When hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters threaten Texas residents, members of the Texas State Guard are there to help.
These citizen soldiers are working with civil authorities to step up reconstruction efforts. They can set up makeshift shelters and organize distribution centers to deliver groceries, medical supplies, or other necessities.
They can help with emergency communication – in English or Spanish.
“We are part of the Texas Defense Forces,” said Sgt. Chris Bartels said. “We do everything that the governor tells us to do.”
On Saturday, some of the members of the 1st Battalion / 4th Regiment of the Guard – many from the Weatherford area – met at the National Guard Armory in Weatherford for a regular monthly exercise.
A little more than half served in the military, said Bartels. Others wanted to, but something was done in their lives to prevent it. Those with no prior military experience take part in a two-week boot camp.
Command Sgt. Maj. Hayward Bellah, who served 38 years in the US Army, said he joined the Guard because he was “too young to willow” and had a closet full of uniforms.
Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jaime Silva – a 21 year old veteran – learned about it from a colleague in the Guard.
“It’s about serving,” he said. “We all want to help”
The group is made up of volunteers who are not paid unless they are enabled for service by the governor.
Members buy their uniforms and equipment themselves, train on Saturdays each month, meet advanced training requirements and take part in a long training weekend once a year.
Training includes search and rescue, land navigation, weapons, and building entry.
The members of the guard are between 17 and 70 years old, Bartels said, with an average age of about 35 years.
The guard would like to increase its membership in the Weatherford area from 40 to 140, Bartels said, depending on the strength for which they are manned.
To be eligible, prospective Guard members must live or study in Texas, be in good health, and have no criminal record. A Texas driver’s license and either a GED or high school diploma are required.
Benefits include local military discounts, multiple business discounts, State Guard license plates, tuition reimbursement, and road and road tax exemptions, according to a recruiting flyer.
In addition, the hidden license costs for handguns are covered by the state.
According to the flyer, there are no foreign assignments and no service contracts.
For more information, contact Bartels at 817-235-6253 or email him at John.Bartels@txsg.state.tx.us.
