Recently The Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, has appointed a new Commanding General for The Texas State Guard (State Defense Force), Major General Roger O. Sheridan. Major General Sheridan brings decades of military service, having served over 21 years in the United States Marine Corps. He is a decorated combat veteran, who repeatedly deployed in support of multiple operations such as, Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Restore Hope. Governor Abbott praised his appointment, stating, “Major General Roger O. Sheridan’s decades of selfless sacrifice and service to his country makes him the perfect individual to lead the Texas State Guard.”
Major General Sheridan joined The Texas State Guard in 2012 and has played an integral role in shaping its mission and operational readiness. Most recently, he served as the Brigade Commander of the 6th Brigade, demonstrating exemplary leadership and dedication. In addition to his military experience, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Sam Houston State University and serves as the deputy director of the Brazos Valley Council of Governments. His appointment signals a continued commitment to professionalizing and strengthening The Texas State Guard, ensuring it remains the premier State Defense Force in the nation.
Here is a bio of his military accomplishments: https://tmd.texas.gov/major-general-roger-o-sheridan
Major General Sheridan assumes command from the outgoing Commanding General, Major General Anthony Woods, who announced his retirement last year. Major General Woods has had an extraordinary tenure leading The Texas State Guard. A distinguished U.S. Army veteran with multiple combat tours in Afghanistan and other overseas deployments, Major General Woods has been instrumental in expanding the mission set of The Texas State Guard and elevating it to new heights. Under his leadership, The Texas State Guard has become the largest and most active State Guard in the country, consistently deploying personnel for major operations such as Operation Lone Star. With nearly 2,000 troops—hundreds of whom serve on permanent Active Duty—the Guard has played a crucial role in every state emergency, natural disaster, and high-profile missions. Major General Woods’ visionary leadership leaves behind a remarkable legacy of growth and operational excellence.
At StateDefenseForce.com, we extend our deepest gratitude to Major General Anthony Woods for his years of dedicated service and the tremendous impact he has had on The Texas State Guard. His contributions have strengthened the force, ensuring its continued success in supporting the state and its citizens. We wish him a well-earned and fulfilling retirement, and we look forward to witnessing the next chapter of excellence under the command of Major General Roger O. Sheridan.
In 2023 we held a Commanders Briefing interview with Major General Anthony Woods. To listen to our interview with this incredible leader – Click Here
Exciting news! We’ll soon be transitioning from one incredible leader to another. The exact date is still to be confirmed, so stay tuned for updates!
https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-appoints-sheridan-as-commanding-general-of-texas-state-guard?fbclid=IwY2xjawIV8i5leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHaXH8wVb0ldCksRJ6gw89rPgtf6XFI3bg7cp5vgQtr_wLZYQ8g0lDw70Ew_aem_UrWfERupfqD403KFAxluJw
Governor Abbott Appoints Sheridan As Commanding General Of Texas State Guard
January 15, 2025 | Austin, Texas
Governor Greg Abbott appointed Major General Roger O. Sheridan as the Commanding General of the Texas State Guard for a term to expire at the pleasure of the Governor.
“Major General Roger O. Sheridan’s decades of selfless sacrifice and service to his country makes him the perfect individual to lead the Texas State Guard,” said Governor Abbott. “Serving in crucial military operations as a Marine, including Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom, Major General Sheridan brings a wealth of exemplary military experience to the Texas State Guard. I am confident that he will professionalize the nation’s premier state defense force and uphold the integrity of the Texas State Guard.”
Major General Roger O. Sheridan of Bryan is deputy director of the Brazos Valley Council of Governments and most recently served as Brigade Commander of the 6th Brigade. He served more than 21 years in the Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserve before retiring in 2009. During his service, he deployed in support of Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Restore Hope. He joined the Texas State Guard in 2012. General Sheridan received a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Sam Houston State University.
GOVERNOR ABBOTT APPOINTS MAJOR GENERAL ROGER O. SHERIDAN AS COMMANDING GENERAL OF THE TEXAS STATE GUARD
Published on January 16, 2025
In a move that bolsters the leadership of Texas’ state defense forces, Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Major General Roger O. Sheridan as the new Commanding General of the Texas State Guard. Major General Sheridan steps into his new role with a pedigree of extensive military service, his career detailed in an announcement posted on the Office of the Texas Governor official website. According to this announcement, Abbott expressed utmost confidence in Sheridan’s capabilities, stating, “Major General Roger O. Sheridan’s decades of selfless sacrifice and service to his country makes him the perfect individual to lead the Texas State Guard.”
Appointed for a term that will extend indefinitely at the discretion of the Governor, Sheridan’s military résumé is robust, to include actively serving in key operations as a Marine. His history is marked by deployments to major military operations, like Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom, providing him with a wealth of experience expected to benefit the state’s militia. As outlined by the Office of the Texas Governor, “Major General Sheridan brings a wealth of exemplary military experience to the Texas State Guard. I am confident that he will professionalize to swiftly ensure the nation’s premier state defense force and uphold the integrity of the Texas State Guard.”
Before crossing over to assume command of the Texas State Guard in 2012, Sheridan’s military career spanned more than two decades with the Marines and Marine Corps Reserve. Notably, he earned his stripes in the field, proving his leadership as Brigade Commander of the 6th Brigade. Additionally, General Sheridan’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Sam Houston State University, hinting at a blend of tactical and strategic knowledge.
The significance of this appointment goes beyond the ceremonial. The Texas Governor’s office has shown a proclivity to consistently select leaders with a strong military background for the State Guard, and Sheridan’s appointment reinforces this pattern. His career, outline by the Governor’s office, speaks to a man who has dedicated his life to serving his country—a commitment that now transitions into leading nearly 2,000 volunteer troops. As per the Office of the Texas Governor’s official statement, Major General Sheridan currently is also the deputy director of the Brazos Valley Council of Governments, a role that likely complements his military acumen with a perspective on community service and governance.
With Major General Sheridan at the helm, the Texas State Guard looks to maintain its standard as a robust component of the state’s military portfolio. The Guard is an all-volunteer force that operates alongside the Texas National Guard and serves as a support to the state and county in times of emergencies and crises. Sheridan’s wealth of leadership experience will be vital as the Guard operates in an era increasingly characterized by the need for rapid response to both natural disasters and security concerns within the state of Texas.
Sources: Texas State Guard – State of Texas – Hoodline
