Commissioned officers from Tennessee State Parks have formed an Honor Guard to provide formal flag services for uniformed officers and to represent the department. These flag presentation services are ready to honor commissioned employees and their families during significant events, such as the loss of a loved one, but are also available to perform at special occasions. Members of the Tennessee State Parks Honor Guard meet monthly to drill, march, present the colors and practice appropriate protocol used when honoring a fallen uniformed officer or family member from within the department.

“I am pleased our ranger corps have dedicated themselves to providing a full range of flag presentation services for the department’s commissioned employees and their families,” said Assistant Commissioner for Parks and Conservation Mike Carlton. “Having this capacity will help us serve each other and the department too.”

The Honor Guard has presented the colors at events such as the opening of the 2006 Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association annual conference at Paris Landing State Park and at baseball stadium when it was State Parks Night at the Ball Park. Many attendees from these events made a point to thank the Guard members and compliment their performance. “The group is made up of park rangers, park managers and regional managers from different sites, but when they meet to practice and perform, they are proud to be recognized together as the Tennessee State Park Honor Guard,” said West Tennessee Regional Manager Randy Smalley.

A request for services of the Tennessee State Parks Honor Guard can be made directly to the Assistant Commissioner for Parks and Conservation. If a request is granted by the Assistant Commissioner, the Honor Guard will attempt to fulfill that request to the best of their abilities.

Brendell Addison – Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, Ranger

Mike Robertson – State Parks Director

Robby Tidwell – Fort Pillow State Park, Manager

Josh Walsh –Montgomery Bell State Park, Ranger

Chad Whitlock – Mousetail Landing State Park, Ranger

Keith Wimberley – Old Stone Fort State Park Manager

Ronnie Douglas – State Parks Director of Sales, Ranger

Jacob Young - Roan Mountain State Park, Ranger

John Bass - David Crockett State park, Manager

Lucinda Burnham - Frozen Head State Park, Ranger

Ryan Forbess - Central Office, Resource Management