The 1st Brigade of the Texas State Guard (State Defense Force) brought holiday cheer to service members and their families with a series of events and initiatives that embodied the season’s spirit of giving and camaraderie. Family Readiness Group (FRG) coordinators from the 1st Brigade partnered with Linda Marrero, a Soldier and Family Readiness Specialist with the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Military Department, to assemble food boxes with canned goods donated by Operation Homefront. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to supporting ill or injured veterans and their families. Marrero’s facilitation ensured that service members and their families facing challenges during the holidays received vital support.
The festivities continued with a Christmas party hosted by the 4th Battalion, 1st Brigade. This joyous event brought together service members and their families to celebrate the season, recognizing their contributions and sacrifices. The party, made possible by the hard work of Family Readiness Group Coordinator Katy Ludlow, Chaplain Veronica Sites, and a team of dedicated volunteers, featured holiday-themed activities and a warm atmosphere that highlighted the bonds shared within the unit.
Meanwhile, the 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, hosted their own holiday celebration at VFW Post 8911 in Mansfield, Texas. The event fostered a sense of community and holiday spirit, with the Yellow Rose Ghostbusters providing entertainment and toy donations for children in local hospitals. FRG Coordinator Wendy Schmeider and a devoted team of volunteers ensured every detail of the event was executed flawlessly, creating a memorable evening for attendees.
The 1st Brigade also took time to honor one of its own during the 2nd Battalion’s holiday banquet. Former Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. (Ret.) John Diggs was recognized for his 41 years of combined federal and state service. A framed 1st Brigade guidon, presented by Maj. Edward Webster, served as a tribute to Diggs’ dedication and leadership. Col. Thomas Mitchell, the current Brigade Commander, praised Diggs for paving the way for the “Vanguard” and for his exemplary contributions to the Texas State Guard.
This season of celebration and service demonstrated the 1st Brigade’s commitment to supporting its members and fostering a strong sense of community, making the holidays brighter for all involved.
Family Readiness Group coordinators from the 1st Brigade, Texas State Guard, partnered with Linda Marrero, a Soldier and Family Readiness Specialist with the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Military Department, to embrace the season by packing boxes of canned goods donated by Operation Homefront, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting ill or injured veterans and their families. Marrero played a key role in facilitating the collaboration between the FRG and Operation Homefront. Together, they prepared food boxes to assist service members and their families facing challenges during the holiday season. #TXSG #FRG #txsgfrg #TexansServingTexas #holidayseason
Texas State Guard service members and their families from 4th Battalion, 1st Brigade, celebrated the holiday season recognizing troops and a Christmas party. The event was made possible through the dedicated efforts of Family Readiness Group Coordinator Katy Ludlow, Chaplain Veronica Sites, and a team of hardworking volunteers. (Photos by Cpl. Christopher Valentine) #TXSG #familyreadiness #txsgfrg #txsgchristmas #TexansServingTexas
Service members of the Texas State Guard, 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, and their families came together for an evening of camaraderie, holiday festivities, and recognition during the unit’s Christmas party at VFW Post 8911 in Mansfield, Texas. The event featured fun-filled activities, a warm holiday atmosphere, and the support of the Yellow Rose Ghostbusters, who volunteered their time and received toy donations for children in local hospitals. This memorable celebration was made possible through the dedicated efforts of 2nd Battalion’s leadership, Family Readiness Group (FRG) Coordinator Wendy Schmeider, and a team of hardworking volunteers who ensured every detail was handled to perfection. Stay tuned for more highlights! (Photos by Cpl. Ernest Gomez and Capt. Esperanza Meza)
During the 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade (Bde) Texas State Guard holiday banquet, former 1st Brigade Commander, Brig. Gen. (BG) John Diggs, was honored with a framed 1st Brigade guidon. Maj. Edward Webster presented the gift as a tribute to BG Diggs dedication, leadership, and selfless service, marking an impressive 41 years of combined federal and state service. Current 1st Brigade Commander, Col. Thomas Mitchell, praised BG Diggs’ exemplary leadership and acknowledged his efforts in paving the way for the Vanguard! (Photos by Cpl. Ernest Gomez)#duty #honor #texas #Vanguard #TXSG #TexansServingTexas
Source: Texas State Guard
