Tennessee National Guard Archives

Tennessee National Guard to Conduct International Exercise Less than 500 Miles from Ukraine, in Bulgaria

March 6, 2023March 5, 2023 Kaitlin Housler

The Tennessee Department of Military announced that the state’s Army and Air National Guard will be conducting an international joint readiness exercise, named Thracian Sentry 2023, throughout the nation of Bulgaria in June.

From June 12th-30th, “more than 170 military personnel from the Bulgarian Armed Forces, the Hellenic Air Force in Greece, and the Tennessee Army and Air National Guard will focus on developing and improving skills which include combat medical care, aircraft fire rescue, joint operations, logistics and sustainment, aeromedical evacuation, and weapons training,” the Tennessee Department of Military said in a Thursday statement.

Neil W. McCabe: It Sure Looks Like Tennessee Governor Bill Lee Wants to Create the Wokeist National Guard in the Country

March 1, 2023March 2, 2023 Julie Carr

Wednesday morning host Leahy welcomed top gov tracker Neil W. McCabe to the newsmaker line to discuss Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee creating a woke National Guard and Ron DeSantis’s legislative agenda and presidential aspirations.

Host Leahy and New All-Star Panelist Gary Chapman on Governor Lee’s Letter to Remove COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate on US Armed Forces

December 1, 2022December 1, 2022 Julie Carr

Thursday morning on The Tennessee Star Report, host Leahy welcomed new all-star panelist Gary Chapman in studio to discuss Governor Bill Lee’s position as lead governor on the letter to Congress requesting removal and prohibition of COVID-19 vaccine mandates for all US Armed Forces.

Tennessee National Guardsmen Return Home After a Year in Africa

November 15, 2022November 14, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

A Tennessee National Guard unit has returned from a nearly year-long deployment to Africa, according to the Tennessee Department of Military (TDM).

The soldiers are from Tennessee National Guard’s 268th Military Police Company, based in Millington.

Tennessee National Guard Helicopter Battalion Working Rescue and Recovery Missions in Florida

October 6, 2022October 5, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

As President Joe Biden visited Hurricane Ian devastated Ft. Myers, Florida Wednesday, Tennessee’s National Guard was in the area providing emergency assistance.

“Aircrews from the Tennessee National Guard’s 1-230th Assault Helicopter Battalion continue to help Floridians in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian,” said a press release from the Tennessee Department of Military. “Three UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters from Nashville and Jackson, Tenn., are currently in Fort Myers assisting with rescue and recovery efforts.”

Tennessee National Guard Deployed to Florida to Help with Hurricane Recovery and Response Efforts

September 30, 2022September 29, 2022 Kaitlin Housler

On Thursday, roughly 1,200 Soldiers and Airmen from the Tennessee National Guard departed from various locations across the state to support response and recovery efforts in Florida following the landfall of Hurricane Ian, according to a press release by the Tennessee Department of Military.

Tennessee National Guard Soldier Injured in Line of Duty Talks Adverse COVID Vaccine Experience

August 5, 2022August 4, 2022 Aaron Gulbransen

A Tennessee National Guard soldier who was on his way out of the service due to a line of duty injury spoke exclusively with The Tennessee Star about his experience being forced to accept the COVID-19 vaccine and the negative reaction it likely caused to his health.

The soldier spoke on the condition of background because he does not want to risk losing his VA benefits.

Tennessee National Guard Travels to Kentucky to Help Combat Catastrophic Floods

August 1, 2022August 1, 2022 Cooper Moran

The Tennessee National Guard is responding to catastrophic flooding in Kentucky, sending resources to combat the impact of the natural disaster.

The flooding has led to the deaths of at least 26 people—a number that could climb as rain continues to fall in the region.

National Political Editor Neil W. McCabe: National Guardsmen Who Refuse Vax Face Possible Dishonorable Discharge, Loss of Gun Rights

July 27, 2022July 30, 2022 Julie Carr

Wednesday morning on The Tennessee Star Report, host Leahy welcomed The Tennessee Star’s national political editor Neil W. McCabe to the newsmaker line to discuss his recent interview with National Guard Captain Mickey Shelton and how those that refuse the vax remain in limbo with the possibility of dishonorable discharge.

