The CG's Farewell Tour

Last week, I had the honor and privilege to accompany the Texas State Guard Commanding General, MG Anthony Woods on his "farewell tour" of the JOA. We flew into El Paso on Monday morning and hit the ground running. After being picked up by WO1 Jason Zachman, we dropped our gear at the hotel and immediately went to visit our deployed troops who are working to secure the border in the El Paso area. We visited those working "the line" repairing the barricades and barriers as well as the forward deployed communications and medical assets. Afterward we visited troops assigned to the Aid Station that takes care of all troops, State and National Guard, assigned to the El Paso region. The CG expressed his gratitude to these troops.

Tuesday morning we got up and drove from El Paso to Del Rio, where we visited personnel at Base Camp Alpha. Troops here mainly maintain the Base Camp as well as provide Force Protection and are assigned to Entry Control duty. At this location the CG discussed the difficulties with being deployed, whether it is overseas or to the Rio Grande Valley. While the Service Member is away, life goes on and things continue to break at home. After sharing a meal with the assembled troops, the CG thanked them for their service and commitment to the State of Texas.

Wednesday morning took us Eagle Pass, where we were able to get a good look at FOB Eagle. Even though construction is still in progress, it is an impressive facility so far. We met with the troops in the Mayors Cell and then went to the BOM Yard, where much of the material used by the troops to help secure the state is stored. Afterwards, we had dinner with the troops in the DFAC. The food was amazing as always. Thanks to Chef Steve and Chef Ruben for always putting together a great menu. During dinner, the CG spoke with the assembled troops about his 40 plus years in the military and the difficulties of deployments. He ended his conversation by thanking the troops for their service. After finishing at FOB Eagle, we visited Shelby Park, where the CG spoke with personnel in the TICP communications trailer as well as those maintaining the barricades in that area. Afterwards, we drove to McAllen, where we stayed overnight in preparation for our final day.

Thursday morning we did our final stops of the trip.

Our first stop was at Task Force Headquarters in McAllen where the CG was briefed on Task Force Operations by the Task Force Commander. Afterwards, he met with the TXSG troops that are integrated into the Task Force headquarters. Again, he thanked these troops for their service to the state of Texas and the nation.

Our final stop was not at an Operation Lone Star operation, but at another operation that has been around a lot longer than OLS. The troops assigned to Operation Border Star/Drawbridge have been working with the Texas Department of Public Safety (Texas Rangers) county, local and Federal partners for the better part of a decade and a half. While Operation Lone Star gets most of the press, the personnel assigned to Operation Border Star/Drawbridge continue to do their part to secure the southwestern border of the United States.

While at this location, the CG promoted a service member as well as presented awards to others for their hard work and dedication. The CG discussed the importance of the mission to secure the border and thanked the personnel for their dedication.

Friday morning, WO1 Zachman dropped us off at the Harlingen Airport and we made our way home.

This entire trip, MG Woods made it clear that he was out there to thank the troops for what they have sacrificed to contribute to the safety of the state and nation. He also made sure that he shook the hand of each Service Member present, looked them in the eyes and said thank you.

The trip was a success. The CG was able to accomplish his goal of meeting with the majority of the TXSG troops assigned to Operation Lone Star and Operation Border Star/Drawbridge. (Some were on pass and others were in training). We put over 800 miles on the CG's staff vehicle and spent countless hours in the vehicle moving between locations. In my opinion, it was all worth it. I believe this trop was a very fitting way for the Commanding General of the Texas State Guard to close out his command tenure. and his distinguished military career.

I also want to thank WO1 Zachman and personnel assigned to the OLS JVB for ensuring the trip went off without a hitch. It was a well planned and executed operation.

Way to go, sir.