Over the past few weeks we reported on Winter Storm Fern and how it tore across large portions of the United States, bringing with it crippling snowfall, sheets of ice, sub-freezing temperatures, and widespread power outages that left communities paralyzed for days. What began as a powerful winter system quickly intensified, dumping heavy snow across multiple states and coating highways in thick ice, leading to thousands of vehicle accidents, stranded motorists, and tragic loss of life. Entire regions experienced prolonged blackouts as ice-laden tree limbs snapped power lines and transformers failed under the weight. Emergency responders worked around the clock as hospitals treated weather-related injuries, and shelters filled with residents seeking warmth. It was one of the most vicious winter storms to strike the region in decades, testing state emergency management systems and the resilience of local communities alike.
As previously reported, State Defense Forces and National Guard units mobilized rapidly in anticipation of the storm’s impact. Preparations included staging personnel and equipment, coordinating with emergency management agencies, and activating Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs). In Texas, the response was swift and deliberate. The Texas State Guard (State Defense Force – TXSG) moved into action alongside the Texas National Guard and state and local partners, ensuring that response operations were synchronized and resources were positioned where they were needed most.
At one of the forefronts of these efforts was the 1st Brigade of the Texas State Guard. Service members from the brigade deployed throughout North Texas during Winter Storm Fern. Operating within Emergency Operations Centers, troops serve as critical liaisons between military assets and civilian authorities. Their role was not merely administrative, it was operational coordination at the highest level. By embedding within EOCs, 1st Brigade personnel ensured that requests for assistance were processed efficiently, resources were allocated effectively, and situational awareness was maintained across multiple jurisdictions.
Throughout the storm, these Guardsmen worked shoulder to shoulder with The Army National Guard, Air National Guard and state agency partners to manage emergency response efforts. As icy roadways made travel treacherous and communities struggled with outages and supply shortages, Texas State Guard service members supported operations that delivered food, water, and critical supplies. They assisted stranded drivers trapped in dangerous conditions and helped coordinate efforts to ensure vulnerable residents could access life-sustaining medical care. The presence of trained troops within the EOCs allowed for streamlined communication between state military forces and civilian leadership, reducing delays during a time when minutes mattered.
The Brigade’s Medical Detachment Command (MDC) also played a pivotal role. In winter emergencies, medical coordination becomes especially critical as hypothermia, falls on ice, carbon monoxide exposure from improper heating, and exacerbation of chronic conditions surge. The Medical Detachment Command supported response operations by helping coordinate medical resources and ensuring that requests for medical transport and support were prioritized appropriately. Their expertise strengthened the state’s overall response posture, providing reassurance that medical contingencies were addressed even as the storm strained infrastructure.
Equally important was the depth of professional medical experience within the ranks of the Texas State Guard. The presence of licensed doctors, nurses, EMTs, paramedics, and trained medics proved invaluable as Texans faced life threatening conditions brought on by the storm. These medical professionals were able to provide immediate assessment, stabilization, and life saving care when every second counted, whether assisting individuals suffering from hypothermia, responding to carbon monoxide exposure, or supporting emergency transport operations. In many cases, their rapid intervention helped prevent minor injuries from becoming fatal and ensured that vulnerable residents received critical aid during their most dire hour. Their service stands as a powerful reminder of the lifesaving capability embedded within the Texas State Guard and the vital role it plays in safeguarding communities during statewide emergencies.
The Texas State Guard’s 1st Brigade exemplified the Guard’s motto, “Duty First! Texas Always!” Their service during Winter Storm Fern underscores the importance of a trained, ready, and disciplined State Defense Force capable of augmenting the National Guard and civil authorities during emergencies. By operating inside Emergency Operations Centers, coordinating resources, and supporting life-saving missions, they demonstrated how State Defense Forces multiply a state’s response capacity during catastrophic events.
Winter Storm Fern will be remembered for its destructive power and the hardship it imposed on countless families. Yet it will also be remembered for the dedication of those who stepped forward to serve. We will continue to provide updates on what each State Defense Force brigade, regiment, and unit accomplished during one of the most brutal winter storms to strike the Southeastern portion of the United States in decades. It is essential that we recognize the State Defense Force troops who answered the call, standing ready to assist their fellow countrymen and women in times of need.
Texas State Guard (TXSG) service members from the 1st Brigade deployed as Military District Coordinators (MDCs) during Winter Storm Fern in January, working alongside agency partners and the National Guard at Emergency Operations Centers across North Texas. TXSG MDCs support their communities by helping manage emergency response efforts and resource coordination. Throughout the winter storm, service members and first responders delivered supplies, assisted drivers, and helped residents access vital medical care alongside state and local partners. Duty First! Texas Always! (Photos by Capt. Craig Jacobson and Capt. Michael Garcia)
Source: Texas State Guard