Senate Republican Leader Jack Johnson Says General Assembly Prepared to Make Sure National Guard Soldiers Do Not Lose Their Jobs

July 12, 2022July 12, 2022 Aaron Gulbransen

FRANKLIN, Tennessee – In comments made during a press gaggle held on Sunday in conjunction with his 16th Annual Boots & Jeans: BBQ & Beans Event, State Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson signaled that the Tennessee General Assembly is ready to take action in order to help the Tennessee National Guard soldiers who refused the COVID-19 vaccine and that he and his colleagues are “prepared to step up to the plate to make sure these brave men and women do not lose their jobs.”

Johnson’s comments came after U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn and U.S. Representative Mark Green (R-TN-06) gave an update on their federal legislation, which if enacted, would pull funding nationally from enforcement of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate on National Guard soldiers.

Marsha Blackburn and Mark Green Provide Update on Their Federal Legislation Designed to Save National Guard Soldiers’ Jobs

July 12, 2022July 11, 2022 Aaron Gulbransen

FRANKLIN, Tennessee – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and U.S. Representative Mark Green (R-TN-07) provided an update on the status of their federal legislation aimed at saving the jobs of National Guard soldiers who refused the COVID-19 vaccine as part of a press gaggle held at an event supporting Tennessee Senate Majority Jack Johnson’s re-election campaign.

Blackburn and Green have both sponsored legislation in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House, respectively, that will pull the funding from enforcement of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate on National Guard soldiers.

Bill Lee Comments Favorably Towards Special Session to Address 2024 RNC but Won’t Comment on Session for National Guardsmen

July 12, 2022July 11, 2022 Aaron Gulbransen

Governor Bill Lee’s office commented favorably towards the idea of a special session in order to address issues relating to the 2024 Republican National Convention but as of press time refuses to comment on the idea of holding a special session of the Tennessee General Assembly in order to save the jobs of Tennessee National Guard soldiers who have refused the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Tennessee Star has reached out to Governor Lee’s office on multiple occasions on the issue of National Guard soldier firings and the idea of a special session. Governor Lee’s office refused comment at every inquiry.

Exclusive: Mission America Foundation Announces Fundraising Effort for Tennessee National Guard Soldiers Who Refused COVID-19 Vaccine

July 11, 2022July 10, 2022 Aaron Gulbransen

In an exclusive statement obtained by The Tennessee Star, the Mission America Foundation announced on Monday that they are beginning the effort to raise funds for Tennessee National Guard Soldiers who lost wages and jobs due to their refusal of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“The Mission America Foundation and the Mission America PAC are proud to be joining forces to help in the effort led by Captain Mickey Shelton, Tennessee National Guard members, and their families to ensure that no TN Guard members are financially harmed or left without a job due to the mandate of the Biden Administration denying their right to medical freedoms from the COVID 19 vaccine,” said Mission America Foundation Chair Aaron Spradlin.

Several Candidates for State House Call for Action to Help National Guard Soldiers Keep Their Jobs

July 11, 2022July 10, 2022 Aaron Gulbransen

Several candidates for state house districts called on Governor Lee, Attorney General Slatery, and the General Assembly to take action in order to help the Tennessee National Guard soldiers who refused to comply with the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

Gino Bulso, a candidate for the Tennessee House of Representatives, District 61, released a statement supporting the members of the Tennessee Army National Guard, more than 500 of whom entered a no-pay status, along with the loss of their health insurance and life insurance benefits simply because they decided not to take the COVID-19 vaccine.

TN-5 Candidate Andy Ogles Calls for Special Legislative Session to Address Dismissal of National Guard Soldiers

July 7, 2022July 8, 2022 Aaron Gulbransen

In a statement obtained by The Tennessee Star, Maury County Mayor Andy Ogles, a candidate in the Republican primary for Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District, called upon Tennessee legislative leaders to immediately issue a call for a special legislative session in order to focus on reinstating any Tennessee National Guard personnel who have been dismissed for declining to accept the COVID vaccines and boosters.

