take command from Ortiz.

“He has led with his heart, putting the soldiers first in everything he has done,” said Rodriguez. “I look forward to building on his successful work.”

Gen. Peters, presiding over Sunday’s ceremony at Camp Mabry, said both Ortiz and Rodriguez represent the kind of strong, hands-on leadership the state guard has been cultivating.

“As we continue to grow and mature organizationally, Gen. Rodriguez’s emphasis on training will enhance the esprit de corps that Gen. Ortiz has embodied.”

Ceremony brings sister cities together
Staff Sgt. Daniel Griego, 100th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
2011/02/25

LAREDO, Texas - A miniature George and Martha Washington meet with a Mexican cowboy and his wife on the Texas-Mexican border. The annual International Bridge Ceremony commences with the exchange of the “abrazo,” or hug, between four children; one couple portraying the first American president and his wife, and the other representing the people of Mexico.

For more than thirty years, the International Good Neighbor Council, in conjunction with the Washington Birthday Celebration Association of Laredo, Inc., has hosted the ceremony on the Lincoln-Juarez International Bridge in Laredo, Texas. This ceremony serves as the culmination to a month long event that celebrates the birthday of the first U.S. president. In this annual tradition, dignitaries from the sister cities of Laredo and Nuevo Laredo, the states of Tamaulipas and Texas, and both countries, come together to exchange the Abrazo.

"Both countries have a similar cultural history,” said Carlos Garza, military liaison for the WBCA. "The only thing that has divided the United States and Mexico is a river."

Laredo was once a Mexican city, but after the Texas Annexation in 1845, it officially became a part of Texas and the U.S. Feeling like they belonged in Mexico, many families eventually returned across the river to found the city of Nuevo Laredo.

“They are related in business," said Garza. "They are related in family.”

The Bridge Ceremony is a century-old tradition, yet the abrazo has only been incorporated in the last 70 years. Ever since, the IGNC has invited Texas Military Forces and government officials to participate in this unique occasion.

According to Garza, Laredo has a long military history, which influences the local youth. The United South High School Marine Corps JROTC participated in this year’s Bridge Ceremony as the link between the two nations. Their sabers were raised over the representatives of each country as they walked onto a ceremonial red carpet in the middle of the international bridge. The Martin High School Army JROTC held the 50 U.S. state flags and the local Texas Army National Guard’s Color Guard presented the nation’s flag during the National Anthem.

Honored military guests included Maj. Gen. Jose S. Mayorga, former Texas Adjutant General; Brig. Gen. Charles A. Miller, Texas State Guard chief of staff; and Col. Donald Prince, commander of the 5th Air Wing Texas State Guard.

“Patriotism for the American flag is a top priority,” said Garza.

Along with the abrazo, dignitaries trade small American and Mexican flags to symbolize the countries’ support and good will toward each other. Honored guest, Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives Joseph R. Straus, exchanged flags with Monica Gonzales Garcia, representative of the state of Tamaulipas. Other government officials followed these delegates, to include the revered first U.S. President George Washington.

Francis Averill Jr. portrayed the first president of the United States and an actor playing Father Miguel Hidalgo, the father of Mexican Independence, served as his counterpart. Both historical figures exchanged the Abrazo and traded their respective nation’s flags. This symbolic gesture ends the International Bridge Ceremony each year.

The deep Hispanic heritage embedded in the people of Laredo, helps build a unique relationship with Nuevo Laredo and its country.

“We are blessed to have a culture that is a mix of both American and Mexican,” explained Garza, “and it’s a great honor and privilege to be a part of these festivities.”

A George Washington portrayer hold a small Mexican flag to represent the unity of not only the twin sister cities of Laredo and Nuevo Laredo, but The United States and Mexico themselves in All I Want for Christmas Is New Year's Day. The representation is part of a traditional ceremony held during the George Washington's Birthday Celebration in Laredo.

 Story by Pfc. Praxedis Pineda 

 LAREDO, Texas - A miniature George and Martha Washington meet with a Mexican cowboy and his wife on the Texas-  Mexican border. The annual International Bridge Ceremony commences with the exchange of the “abrazo,” or hug,  between four children; one couple portraying the first American president and his wife, and the other representing the  people of Mexico. 

 For more than thirty years, the International Good Neighbor Council, in conjunction with the Washington Birthday Celebration Association of Laredo, Inc., has hosted the ceremony on the Lincoln-Juarez International Bridge in Laredo,  Texas. This ceremony serves as the culmination to a month long event that celebrates the birthday of the first U.S.  president. In this annual tradition, dignitaries from the sister cities of Laredo and Nuevo Laredo, the states of  Tamaulipas and Texas, and both countries, come together to exchange the Abrazo.

