The Texas State Guard (State Defense Force – TXSG) has continued to make headlines across the Lone Star State, with numerous operations, training events, and leadership announcements unfolding in recent months. As one of the largest State Defense Forces in the nation, with over 1,700 troops and growing, the Texas State Guard remains a vital component of the state’s military response system. Whether assisting in border operations through Joint Task Force missions such as Operation Lone Star or responding to devastating natural disasters, the men and women of the Texas State Guard stand ready to serve, protect, and rebuild Texas communities.
In early August, a team of 30 service members from the 3rd Brigade arrived in Kerrville, Texas, to take over relief operations from their 1st Brigade counterparts as part of Operation Texas Weather Response. This mission, launched after the devastating floods that tore through the Texas Hill Country in July, focuses on aiding communities hit hardest by the storms. The 1st Brigade had been on the ground conducting relief operations, providing essential supplies, and coordinating with local authorities. Their efforts were praised across the state for their professionalism and compassion toward affected Texans. Now, with 3rd Brigade assuming control, operations have continued seamlessly as Guardsmen distribute food rations, hygiene products, and cleaning supplies to residents in need. Second Lieutenant Roberto Diaz of the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Brigade, explained that their purpose is to serve as a force multiplier, assisting local, county, and state officials by taking on critical logistical roles so that emergency managers can concentrate their efforts on restoring stability to the region. Diaz added that his troops were “Texans serving Texas” and that they were motivated and proud to support their fellow citizens during such a difficult time.
The mission in Kerrville remains one of the most significant ongoing recovery efforts in the state. The flooding that occurred between July 4 and 5 devastated large portions of the Hill Country, including Kerr, Burnet, Kendall, Gillespie, Tom Green, and Travis Counties. According to reports, at least 135 people lost their lives during the disaster, including dozens of children and campers from a local summer program. Torrential rainfall caused rivers like the Guadalupe to swell into uncontrollable torrents, sweeping away homes and vehicles in minutes. Families were forced to flee in the early morning hours, and emergency calls flooded county dispatch centers. While responders across multiple counties worked tirelessly, the unprecedented speed of the floodwaters made rescue operations difficult. In areas such as Big Sandy Creek near Leander, residents reported entire homes being lifted off foundations and swept downstream. One local resident, Joe Bothne, recalled that at 3 a.m. the water was calm, but by 3:12 a.m. it had risen to nearly five feet, carrying his brother’s house across his property. He said, “We’ve had 10 inches of rain in less than an hour, and it never flooded like this.”
In the aftermath of the disaster, recovery efforts have continued for months. Volunteers, nonprofit groups, and state agencies have joined forces to clear debris, rebuild infrastructure, and assist displaced families. Among them, the Texas State Guard has remained one of the most visible forces on the ground, helping restore essential services and deliver aid to affected neighborhoods. Local volunteers like Melanie Strong worked alongside Guardsmen to organize distribution sites, bring in construction materials, and coordinate logistics with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Strong emphasized how critical the State Guard’s involvement was, noting that they helped restore order and direction to what was initially a chaotic and disorganized response. She praised the Guard for stepping in when local resources were strained, ensuring aid reached communities that had been cut off by flood damage.
Even now, months after the floods, recovery continues in the Hill Country. Organizations like Samaritan’s Purse have partnered with local agencies and the State Guard to rebuild homes, repair roads, and provide essential supplies. Families who lost everything are being helped back on their feet. One volunteer described the response as “neighbors helping neighbors,” with the Texas State Guard serving as the backbone of organized relief and stability. The 3rd Brigade will remain in the region until all assigned missions are complete and local leaders confirm that the area is secure and stable once again.
While the Guard continues to provide relief across Central Texas, other units have focused on training to enhance readiness for future missions. The 2nd Brigade recently held a field training exercise centered on Search and Rescue (SAR) operations and physical conditioning. Guardsmen of the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, performed a ruck march and practiced basic SAR skills at Camp Hearne, the 240-acre site of a former World War II Prisoner of War camp in Hearne, Texas. From June 1943 to January 1946, Camp Hearne housed close to 5,000 prisoners of war, nearly all from the German military, who performed labor such as repairing blankets, raincoats, and working on local farms harvesting crops. The training at this historic site followed a tradition started by Major Robert McConnell, the 3rd Battalion Commander, who last year led a similar ruck march at the San Jacinto Monument. Soldiers practiced essential rope and knot techniques, explored the historical grounds, and conducted endurance training in preparation for the upcoming Norwegian Foot March next year. This training reaffirmed the Texas State Guard’s reputation as one of the best Search and Rescue forces in the nation. Every Guardsman is trained in SAR fundamentals, and the organization maintains specialized units dedicated to Maritime, Urban, and Woodland Search and Rescue. The Texas State Guard prides itself on being ready for any mission that comes their way, living up to their motto “ad omnia parati”—ready for anything.