Ogles also called for steps to be taken in order to prevent any future dismissals for the same reasons.

Source: More than 500 Unvaxxed Tennessee Guardsmen Enter No-Pay Status, Await Loss of Health, Life Insurance

July 7, 2022July 7, 2022 Neil W. McCabe

A Tennessee National Guard source told The Tennessee Star that more than 500 guardsmen remain without a COVID-19 vaccine past Big Army’s June 30 deadline.

“The number that I got about a month ago was 400; however, I have now heard it is actually 585-some,” the source said.

These are straight-refusals, the source said, not guardsmen awaiting the adjudication of their request for a religious or medical waiver. Those guardsmen continue in their service until and when their cases are resolved.

Tennessee Senate Deputy Speaker Janice Bowling Supports Special Session to Save National Guard Members’ Jobs

July 6, 2022July 5, 2022 Aaron Gulbransen

Tennessee State Senate Deputy Speaker Janice Bowling told The Tennessee Star that she supports a special session of the General Assembly in order to save the jobs of National Guardsmen who are being fired for refusing to comply with the Biden administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

“I expressed my sentiments to the Tennessee National Guardsmen when I joined other legislators at the Legislative Plaza last week. I will fight legislatively for their rights to be protected,” she said. “I would gladly support a Special Session. If the General Assembly makes the call, we get to determine the agenda. If the Governor makes the call, he determines the agenda.”

Senate GOP Leader Jack Johnson Says ‘All Options on the Table’ to ‘Save the Jobs of Our Brave Guardsmen and Women’

July 6, 2022July 5, 2022 Aaron Gulbransen

In a statement released to The Tennessee Star, State Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson commented favorably on the idea of a special session of the Tennessee General Assembly in order to save the jobs of national guardsmen who did not comply with the Biden administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

“My hope continues to be that the Biden Administration chooses to do the right thing and reverses course on their unconscionable plan to defund the courageous men and women who serve in the Tennessee National Guard and have made the personal medical decision not to receive the Covid-19 vaccine,” he said.

Hosts Leahy and Gulbransen Discuss Governor Bill Lee’s Lack of Response on Tennessee State Guardsmen Losing Pay

July 6, 2022July 6, 2022 Julie Carr

Tuesday morning on The Tennessee Star Report, host Leahy welcomed official guest host Aaron Gulbransen in-studio to discuss his nationwide story regarding Tennessee’s National Guardsmen losing pay as Governor Bill Lee remains silent.

Latest Information on Tennessee National Guard Soldiers Who Refused COVID Vaccines

July 2, 2022July 1, 2022 Aaron Gulbransen

Misinformation continued to spread as the deadline for Tennessee National Guard soldiers, as well as soldiers across the United States, to comply with the COVID-19 vaccine mandate by June 30, drew near and now has passed.

In an effort to better inform the public, The Tennessee Star has compiled the facts of what is now happening to soldiers in Tennessee and around the country.

WarRoom: Neil W. McCabe Updates Steve Bannon on Tennesssee Governor Bill Lee’s Lock Step with Big Army Vaccine Mandate for National Guardsmen

July 2, 2022July 1, 2022 Julie Carr

Thursday morning on War Room: Pandemic, Stephen K. Bannon welcomed Washington correspondent and the national political editor for The Star News Network and The Tennessee Star, Neil W. McCabe to explain how Governor Bill of Tennessee is keeping with big army’s purge of national guardsmen.

Tennessee National Guardsman Captain Mickey Shelton Joins WarRoom to Discuss His Efforts to Invoke Action from Governor Bill Lee

July 2, 2022July 1, 2022 Julie Carr

Thursday morning on War Room: Pandemic, Stephen K. Bannon welcomed Captain Mickey Shelton of the Tennessee National Guard to the show to discuss his letter sent to Governor Bill Lee to take action against COVID-19 vaccine mandates for guardsmen.

