The Tennessee National Guard marked a significant historical milestone on Friday as they celebrated their 250th birthday at Nashville's Joint Force Headquarters. In a report by the Tennessee Military Department, hundreds gathered to honor the long-standing tradition of service and the Guard's critical role throughout history.
Maj. Gen. Warner Ross, Tennessee’s Adjutant General, along with Command Sgt. Maj. Dale Crockett, the state's Senior Enlisted Leader, presided over the day's events. Noting the historical significance, Ross remarked on the tradition of volunteerism, saying, "That moment represents the birth of the Tennessee militia, which transformed into the present-day Tennessee National Guard.” According to a statements obtained by the Tennessee Military Department highlighted the Guard's evolution since Capt. Evan Shelby's 1774 formation of the settlement’s first volunteer militia company to repel Shawnee Indian attacks.
The festive ceremony included a speech from guest speaker Will Summers, a retired communications sergeant from the 5th Special Forces Group. Summers discussed the ethos of selfless devotion to service, sharing insights from his time deployed promptly after the attacks on September 11, 2001. “Being ready is critical to success in any mission and in life," Summers told the Tennessee Military Department reflecting on the "Ready Now" motto that Soldiers and Airmen abide by.
As part of the military tradition, the event featured a ceremonial cake cutting where Command Sgt. Maj. Crockett stated, "Celebrating 250 years of service to our state and nation is a remarkable achievement," as noted by the Tennessee Military Department. Pfc. Christian Amacher from Tullahoma’s 1175th Transportation Company and Col. Mark Phillips, state chaplain, joined Ross in the ceremony. Amacher, embodying the future potential, and Phillips, representing the storied past of the Guard, were chosen for their respective tenure within the organization.
Following the ceremony, attendees were treated to lunch courtesy of the Gary Sinise Foundation and continued engaging with the rich history of the Tennessee National Guard. Concluding the event, Ross and Crockett paid homage to the Guard's legacy and ongoing commitment to service. Crockett reiterated that sense of historical continuity when speaking with the Tennessee Military Department: "Their legacy continues with the men and women serving in the National Guard today and should never be forgotten."