The Texas State Guard also announced an important leadership transition. Command Sergeant Major Jerry Kovar has been selected as the next Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Texas State Guard. CSM Kovar brings with him a wealth of experience and an outstanding record of leadership. Enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1982, Kovar served in numerous roles including Drill Instructor, Marine Combat Instructor of Water Survival, Administrative Chief, and Training NCO. Following his active duty service, he continued his military career in the Marine Corps Reserve while beginning a distinguished career in law enforcement with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office. A graduate of the FBI National Academy’s 237th Session, he also earned multiple degrees in Criminal Justice and holds several professional law enforcement certifications.
Kovar joined the Texas State Guard in 2018 and quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the organization’s Noncommissioned Officer development. He served as the Commandant of the NCO Academy, NCOIC of the Basic Instructor Course, and Senior NCO Instructor for Officer Candidates School and Basic Orientation Training. He most recently served as Command Sergeant Major of the 3rd Brigade, where he earned the Senior Military Emergency Management Badge, Search and Rescue Badge, and the TXSG Public Safety Diver Badge. His selection as Senior Enlisted Advisor reflects the trust placed in his leadership and his commitment to advancing professionalism within the Texas State Guard. The official Change of Responsibility ceremony will be held during the upcoming October drill at TXSG Headquarters, marking the beginning of a new era for the Guard’s Senior Enlisted Corps.
As Command Sergeant Major Harlan L. Thompson passes the torch, his contributions to building one of the strongest and most disciplined enlisted forces in the country are being recognized and celebrated. Under his leadership, the enlisted ranks of the Texas State Guard have thrived, becoming more cohesive, skilled, and motivated than ever before. His mentorship and dedication have left a lasting mark on the Guard, inspiring soldiers across all brigades to uphold the highest standards of service and professionalism.
From leading disaster relief efforts to honing advanced rescue skills and fostering professional growth among its ranks, the Texas State Guard continues to prove that it is one of the most capable and dedicated State Defense Forces in the nation. The organization’s motto, “Duty First, Texas Always,” continues to define its actions and inspire every soldier who wears the uniform.
The 3rd Brigade Assists With Relief Efforts in Kerrville Following Severe Weather
By Joe Martinez
A team of 30 service members from the 3rd Brigade arrived in Kerrville, Texas on August 5 to take over operations from their 1st Brigade counterparts as part of Operation Texas Weather Response, an ongoing mission to support communities impacted by recent severe weather.
The incoming unit relieved the 1st Brigade soldiers, who had been on the ground conducting critical relief efforts and were praised for their outstanding service. The 3rd Brigade team will remain in the area until all assigned tasks are completed, and the community’s immediate needs are fully addressed.
The mission, centered around Kerrville and surrounding areas, focuses on distributing food rations, hygiene products, and cleaning supplies to Texans in urgent need following the storms.
“The purpose of our mission is to be a force multiplier, assisting local, county, and state authorities by taking on critical support roles so they can focus their efforts where they are needed the most,” said 2LT Roberto Diaz, with the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Brigade.
The deployment reflects the Texas State Guard’s ongoing commitment to aiding fellow Texans in times of crisis. With boots on the ground and resources in hand, the soldiers are working side by side with local partners to deliver aid swiftly and efficiently.
“Our soldiers are motivated, mission-ready, and proud to be here,” Diaz added. “We are Texans serving Texas; it is our honor to serve.”
As the weather recovery continues, the presence and support of the State Guard remain a critical asset in helping affected communities stabilize and rebuild.
Guardsmen of 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, Texas State Guard, perform a ruck march and practice basic search and rescue skills at Camp Hearne, the 240 acre site of a former Prisoner of War Camp, Hearne Texas, Sept. 13, 2025. After a successful tour and ruck march at the San Jacinto Monument last year, Maj. Robert McConnell, 3rd battalion commander, continued the tradition of visiting a historical site, electing this year to tour the Camp Hearne WWII Historic Site and Exhibit. Troops learned that close to 5,000 prisoners of war, almost exclusively from the German military, were housed onsite from June 1943 to Jan. 1946. The enlisted prisoners worked at a shop that repaired blankets and rain coats, or worked for local farmers, harvesting cotton, onions and pecans.
After practicing knots and rope skills for search and rescue, guardsmen then explored the site, marching to improve endurance and physical condition in preparation for the upcoming Norwegian Foot March next year. Well done! 2nd Brigade is “ad omnia parati” (Ready for Anything!)
The Texas State Guard (TXSG) is pleased to announce that Command Sergeant Major Jerry Kovar has been selected as the next Senior Enlisted Advisor (SEA) for the Texas State Guard.
CSM Kovar brings with him a wealth of experience, distinguished service, and a proven record of leadership at every level. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the Guard’s mission, the professional development of TXSG Service Members, and the welfare of our service members and their families. His leadership will play a critical role in advancing the professionalization and modernization of the Texas State Guard as we continue to build America’s premier State Guard force.
The TXSG SEA Change of Responsibility Ceremony will be held during the upcoming October Drill at Texas State Guard Headquarters. A formal save-the-date notice will be published later this week.
Please join us in congratulating CSM Kovar on his selection and in offering him your full support as he assumes this important responsibility. His leadership, vision, and dedication will be instrumental as we continue to serve Texas with integrity, excellence, and honor.
Duty First. Texas Always.
Sources: Texas State Guard – Texas State Guard – Texas State Guard – Dallas Express