Bannon: Let me bring in captain Mickey Shelton from out in Tennessee. Captain Shelton, tell us what the situation is out there. You are an officer in the National Guard.

Former Tennessee National Guard General Winstead Aligns with Gov. Lee’s Inaction on COVID-19 Mandate Soldier Firings

July 1, 2022June 30, 2022 Aaron Gulbransen

Tennessee 5th Congressional District candidate and former Tennessee National Guard General Kurt Winstead aligned with Governor Bill Lee’s inaction and disinformation on the guardsmen firings due to their refusal to accept the COVID-19 vaccine shot Thursday.

“I believe that the governor is working behind the scenes, doing everything in his power to help the Tennessee National Guard – no question in my mind,” said Winstead In an interview conducted by Matt Murphy on SuperTalk 99.7 fm WTN.

Winstead defended Lee’s inaction, insisting that there was nothing the governor can do to help the guardsmen, and that only the federal government can take action.

Gov. Bill Lee Inaction as COVID-19 Deadline Passes Angers Tennessee National Guard Members

July 1, 2022September 23, 2022 Aaron Gulbransen

As the final days and hours passed leading to the mandate deadline that requires 100 percent COVID-19 vaccine compliance by all federal personnel, including Tennessee Army National Guard members, Governor Bill Lee appeared to deflect when he spoke about his actual role in deciding the fate of those guardsmen, who are about to be fired due to their refusal of the injections.

The Tennessee Star confirmed the authenticity of a message it previously obtained from Lee’s office, which read:

We take seriously the religious and personal exemptions requested by members who are not part of the 93% who are vaccinated in accordance with DoD policy. We have no plans to terminate these members based on their status and have asked DoD to approve their individual exemption requests.

Blackburn Unveils New Legislation That Disallows Federal Funds from Being Used to Force National Guard Members to Get COVID Vaccine

June 30, 2022June 30, 2022 Aaron Gulbransen

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) announced in a statement to The Tennessee Star that she will introduce new legislation to prohibit federal funds from being utilized to implement any requirement that a member of the National Guard receive a vaccination against COVID-19.

Blackburn’s legislation is unveiled as up to 40,000 U.S. Army National Guard members nationwide are set to be fired on Thursday, June 30 for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine unless the Biden administration reverses course.

Tennessee National Guard Members, Supporters, and Representative Jerry Sexton Deliver Letter to Governor Lee’s Office Asking for His Help and Special Session

June 30, 2022June 29, 2022 Aaron Gulbransen

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – A group of off-duty National Guard members and supporters were led by Captain Mickey Shelton and State Representative Jerry Sexton (R-Grainger) in delivering a letter to Governor Bill Lee’s office imploring him to take meaningful action to save the jobs of guardsmen who are about to be fired for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine after the “Guard Freedom” event that was held at Legislative Plaza midday on Wednesday.

Tennessee National Guard Soldiers and State Legislators Ask Governor Lee to Intervene at Public Event

June 30, 2022June 30, 2022 Aaron Gulbransen

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – Tennessee National Guard soldiers and several state legislators held an event at Legislative Plaza right in front of the state capitol asking Governor Bill Lee to intervene on behalf of the soldiers who are about to lose their jobs over noncompliance with a COVID-19 mandate.

The National Guard soldiers that spoke and attended the event were off duty and spoke as private citizens, not on behalf of any government entity. Their ranks were stated for identification purposes only.

Jody Barrett Talks Importance of Saving Tennessee National Guard Soldiers’ Jobs

June 30, 2022June 29, 2022 Aaron Gulbransen

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – The Tennessee Star spoke with Jody Barrett, the John Rich-endorsed candidate for Tennessee State House District 69 at the “Guard Freedom” event held by state legislators and off-duty guardsmen in support of soldiers who are about to lose their jobs due to their refusal to comply with a COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

Barrett expressed his hope that Governor Bill Lee and Attorney General Herb Slatery III will take action to save the guardsmen’s jobs.

