NASHVILLE, Tenn. Over the past year, the Soldiers and Airmen of the Tennessee National Guard have been involved in one of the most eventful and historic periods in its 246 year history. Thousands of Guardsmen volunteered to serve their state and country throughout 2021, ensuring the National Guard’s promise to be “Always Ready and Always There.”

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Maj. Gen. Jeff Holmes, Tennessee’s Adjutant General, announced today that Brig. Gen. (Tenn.) Juan R. Santiago, from Memphis, is to become the new commander of the Tennessee State Guard.

The National Guard celebrates its 384th birthday on Dec. 13, 2020. This date is etched on the cornerstone of our Nation as it represents the first moment our society took its defense into our own hands. It was also the first step in building a nation out of an untamed and dangerous wilderness. This date signifies the moment the Massachusetts Bay Colony organized three militia regiments to defend the colony from the growing threat of American Indian attacks. Other American colonies would follow their example and the militia would later become the basis for the Continental Army. The organized militia has since become the oldest military branch and the only military force required by our constitution.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Soldiers and Airmen from the Tennessee National Guard have been activated in response to the EF3 tornado that struck Davidson, Wilson, and Putnam counties in the early morning of March 3.

Maj. Gen. Jeff Holmes, Tennessee National Guard, has been tapped as the next Deputy Commanding General, First U.S. Army headquartered in Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois. He is currently assigned as the Deputy Adjutant General, Tennessee National Guard.