Story by: Chief Warrant Officer 2 Malana Nall

Texas State Guard

AUSTIN, Texas- The Texas State Guard Army Component Command welcomed a new chief of staff, Col. E. A. “Buddy” Grantham, at Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas, August 1, 2017.  As chief of staff, Grantham will be the principal military advisor to Brig. Gen. Howard N. Palmer, Jr, the Army Component commander.

“When I received a call from Brig. Gen. Palmer, who tells you that he wants you to be his chief of staff, I was truly honored,” Grantham said. “I have great examples of previous chiefs of staff to follow, Col. Paul Watkins, Col. Robert Hastings and Col. Robert Woodmansee.  I will follow in their footsteps to help build a stronger and well-trained Army Component.”  

Grantham’s military career began when he enlisted in the Texas National Guard in 1979 and then commissioned as a second lieutenant through the Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets in 1981. He entered active duty in the United States Army in 1985 and served as an Armor and Calvary Officer in Operation Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Desert Calm, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Joint Forge (Bosnia) and Noble Eagle I and II. He also served in West Germany, South Korea and Hungary.

Grantham retired from active duty in 2005 after 20 years of service.  He joined the Texas State Guard in 2007.  He served as the commander of the 8th Regiment from 2014-2017.  He also served previously as the 8th Regiment operations and training officer, regimental executive officer, and 1st Battalion commander.  He has deployed for Hurricanes Dean, Gustav, Dolly, Ike and Alex and Tropical Storm Edouard. 

“I chose Col. Grantham as my chief of staff because I value his opinions, and he asks the right questions to make the Texas State Guard Army Component ready to serve our fellow Texans, when called upon,” Palmer said.  “He brings a wealth of talent and knowledge to this position, and I am very happy to have him by my side.” 

Grantham recently received the Texas Outstanding Service Medal for his service to the State of Texas while serving as the commander of the 8th Regiment.  He has also received for his service in the United States Army the Bronze Star, Valorous Unit Award, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (5th Award), Army Commendation Award (6th Award), Army Achievement Medal (3rd Award), National Defense Medal (2nd Award) and in the Texas State Guard, the Texas Humanitarian Service Ribbon.

Grantham lives in Houston, Texas, with his wife of 36 years, Julie, and is a proud father of daughters Jennifer and Kathleen and her husband Sean, and his son Capt. William Grantham, U.S. Army Reserves, and his wife, Alicia. Grantham and his wife have six grandchildren.