Davidson County GOP Demands Governor Lee Stand Up for Tennessee National Guardsmen

June 30, 2022June 29, 2022 Aaron Gulbransen

Following an executive meeting of the Davidson County Republican Party (DCRP), Chairman James Garrett issued the following statement upon news that up to 10 percent of Tennessee Guardsmen face being discharged for refusing a COVID-19 vaccination.

“As the Republican Party of the State Capital, our leadership and members call upon Governor Lee to step-up and order Major General Holmes to halt the discharge of our Guardsmen,” he said.

Captain Mickey Shelton of the Tennessee National Guard Weighs In on Governor Lee’s Silence Regarding COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements

June 30, 2022June 29, 2022 Julie Carr

Wednesday morning on The Tennessee Star Report, host Leahy welcomed Captain Mickey Shelton of the Tennessee National Guard to the newsmakers line to discuss his position on the current COVID-19 vaccine requirements and the authority of Governor Bill Lee.

Tennessee COO and Potential Attorney General Brandon Gibson Refuses to Offer Support for National Guardsmen

June 29, 2022June 29, 2022 Aaron Gulbransen

Brandon Gibson, the rumored frontrunner to succeed Attorney General Slatery, Governor Bill Lee’s Chief Operating Officer for the state of Tennessee, refused to comment when The Tennessee Star asked her to comment on the pending firings of many National Guardsmen due to their refusal to comply with a COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

The Star reached out to Gibson on Monday morning.

Voices from the Tennessee National Guard: ‘I Didn’t Have a Choice’ but to Leave

June 29, 2022June 28, 2022 Admin

To whom it may concern,

I am writing this as a small piece of a big puzzle. My ETS (expiration term of service) from the Tennessee Army National Guard took place last summer after nearly 14.5 years of service.

Voices from the Tennessee National Guard: My Religious Beliefs Prevent Me from Getting the COVID Vaccine

June 29, 2022June 28, 2022 Admin

I regret that I couldn’t be here today, but I wanted to share my story with you.

I am a National Guard Soldier. I have served for more than 2 decades, all as a Guardsman. I have served more than half of that time as an enlisted Soldier, and the remaining decade as a Commissioned Officer. I have spent nearly 3 years of my life in the Middle East; 2 of those 3 deployments were combat and the third I had the honor to deploy in command of my own unit. I have both led and followed brave men and women into harms way, men and women who would lay down their lives for me, and I for them.

Voices from the Tennessee National Guard: Soldiers Who Have Not Taken the COVID Vaccine Face Discrimination

June 29, 2022June 28, 2022 Admin

I am one of the hundreds of Tennessee Guardsmen, thousands of Guardsmen nationwide, and tens of thousands of military service members that are currently being discriminated against due to our religious beliefs.

There was a time not so long ago when having the Personal Courage and Integrity to stand up for what you believe to be morally and ethically right, was celebrated as Army values; no more. Now, those of us who believe in the sanctity of preborn human life, that the divine spark of God ignites life at conception and that, that life is sacred and deserving of respect, are being systematically purged from serving our country.

Official Guest Host Gulbransen Questions Why General Kurt Winstead and Gov. Lee Will Not Take a Solid Stance on COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates for Tennessee National Guard

June 29, 2022June 28, 2022 Julie Carr

Tuesday morning on The Tennessee Star Report, host Leahy welcomed official guest host Aaron Gulbransen in-studio to discuss why TN5 candidate General Kurt Winstead will not initiate help for Tennessee guardsmen about to lose their jobs or answer any real questions directly.

General Assembly Members Say Governor Lee’s Office Told Them He’s Working on Tennessee National Guard Issue but Affected Guardsmen Say ‘Useless Gesture’

June 29, 2022June 29, 2022 Aaron Gulbransen

Several General Assembly members in both the state House and state Senate have shared a text message with The Tennessee Star that purports to be a message from Governor Bill Lee’s office that says the governor is working on the issue and specifically mentions “religious and personal exemptions.”