 "Both countries have a similar cultural history,” said Carlos Garza, military liaison for the WBCA. "The only thing that has  divided the United States and Mexico is a river."

 Laredo was once a Mexican city, but after the Texas Annexation in 1845, it officially became a part of Texas and the  U.S. Feeling like they belonged in Mexico, many families eventually returned across the river to found the city of Nuevo  Laredo. 

 “They are related in business," said Garza. "They are related in family.”

 The Bridge Ceremony is a century-old tradition, yet the abrazo has only been incorporated in the last 70 years. Ever  since, the IGNC has invited Texas Military Forces and government officials to participate in this unique occasion.

 According to Garza, Laredo has a long military history, which influences the local youth. The United South High School  Marine Corps JROTC participated in this year’s Bridge Ceremony as the link between the two nations. Their sabers  were raised over the representatives of each country as they walked onto a ceremonial red carpet in the middle of the  international bridge. The Martin High School Army JROTC held the 50 U.S. state flags and the local Texas Army  National Guard’s Color Guard presented the nation’s flag during the National Anthem. 

 Honored military guests included Maj. Gen. Jose S. Mayorga, former Texas Adjutant General; Brig. Gen. Charles A.  Miller, Texas State Guard chief of staff; and Col. Donald Prince, commander of the 5th Air Wing Texas State Guard. 

 “Patriotism for the American flag is a top priority,” said Garza.

Along with the abrazo, dignitaries trade small American and Mexican flags to symbolize the countries’ support and good will toward each other. Honored guest, Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives Joseph R. Straus, exchanged flags with Monica Gonzales Garcia, representative of the state of Tamaulipas. Other government officials followed these delegates, to include the revered first U.S. President George Washington.

Francis Averill Jr. portrayed the first president of the United States and an actor playing Father Miguel Hidalgo, the father of Mexican Independence, served as his counter part. Both historical figures exchanged the Abrazo and traded their respective nation’s flags. This symbolic gesture ends the International Bridge Ceremony each year. 

The deep Hispanic heritage embedded in the people of Laredo, helps build a unique relationship with Nuevo Laredo and its country.

“We are blessed to have a culture that is a mix of both American and Mexican,” explained Garza, “and it’s a great honor and privilege to be a part of these festivities.”

Anheuser-Busch Washington's Birthday Parade participants prepare to march through Laredo, Texas, Feb. 19. The parade is part of Laredo's 114th year celebrating the United States' first president. The Washington Birthday Celebration Association invites the Texas Military Forces to participate in the parade in recognition of the TXMF's support in the Laredo community and its celebration.

 Story by Spc. Suzanne Carter

 LAREDO, Texas - Most of the United States lets George Washington's birthday pass unceremoniously, observed as  President's Day on the third Monday in February. That doesn't fly in Laredo, Texas.

 "They've been celebrating George Washington's Birthday for 114 years," said Carlos Garza, a Washington's Birthday  Celebration Association of Laredo, Inc., volunteer and liaison for the Texas Military Forces. 

 The George Washington Birthday Celebration began in 1898 with a mock battle between Laredoans and Native  Americans, where Laredoans presented the local Great Chief Sachem with the key to the city. Laredoans and people in  the surrounding area saw George Washington as the Sachem of the United States according to the Association. 

 "George Washington was so revered in the United States and Mexico that we honor him," Garza said. In and around  Laredo, Washington is the people's symbol of freedom and the celebration demonstrates their love of American history,  he said. 

 Growing from a simple two-day fiesta to the current month-long extravaganza, the celebration features parades, parties,  a carnival, an air show, and many other events. In the months leading up to and during the celebration, citizens of  Laredo portray George and Martha Washington during visits to schools, re-enactments, parades, and parties.

 "The Washington Birthday Celebration is one of the oldest celebrations of George Washington's birthday," said Francis C. Averill, this year's Washington. "Throughout the United States, not many of them take place. In Laredo, Texas, yes, we do have a grand one. People come from all over."

The celebration, which attracts more than 400,000 people each year, came packed with public and invitation-only events during its fourth and final weekend, February 18-20. Each event highlighted a different piece of Laredo's traditions and community as it honored the country's first president.

"Many people basically say, 'Laredo, Texas? George Washington?'" said Javier Cabello, a member of the Laredo Knights of Columbus. "We're here. We're part of the United States. We're honored to be citizens of this great country. We're blessed to have a culture that is a mix of both American and Mexican heritage. It's a great honor and privilege to be part of these festivities."

