STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University will host members of the Texas State Guard conducting training missions on and off campus April 13-16. The weekend training will help validate the TXSG’s disaster response capabilities.

The State Guard will rehearse search and rescue procedures, participate in the Leaders Reaction Course, and conduct rural and urban mass casualty exercises. Select members of the university’s Corps of Cadets will assist in the training and participate in a tug-of-war challenge.

Brig. Gen. John D. Diggs, commander of the TXSG 1st Brigade, noted that TXSG soldiers have been activated during many of the state’s major disasters over the years. The organization’s lineage traces to the early days of the Texas Republic.

“Our roots go back to the brave men who fought in the Texas Revolution such as James Bowie, William Travis, Ben Milam and Juan Seguín,” he said, adding that the State Guard’s motto is “We are Texans Serving Texas.”

The Texas State Guard provides mission-ready military forces to assist state and local authorities in times of emergency. It conducts homeland security and community service under the umbrella of Defense Support to Civil Authorities, and it augments the Texas Army National Guard and Texas Air National Guard. All three branches are administered by the state adjutant general, an appointee of the governor, and fall under the governor’s command.

A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.