National Guard Association of Tennessee

Don’t forget to register for the 2026 National Guard Association of Tennessee (NGATN) Annual General Conference!

🗓️12-14 February 2026

Swipe for more details!

| NGATN Conference Company Grade OPD Event |

All Army and Air Company Grade and Warrant Officers are invited to attend this year’s OPD event at NGATN, focused on building leadership, fostering professional growth, and strengthening our officer corps. This session will provide valuable insights and discussions to enhance readiness, teamwork, and career progression across the force.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed new legislation that establishes a TRICARE premium reimbursement program for eligible Tennessee National Guard members during a signing ceremony in the state capitol’s old Supreme Court chambers, June 3. Known as the “Tennessee National Guard Servicemember’s Medical Readiness Act,” the new law helps Guardsmen offset the cost of healthcare premiums under TRICARE Reserve Select and the TRICARE Dental Program.

Previously, traditional Guardsmen, those serving part-time under state or federal orders for training, were responsible for paying the full cost of their TRICARE coverage unless insured through a civilian employer. While deployed on federal active duty, they receive full medical coverage, but during regular training periods, they were responsible for purchasing their own insurance. For many, this meant covering TRICARE premiums themselves to maintain continuous coverage.

“This legislation improves access to healthcare for our Soldiers and Airmen,” said Maj. Gen. Warner Ross, Tennessee’s Adjutant General. “It will increase our overall medical readiness and ensures that our Guardsmen will have access to healthcare throughout their service, regardless of duty status.”

This program is expected to benefit nearly 2,000 servicemembers when it takes effect on July 1. To qualify, Tennessee Guardsmen must be enrolled in TRICARE Reserve Select or the TRICARE Dental Program and must not receive comparable coverage from a civilian employer.

The National Guard Association of Tennessee played a key role in advocating for the legislation and working with lawmakers to get it passed. “Our Soldiers and Airmen make real sacrifices to serve their state and nation, and this program ensures they remain ready to answer the call when their fellow citizens need them the most,” said Lt. Col. Meredith Richardson, President of the National Guard Association of Tennessee.

This initiative reflects Tennessee’s ongoing efforts to support its National Guard members, ensuring they have access to healthcare resources while serving the state and nation.

"Since the National Guard Association of Tennessee was establishment in 1924, it has been promoting and supporting our national defense and the welfare of Tennessee National Guard members,” said retired Col. Byron Deel, the NGATN Executive Director. “This legislation is a great step forward to improving both. We want to extend our gratitude to our sponsors in the General Assembly, Representative Gary Hicks and Senator John Stevens”

We’ve officially made it to the best time of the year! 🎉 Stay tuned for more on this year’s NGATN Conference!

| NGATN Conference Company Grade OPD Event |

All Army and Air Company Grade and Warrant Officers are invited to attend this year’s OPD event at NGATN. Come learn from speakers from all spectrums who will provide leadership, character, situational, other briefs, and open dialogue. Opportunity for orders available by unit.

The NGATN Auxiliary is hosting the Annual Whiskey Pull on Friday, February 21, and we need your help! Donate a bottle of whiskey or bourbon—all proceeds will go toward the Auxiliary Scholarship to support our Guard families.

📍 Drop-off locations:
🔹 JFHQ Legal Office – by Feb 20
🔹 Operations Center at Embassy Suites – by Feb 21 (before 1600)

Every bottle makes a difference! Help us make this event a success. Tag a friend who might want to donate! 🥃

Congratulations to NGATN Executive Council member CPT Jason Bucklew!! Jason represents the Middle Tennessee Army Company Grade officers.

Our Tennessee Guardsmen are proudly serving!

NGATN had 89 of our members and spouses attending the NGAUS Conference in Detroit, MI!!! Thank you Michigan for a great event!!