NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Soldiers, Airmen and friends of the Tennessee Military Department gathered at the Joint Force Headquarters in Nashville on August 16 to celebrate and honor the 250th anniversary of the Tennessee National Guard.
Maj. Gen. Warner Ross, Tennessee’s adjutant general, and Command Sgt. Maj. Dale Crockett, Tennessee’s senior enlisted leader, hosted the ceremony, where hundreds of Soldiers reflected on the organization’s heritage, accomplishments and service over the past two and a half centuries. Ross led the ceremonial cake cutting, Soldiers listened to guest speakers, and everyone recognized the sacrifices and accomplishments of all who came before them.
“Celebrating 250 years of service to our state and nation is a remarkable achievement,” Crockett said. “I am proud of what our soldiers and airmen have accomplished over the years, and that is reflected in the traditions and accomplishments they have made since the first militiamen volunteered for service in 1774.”
The origins of the Tennessee National Guard date back to before the founding of the state. In 1774, the Virginia frontier was attacked by Shawnee Indians, and Lord Dunmore, the royal governor of Virginia, ordered four regiments of militia and volunteers to organize and repel the attacks. Captain Evan Shelby, a militia leader from the self-governing Watauga settlement in what is now Sullivan and Carter Counties of Tennessee, formed the settlement’s first volunteer militia company, the Fincastle Company, to support the governor of Virginia. Shelby and 49 other militiamen mustered on August 17 and marched from their homes to join Virginia’s gathering regiments. This was the first time “Tennesseans” went to war as militia.
“That moment marked the birth of the Tennessee Militia, which became today’s Tennessee National Guard,” Ross said. “It also marked the beginning of a tradition of volunteerism that is celebrated as the nickname of our state and is a core belief of all present here today.”
During the ceremony, Ross spoke about the significance of this special day, thanked everyone in attendance, and recognized all Guardsmen who have served. He also played a video chronicling the history of the organization and many of its historical milestones. After the video, Ross introduced guest speaker Will Summers, who spoke about the importance of service and honoring traditions.
Summers, a retired intelligence sergeant with the 5th Special Forces Group and member of ODA’s 595 Special Forces Team, spoke about his career and what it means to dedicate oneself to a life of selfless service. Summers was part of the first team to arrive in Afghanistan in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, earning his team the nickname “The Horse Soldiers.” His team’s experiences were brought to life in the Hollywood film “The Horse Soldiers.” 12 Strong.
“It is an honor to be here with Soldiers and Airmen who live by the motto ‘Ready Now,'” Summers said. “Readiness is critical to success in any mission and in life. It is this kind of attitude that makes the United States the greatest nation in the world.”
After Summers spoke, Ross ceremonially cut the cake and asked Pfc. Christian Amacher of Tullahoma’s 1175th Transportation Company and Col. Mark Phillips, Tennessee State Chaplain, to join him to assist with the first cutting. Tradition is that the oldest and youngest Soldiers present are given the honor of cutting the cake with a ceremonial saber. Phillips, the oldest Soldier present, represented the Guard’s past, while Amacher, the youngest Soldier, represented the Guard’s future.
“It was an honor to be here today,” Amacher said. “I am proud to be a member of an organization that has been committed to defending America and the people of Tennessee for such a long time.”
Following the ceremony, attendees enjoyed refreshments, ate lunch provided by the Gary Sinise Foundation, and learned about the history of the Tennessee National Guard.
“250 years ago tomorrow, Tennessee’s first militia men left their homes and families to serve and protect those in need,” Crockett said. “They were our state’s first citizen-soldiers, willing to sacrifice their lives at a moment’s notice. Their legacy lives on in the men and women who serve in the National Guard today and should never be forgotten.”
Tennessee’s Senior Enlisted Leader, Command Sgt. Maj. Dale Crockett, watches as Pfc. Christian Amacher and Col. Mark Phillips cut the ceremonial cake during the Tennessee National Guard’s 250th birthday celebration Aug. 16 at Joint Force Headquarters in Nashville. (Photo by Retired Sergeant 1st Class Edgar Castro)
