After a storied military career, Major General Anthony Woods has announced his retirement from the Texas State Guard, where he has served as Commander since 2021. Major General Woods took the helm of the Texas State Guard following an impressive tenure in the U.S. Army. His military journey includes serving as the Battalion Executive Officer during Operation Noble Eagle, a crucial nationwide mission that mobilized thousands of National Guardsmen to support homeland security efforts and assist federal, state, and local agencies. Additionally, he played a pivotal role as Deputy Commander in Operation Jump Start, a mission focused on bolstering security along the Southwest border. His extensive experience also includes combat service in Afghanistan, where he commanded the Security Force Agency Task Force (S-FAT).
Under Major General Woods’ leadership, the Texas State Guard saw significant growth and development. He played a pivotal role in nearly doubling the number of troops, expanding the total force to nearly two thousand members, making it the largest in any State Defense Force. His emphasis on rigorous and comprehensive training ensured that the Guard was well-prepared to execute a range of critical missions, from Shelter Operations to Search and Rescue, Maritime Search and Rescue, and Border Security, as well as many other operations. Major General Woods’ tenure is marked by substantial improvements in the Guard’s capabilities and operational readiness, leaving a lasting legacy that will shape the organization for years to come.
In the following video, Major General Woods shares a heartfelt message with his troops, expressing his gratitude and pride in serving as their Commander. His words reflect the deep appreciation he holds for the men and women of the Texas State Guard and his commitment to their continued success.
