Every year in December, National Guard and State Defense Force troops across the country take a moment after completing their scheduled training to pause, reflect, and come together to celebrate the holiday season. It is a time to give thanks for family, friends, and the brothers and sisters they serve alongside during both the most rewarding and the most challenging moments of service. Each unit observes this tradition in its own way, but the purpose remains the same: to reconnect, strengthen bonds, and remember why service matters. Soldiers of the 1st Brigade, Texas State Guard (State Defense Force – TXSG), spent time doing just that, coming together with their families to mark the season and close out the year with gratitude.
The Texas State Guard Family Readiness Group, working in partnership with the Texas State Guard Headquarters unit, played a central role in bringing troops and families together for these holiday events. The Family Readiness Group is an organization dedicated to supporting the families of Texas State Guard service members by providing communication, resources, and a strong sense of belonging. Through outreach, events, and ongoing engagement, the FRG helps ensure that families remain informed, connected, and supported, recognizing that family strength directly contributes to unit readiness and morale. These organizations are essential when disaster strikes and service members are activated for natural disasters or other statewide emergencies. They provide vital support to family members who may be worried as their loved ones serve on active duty for days, weeks, or even months, ensuring families remain informed, supported, and connected throughout extended deployments.
Over the weekend, Texas State Guard Headquarters leadership and the Family Readiness Group hosted a holiday luncheon that brought teammates and loved ones together in a warm, welcoming environment. The event offered an opportunity for service members to relax and enjoy time with their families after a demanding year of training and missions. Adding to the festive atmosphere, Santa Claus made a special appearance, briefly stepping away from his busiest time of year to share smiles and holiday cheer with Texas State Guard families. Special recognition was given to Mrs. Stacy Dove and Mrs. Hannah Fitz Gerald of the Texas State Guard Family Readiness Group for their dedication and hard work in making the event memorable for everyone involved.
The sense of camaraderie continued as the Texas State Guard’s 1st Brigade Headquarters and Headquarters and Headquarters Company gathered in Dallas, Texas, for a Christmas meal focused on celebrating family, friendship, and service. Surrounded by fellow service members and loved ones, Soldiers reflected on the past year, strengthened personal connections, and embraced the spirit of the season together. Moments like these reinforce the shared commitment that binds the unit and remind service members that they are part of a larger community built on trust and mutual support.
Holiday celebrations were also held at the battalion level, as the 3rd Battalion, Texas State Guard, came together to close out the year with gratitude and pride. The event was joined by 1st Brigade Commander Colonel Thomas Mitchell, Jr. and Command Sergeant Major Freddrik Taylor, underscoring the importance of leadership presence during moments that honor both service and family. Volunteers worked alongside Family Readiness Group Leader Gina Jacobson to create a beautifully decorated space that reflected the warmth of the season. The celebration concluded with the presentation of leadership coins to Soldiers and their loved ones, a meaningful gesture recognizing dedication, sacrifice, and the collective effort that defines the Texas State Guard.
Despite the hardships facing communities across Texas, the nation, and the world, these gatherings serve as an important reminder of why service matters. Taking time to celebrate with those we love gives meaning to the mission and reinforces the values that guide service members year-round. For the Soldiers of the Texas State Guard’s 1st Brigade, the holiday season was not only a time of celebration, but also a reaffirmation of commitment to one another, their families, and the people of Texas they proudly serve.
The Texas State Guard‘s 1st Brigade Headquarters and HHC gathered in Dallas, Texas, for a Christmas meal that celebrated family, friendship, and service. Surrounded by loved ones and fellow service members, the holiday gathering was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the year, strengthen connections, and share in the spirit of the season. (Photos by CPT Esperanza Meza)
The Texas State Guard Headquarters leadership and our Family Readiness Group hosted a holiday luncheon over the weekend, bringing teammates and families together to celebrate the season. Even Santa Claus made a special appearance—taking a quick break from his busiest time of year to share some cheer with our service members!
Special thanks to Mrs. Stacy Dove and Mrs. Hannah Fitz Gerald of the TXSG Family Readiness Group for making it a wonderful event for all.
Celebrating service, family, and the spirit of the season! 3rd Battalion, Texas State Guard, came together as 1st Brigade Commander Col. Thomas Mitchell, Jr. and Command Sgt. Maj. Freddrik Taylor joined the festivities. Special thanks to the dedicated volunteers who supported Family Readiness Group Leader Gina Jacobson with the beautiful setup and decorations. The celebration concluded with the presentation of leadership coins to our troops and their loved ones, a meaningful way to close out the year with gratitude and holiday cheer. (Photos by Spc. Joseph McMullan and Gina Jacobson)
Sources: Texas State Guard – Texas State Guard