The celebration allows Laredoans to honor prominent members of the community while celebrating American history. During a welcome luncheon on Friday, February 18, the WBCA and La Posada Hotel honored one of the U.S. military's first female pilots, Laredoan Barbara Fasken. 

Texas State Guard Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Charlie Miller presented the Congressional Gold Medal to Fasken's grandson, Spc. Robert D. Dickson of the 124th Cavalry Regt., during the luncheon. Fasken received the medal posthumously in recognition for her service in the Women Airforce Service Pilots during World War II.

Los Caballeros de la Republica del Rio Grande hosted the Caballeros Cocktail Party at the Laredo Civic Center Friday, where former Texas Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Jose S. Mayorga, Brig. Gen. Miller, and other Texas Military Forces representatives were honored guests.

"It's good to see the military here," said Charlie Elizalde, a photographer from San Antonio. "It's great to meet and greet them and thank them for their service."

Later that evening, the civic center's auditorium sparkled during the Society of Martha Washington Colonial Pageant and Ball. 

Averill and his Martha Washington, portrayed by Betty Ann B. Moreno, received nine debutantes and their escorts during the pageant, which recreated an event the Washingtons would have attended during George's presidency. Each couple represented significant figures from the Colonial period, decked in elaborate costumes that glittered in the spotlight as they promenaded across the stage.

"Wow! Those look great," Sam N. Johnson, a Laredoan who played Washington in 1979, said about the hand-beaded ball gowns. Johnson said the gowns get more elaborate every year.

Meanwhile, the rest of Laredo prepared for the next day's Anheuser-Busch Washington's Birthday Parade. Folding chairs tethered to parked vehicles lined the parade route by 6 p.m. Friday evening. Spectators filled those spots long before the parade began around 9 a.m. Sunday.

More than 160 floats, bands, performance troupes, and other participants marched in the parade, a GWBC staple since the celebration began. Spectators waved at passing public officials such as the mayors of Laredo and Nuevo Laredo, Texas Speaker of the House and Mr. South Texas Joseph R. Strauss, and Maj. Gen. Mayorga. 

Cabello said that Laredoans from all walks of life have the opportunity to participate in the parade, whether they're walking with a float or waving from the sidelines. 

"They always take great joy in seeing all of the entries in the parade, all the military units, all the civic and religious organizations that participate," he said.

Cabello said Laredoans enjoy the opportunity to host such a unique celebration.

"Laredo, we are a very friendly people," he said. "We are honored and proud to be part of this celebration, and we welcome [the public] with open arms."

Texas Guard At 70!
MAJ Michael Quinn Sullivan, TXSG 
2011/02/09

AUSTIN - While its history can be traced to Stephen F. Austin’s colonial militia, the modern Texas State Guard is celebrating its 70th anniversary this week. Today’s guard features more than 2,000 men and women serving the state – peak participation since World War II.

“Whatever the task, the Texas State Guard has been, and will continue to be, equal to it,” said Commanding General Ray Peters, who leads the Guard under the direction of the Texas Adjutant General and the Governor. “This is Texans serving Texans in practical and pragmatic ways.”

On Feb. 10, 1941, Texas Gov. Lee O’Daniel signed the Defense Act creating the Texas Defense Guard. The U.S. Congress had previously authorized the states to establish defensive units to serve at the discretion of the governor in support capacities. When the federal authority for the “Defense Guard” expired in 1947, the Texas Legislature re-authorized the entity under the banner of the “Texas State Guard Reserve Corps.”

Today’s state guard is one of three components of the Texas Military Forces, alongside the Army National Guard and Air National Guard. But unlike the National Guard entities, the State Guard generally serves only within the borders of the Texas and answers only to the governor. When activated, guardsmen provide critical services in times of natural and man-made disasters. In recent years the Texas State Guard has played critical roles in a wide-range of situations, from the search-and-recovery of the Columbia to shelter management in last summer’s Hurricane Alex.

“The flexibility of having 2,000 professional, civic-minded and uniformed Texans serving in the State Guard means we can mobilize anywhere in the state within hours of activation by the governor,” said Peters. “We serve to support the needs of local authorities, and provide for the relief and comfort of our neighbors at the worst of times. Whether it’s search and rescue operations with the Texas Parks and Wildlife, providing logistical support to the National Guard, or offering emergency medical care during a disaster, our men and women are trained to do it all.”

With only a half-dozen full-time staff, the Texas State Guard is composed of volunteer citizen-soldiers from all walks of life.

“For 70 years the men and women of the Texas State Guard have been honored to serve the people of Texas,” said Peters.