National Guard Association of Tennessee

08/21/2026

🎉 Congratulations, MAJ Jason Bucklew!

NGATN proudly congratulates Jason Bucklew on his promotion to Major! MAJ Bucklew has served on the NGATN Executive Council since 2024 and will soon serve as an Associate Professor of Military Science at MTSU, teaching and mentoring second-year ROTC cadets.

We’re proud to celebrate this achievement and wish him continued success in this next chapter!

08/21/2026

❓FAQ Friday

Q: Why should I choose a Lifetime NGATN Membership?

A: If you're planning to make the Tennessee National Guard your career, a Lifetime Membership is a smart investment.

✅ Pay once—never pay annual NGATN dues again while you serve.
✅ When you retire, your Lifetime Retiree Membership is already included—no additional membership purchase required.

It's a simple way to support NGATN while ensuring you're a member for every stage of your Guard career and beyond.

Have questions about membership? Drop them in the comments or visit www.ngatn.org to learn more!

08/20/2026

Throwback Thursday: A Mission of Hope on America's Darkest Day

On September 11, 2001, as the nation came to a standstill and U.S. airspace was closed, one mission could not wait.

A donated liver from a newborn at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital was urgently needed by a six-month-old baby in Houston. With commercial flights grounded, the Tennessee Air National Guard answered the call.

A C-130 crew flew one of the only authorized flights that day, transporting a 10-ounce liver across the country. Their mission helped save a child's life.

More than two decades later, that child is thriving—a powerful reminder that even in the midst of tragedy, service, teamwork, and compassion can change the course of a life.

The Tennessee Air National Guard's role in this extraordinary mission reflects the Guard's commitment to serving whenever and wherever called.

We honor the donor family, the medical professionals, the Tennessee Air National Guard crew, and everyone who made this lifesaving mission possible.

Always Ready. Always There.

The following story is reshared from a 2021 news report by Blake Farmer, WPLN Nashville: As the World Trade Center towers fell 20 years ago, smaller, more personal, crises played...

08/19/2026

Congratulations, Brig. Gen. Steven Turner!

NGATN congratulates Brig. Gen. Steven Turner on being selected to serve as the Tennessee Military Department’s next Deputy Adjutant General and Deputy Commissioner, effective September 1.

With more than three decades of military service, including leadership with the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, deployments to Iraq, and service as Assistant Adjutant General–Army, and serving as the President of NGATN from 2016-2018, Turner brings extensive experience and leadership to this important role.

We also extend our sincere gratitude to Maj. Gen. Michael Trent Scates for more than 36 years of distinguished service to the Tennessee National Guard. We wish him all the best in his retirement.

Congratulations to Brig. Gen. Turner, and thank you to Maj. Gen. Scates for a remarkable career of service!

Serving Tennessee Guardsmen Since 1924.

08/19/2026

Show Us Your Guard Story!

Every photo tells a story of service, camaraderie, and pride.

Whether it's from drill weekend, annual training, a deployment, a promotion, a community event, or a memorable moment with your unit, we want to see it!

📷 Share your favorite Tennessee National Guard photo in the comments and tell us a little about when and where it was taken.

Thank you for sharing the moments that make the Tennessee National Guard community so special.

08/18/2026

🎥Behind the Scenes at NGATN

Ever wondered what happens behind the doors of the National Guard Association of Tennessee?

Take a quick look inside our headquarters! From preserving our rich history to supporting our members and advocating for Tennessee's Soldiers and Airmen, this is where much of our mission comes to life.

While the work often happens behind the scenes, it's all focused on one goal: Serving Tennessee Guardsmen.

Watch the video for a glimpse inside the place where advocacy, service, and dedication come together every day.

08/17/2026

🎉 Happy Birthday, Tennessee National Guard!

Today, August 17, we celebrate the Tennessee National Guard and its proud legacy of service to our state and nation.

For generations, Tennessee Soldiers and Airmen have answered the call—serving during times of crisis at home, defending our nation abroad, and supporting communities across Tennessee.

Today, we honor the generations who have served before us and celebrate the Guardsmen who continue that legacy every day.

From all of us at NGATN, thank you for your service, sacrifice, and dedication.

Happy Birthday to the Tennessee National Guard!

08/14/2026

New Burial Eligibility for Tennessee Guard & Reserve Members

Thanks to the Guard Reserve Eligibility Expansion Amendment (GREEA), more Tennessee National Guard and Reserve members may now qualify for burial in a Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery—even if they don’t meet federal burial eligibility requirements.

You may qualify if you were honorably discharged and:

Served at least 8 years in the Guard or Reserve, or
Served under State Active Duty orders.

Eligible families can receive burial at no cost, including burial space, opening/closing of the gravesite, a government marker, perpetual care, and Honor Guard services when available.

⭐ Pre-registration is FREE and helps your family avoid stress later: tn.gov/veteran

Learn more about this legislation update at: https://www.tn.gov/veteran/news/2026/6/4/governor-lee-signs-legislation-expanding-eligibility-for-interment-in-tennessee-state-veterans-cemeteries.html

08/14/2026

⏰2 Weeks Until the NGAUS Conference!

The countdown is on! In just 2 weeks, members of the National Guard Association of Tennessee will join fellow National Guard leaders, Soldiers, and Airmen from across the country at the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) Conference.

This annual conference is an opportunity to connect with Guard leaders, discuss legislative priorities, share ideas, and advocate for the future of the National Guard at the national level.

We'll be sharing highlights, updates, and behind-the-scenes moments throughout the conference, so stay tuned!

Safe travels to everyone attending—we look forward to representing Tennessee!

08/13/2026

NGATN Scholarship Opportunities Available- Applicants can Apply Starting in November!

Invest in your future with support from NGATN. Scholarships are available for Tennessee National Guard members and eligible family members pursuing higher education.

Available scholarships include:

⭐ MG Gus Hargett Scholarship – $5,000 for an active Tennessee National Guard member who is also an active annual NGATN member pursuing a graduate degree.

⭐ Dependent Scholarships – Ten $3,000 scholarships for spouses and children of active annual or lifetime NGATN members.

⭐ Retiree Legacy Scholarship – $3,000 scholarship for spouses, children, or grandchildren of retired lifetime NGATN members pursuing their first post-secondary degree or diploma.

📅 Application Deadline: January 8, 2027

For eligibility details, application requirements, and submission instructions, visit:
https://www.ngatn.org/scholarships/

Questions? Contact NGATN Executive Director Byron Deel at [email protected] or (615) 833-9100.