Marsha Blackburn Supports Tennessee National Guard Soldiers: ‘Working on Legislation That Would Prohibit’ Funding to Implement Mandate

June 28, 2022June 28, 2022 Aaron Gulbransen

Tennessee U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn told The Tennessee Star Tuesday that she strongly supports the Tennessee National Guard soldiers who are about to be fired due to noncompliance with a vaccine mandate on Thursday.

Blackburn also mentioned she is working on federal legislation to help them.

Chorus of Tennessee Legislators Calling on Governor Lee to Help National Guard Members Continues to Grow

June 28, 2022June 28, 2022 Aaron Gulbransen

The chorus of Tennessee legislators calling on Governor Bill Lee to take action to help save the jobs of Tennessee National Guard members continues to grow.

Several additional Tennessee legislators have come forward to The Tennessee Star, issuing statements in solidarity with the Tennessee National Guardsmen who are about to lose their jobs due to noncompliance with the Biden administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

Speaker Cameron Sexton Blasts Biden Administration and Stands with National Guard Members

June 28, 2022June 28, 2022 Aaron Gulbransen

Tennessee Speaker of the House of Representatives Cameron Sexton, in a statement issued to The Tennessee Star, expressed his support for the Tennessee National Guard members who are scheduled to lose their jobs on June 30 due to their refusal to comply with a COVID-19 vaccination mandate.

Sexton additionally had sharp criticism for the Biden administration’s handling of COVID-19 policies and mandates.

Lt. Governor Randy McNally: ‘Hopeful Our State Will Take Any and All Steps’ to Save Tennessee National Guardsmen Jobs

June 27, 2022June 28, 2022 Aaron Gulbransen

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – Lt. Governor Randy McNally issued a statement to The Tennessee Star in support of saving the jobs of the Tennessee National Guard members who are scheduled to lose their jobs on June 30 due to their refusal to comply with the Biden administration’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate.

“The mission of our National Guard is the defense of our state and our homeland, not political correctness. The Biden administration is once again putting left-wing woke politics ahead of our national interest. While COVID-19 is still with us, it has moved past the pandemic phase and become endemic,” he said.

More State Senators Speak Out in Favor of Saving Tennessee National Guard Members’ Jobs

June 27, 2022June 26, 2022 Aaron Gulbransen

More Tennessee State Senators continue to speak out in favor of saving the jobs of Tennessee National Guard members who are due to be dismissed on June 30 due to their refusal to comply with the COVID-19 vaccination mandate.

State Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson and Senator Ferrell Haile have already spoken out.

Bulk of TN-5 Republican Primary Field Stands with Tennessee National Guard Members

June 27, 2022June 26, 2022 Aaron Gulbransen

Most of the Republican field in the August 4 primary for Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District seat has now voiced their support for the National Guard members who are scheduled to be fired on June 30 due to their defiance of a COVID-19 vaccination mandate.

Previously reported, former Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives Beth Harwell was the first TN-5 candidate to issue a statement in support of the National Guard soldiers, saying:

The Biden Administration’s forced COVID-19 vaccination policy for men and women in the military is absolutely wrong and it’s another example of more overreach by the federal government. I stand with the hundreds of National Guard members who could be removed from service and urge those who can help them to do so.

We shouldn’t fire these brave soldiers serving our country by keeping Tennessee safe. They made the decision to serve and I believe they can make their own personal medical decisions.

Former Speaker of Tennessee House Beth Harwell Issues Statement in Support of National Guard Members

June 25, 2022June 24, 2022 Aaron Gulbransen

Former Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives Beth Harwell issued a statement in support of the National Guard members who are scheduled to be fired on June 30 due to their refusal to comply with the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

“The Biden Administration’s forced COVID-19 vaccination policy for men and women in the military is absolutely wrong and it’s another example of more overreach by the federal government,” said Harwell.

