As we prepare to close out 2025, the Commander of the Texas State Guard (State Defense Force) sent a message to soldiers across the force recognizing the sacrifices and service they provide to their communities, the State of Texas, and the nation. In his year-end message, Maj. Gen. Roger Sheridan reflected on a year defined by impact, professionalism, and steady progress, emphasizing how Texas State Guard soldiers consistently answered the call wherever they were needed.
In his remarks, the commander highlighted that 2025 was a year of meaningful contribution across the state. Texas State Guard soldiers supported disaster response operations, strengthened community partnerships, enhanced mission readiness, and continued the professionalization of the force. Whether serving on the ground during emergencies, filling critical staff roles to ensure operational continuity of high priority missions, or working behind the scenes in logistics, training, and administration, every soldier played a role in improving the safety and resilience of Texas communities. He emphasized that adaptability, discipline, and professionalism were on full display throughout the year, alongside the core values of integrity, teamwork, and respect that define the organization.
Looking ahead, the message conveyed confidence and optimism for 2026. Senior leadership reaffirmed its commitment to modernization, capability development, and investing in people. The priorities remain clear: readiness, accountability, leadership development, and care for service members and their families. While the challenges ahead will require continued innovation and dedication, the commander expressed full confidence in the force’s ability to meet those demands. He also extended gratitude to families and employers, acknowledging that their support makes service possible and strengthens the Texas State Guard every day.
That emphasis on families and organizational care was evident during recent holiday celebrations held by the Texas State Guard’s 6th Brigade. In Austin, Texas, service members from Headquarters and Headquarters Company and the 6th Brigade gathered with their families for a Christmas social and dinner. Command staff served meals to families as a visible gesture of appreciation, recognizing the sacrifices made by spouses, children, and loved ones who support soldiers year-round. The evening included door prizes and gift exchanges, creating an opportunity for families to connect, relax, and build lasting relationships within the brigade community.
A similar event took place in San Antonio, Texas, where service members of the 4th Battalion, 6th Brigade, and their families gathered at Martindale Army Heliport for a Christmas social. Events like these play a critical role in strengthening morale, readiness, and family support. By bringing families together, the brigade helps establish trust and familiarity among spouses and loved ones, forming support structures that become especially important during natural disasters or statewide emergencies when soldiers may be deployed into dangerous conditions.
These holiday gatherings do more than celebrate the season; they reinforce the idea that service in the Texas State Guard is a shared commitment. When families know one another, they are better positioned to provide mutual support, share information, assist with childcare, and offer reassurance during periods of extended duty or high operational tempo. As 2025 comes to a close, the message from leadership and the actions of units like the 6th Brigade reflect a force that understands readiness is built not only through training and modernization, but through people, families, and a strong culture of unity and support.
Recently in San Antonio, Texas — Service members of the Texas State Guard’s 4th Battalion, 6th Brigade, and their families gathered at Martindale Army Heliport for a Christmas social, strengthening morale, readiness and family support.
(Spc. Douglas Gable 4BN 6BDE UPAR)
Recently in Austin, Texas — Service members of the Texas State Guard’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 6th Brigade, and their families gathered for a Christmas social and dinner.
Command staff served meals to families as a gesture of appreciation, thanking them for their continued support and wishing them a Merry Christmas.
The evening continued with door prizes and a white elephant gift exchange. The event reinforced the brigade’s commitment to taking care of its people and the families who support the mission.
Special guests included Maj. Gen. Roger O. Sheridan, commanding general, Texas State Guard, and Brig. Gen. Stephen Thomas, deputy commander, Texas State Guard.
(Sgt. Jason Hunter 6BDE PAO)
Texas State Guard Commanding General Year End Message:
As we close out the holiday season and begin a new year together, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for your extraordinary service and commitment to the Texas State Guard. 2025 was a year of impact.
Across the state, you answered the call—supporting disaster response operations, strengthening community partnerships, enhancing mission readiness, and continuing the professionalization of our force. Whether on the ground during emergencies, in staff roles ensuring operational continuity, or behind the scenes supporting logistics, training, and administration, your efforts directly contributed to the safety and resilience of Texas.
You demonstrated adaptability, discipline, and professionalism in an increasingly complex operating environment. Just as importantly, you showed what it means to serve with integrity, teamwork, and respect—values that define who we are as an organization.
As we look ahead, 2026 represents a bright and promising future for the Texas State Guard. We will continue to modernize, build capability, and invest in our people. Our focus remains clear: readiness, accountability, leadership development, and care for our service members and families. The work ahead will require continued innovation and commitment—but I am confident in this force and in your ability to meet the challenges ahead.
To our families and employers, thank you for your unwavering support. Your sacrifices enable our service and strengthen the Texas State Guard, The Premier State Defense Force in the Nation, every day.
On behalf of the Texas State Guard senior leadership, I wish you and your loved ones a safe, healthy, and prosperous New Year. I am proud to serve alongside you and look forward to all we will accomplish together in 2026.
Duty First. Texas Always.
Respectfully,
Maj. Gen. Roger Sheridan
Commander, Texas State Guard
Sources: Texas State Guard – Texas State Guard