In January 2025, Governor Greg Abbott announced a major leadership change within the Texas State Guard (State Defense Force). Major General Roger O. Sheridan was appointed as the new Commanding General, succeeding Major General Anthony Woods, who announced his retirement from the military after a long and remarkable career.
Major General Woods’ tenure as Commander of the Texas State Guard has been nothing short of transformative. A distinguished U.S. Army veteran with multiple combat tours in Afghanistan and other overseas deployments, Woods elevated the Guard to its highest strength levels in decades. Under his leadership, the Texas State Guard became the largest and most active State Guard in the nation, with approximately 2,000 troops—many of whom serve on permanent Active Duty. His vision expanded the Guard’s mission set, with units participating in high-profile operations such as Operation Lone Star, where Texas State Guard troops have taken on full-time roles supporting state border security missions. Woods also ensured that the Guard played a vital role in every state emergency and natural disaster response during his tenure, leaving behind a lasting legacy of operational excellence and growth.
At his retirement ceremony, Major General Woods received a final heartfelt farewell from the 2nd Brigade of the Texas State Guard. Brigadier General E.A. “Buddy” Grantham, former commander of the 2nd Brigade, presented Woods with the U.S. Cavalry and Armor Association’s Silver Medallion of the Order of St. George during a special knighting ceremony at the Texas Army National Guard Armory in Houston, Texas. The award recognized Woods’ more than 20 years of military service, particularly in leadership roles. In a touching gesture, Grantham’s wife, Julie, inducted Woods’s wife, Cecilia, into the Order of Joan d’Arc, honoring her unwavering support and contribution to the morale, spirit, and welfare of troops.
The U.S. Cavalry and Armor Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting knowledge of military arts and sciences. The awards presented to Woods and his wife serve as a testament to their dedication and impact on the Texas State Guard community.
At StateDefenseForce.com, we extend our deepest gratitude to Major General Anthony Woods for his years of devoted service to Texas and the nation. We congratulate him on his long and distinguished military career, wish him a well-earned retirement, and look forward to the continued excellence of the Texas State Guard under Major General Roger O. Sheridan’s leadership.
At his retirement ceremony, Brig. Gen. E.A. “Buddy” Grantham, former commander, 2nd Brigade, Texas State Guard, awards the U.S. Cavalry and Armor Association Silver Medallion of the Order of St. George to retired Maj. Gen. Anthony Woods, former commander, Texas State Guard, during a special knighting ceremony at the Texas Army National Guard Armory, Houston, Texas, June 29, 2025. The award recognizes Woods’ more than 20 years of military service, especially in leadership positions. Also, Grantham’s wife Julie, inducted Woods’s wife, Cecilia, into the order of Joan d’ Arc for her support, recognizing her contribution to the morale, spirit and welfare of troops.
The U. S. Cavalry and Armor Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting knowledge of the military arts and sciences. Membership is open to federal service members and veterans. Congratulations and well done! (Texas State Guard photos by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Gregory Illich)
Source: Texas State Guard