Tennessee National Guard Master Sergeant Jennifer Berry Set to Retire June 30 for Not Taking the COVID Vaccine, Seeks Help from Governor Lee

June 25, 2022June 24, 2022 Julie Carr

Friday morning on The Tennessee Star Report, host Leahy welcomed retired Tennessee National Guard Master Sergeant, Jennifer Berry to the newsmaker line to discuss her upcoming retirement due to non-compliance of the COVID-19 vaccine and efforts to reverse the mandate by Governor Bill Lee.

Exclusive: Tennessee State Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson Supports National Guard Members, Encourages Governor Lee to Help Them

June 24, 2022June 24, 2022 Aaron Gulbransen

Tennessee Senate Republican Leader Jack Johnson issued a strong statement in support of Tennessee National Guard members who are due to be fired on June 30 because of their refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and encouraging Governor Lee to help these guardsmen.

In a statement issued exclusively to The Tennessee Star, Leader Johnson excoriated the Biden administration’s COVID-19 mandates and said, “It is a travesty that the Biden Administration is prepared to fire brave men and women who faithfully serve our state and nation in the TN National Guard because of their COVID-19 vaccine status.”

Exclusive: Tennessee National Guard Supporters Announce June 29 ‘Guard Freedom’ Event

June 24, 2022June 23, 2022 Aaron Gulbransen

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – A group of supporters of Tennessee National Guard members informed The Tennessee Star of their intention to host a Wednesday, June 29 event outside the Capitol at Legislative Plaza in downtown Nashville.

The event is called “Guard Freedom” and will feature letter readings by surrogates from active duty National Guard members who cannot speak publicly for fear that they will immediately lose their jobs, a reading of requests for Governor Lee to take immediate action on their behalf, and likely several speeches.

Sergeant First Class Michelle Edwards of Tennessee National Guard Talks Career and Her Decision to Retire over COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate

June 24, 2022June 23, 2022 Julie Carr

Thursday morning on The Tennessee Star Report, host Leahy welcomed Sergeant First Class, Michelle Edwards of the Tennessee National Guard in studio to discuss her career in the Guard and her reasons for retiring after the COVID-19 vaccine mandate came down from Washington.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee Refuses to Comment as National Guard Members Plead for Their Jobs

June 23, 2022June 23, 2022 Aaron Gulbransen

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – Governor Bill Lee refuses to comment as Tennessee National Guard members plead for their jobs.

Sources inside the Tennessee National Guard estimate there will be much as a 10 percent force reduction from soldiers who are about to be discharged on June 30 due to refusal to accept a COVID-19 vaccination and have called on the governor to take action to protect their jobs.

Exclusive: TN National Guard Sources Demand Governor Lee Take Action on Vaccine Mandate Firings and Stop ‘This Injustice Now’

June 21, 2022June 22, 2022 Aaron Gulbransen

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – The Tennessee Star has obtained exclusive information from sources inside the Tennessee National Guard that are calling for Governor Bill Lee to take immediate action because “His Adjutant General is about to discharge hundreds of his National Guard Soldiers before the end of the month for not complying with an unlawful order.”

This group of Tennessee National Guardsmen provided The Star with their message for Governor Lee on the condition of anonymity:

The Governor needs to IMMEDIATELY order Major General Holmes to halt the discharge of these honorable men and women. He needs to order Attorney General Slatery to IMMEDIATELY coordinate with other state AGs to file an emergency injunction against the DoD, forcing them to reverse adverse actions against any National Guardsman for refusal to vaccinate. Governor Lee is the Commander in Chief of the Tennessee National Guard and he has that authority. It’s time to put a stop to this injustice now!

Pro-2nd Amendment State Rep. John Mark Windle Leaves Democrat Party, Will Run for Re-Election as Independent

April 13, 2022April 13, 2022 Aaron Gulbransen

Former Tennessee House Majority Leader and current State Representative John Mark Windle (I-HD41) is now a former Democrat.

Known for being a defender of Second Amendment rights, Windle switched his partisan status to Independent effective immediately and is running for reelection as an Independent as well.