Hurricane Helene struck the southeastern United States, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. It was the deadliest hurricane to hit the mainland U.S. since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The storm caused nearly $80 billion in damages and resulted in 219 fatalities.
In Tennessee, the impact was severe, especially in the eastern counties, where flooding led to the deaths of 18 people. In response, more than 580 members of the Tennessee National Guard were mobilized to assist with rescue and recovery efforts. However, at the same time, 700 other National Guardsmen were being deployed for a year-long mission overseas, 7,000 miles away in the Middle East.
Members of the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, the largest National Guard unit in Tennessee, left for Fort Bliss, Texas, just a day after the hurricane hit. They later transitioned to the Middle East to participate in Operation Spartan Shield. This simultaneous mobilization sparked outrage on social media, with many questioning why troops were sent abroad instead of being used to help their own communities during a natural disaster.
Critics, including media figures and local politicians, voiced their concerns. They argued that with significant portions of Tennessee underwater, the National Guard should have been focused on domestic relief efforts. Governor Bill Lee faced calls to reconsider the deployment, but once the president mobilizes a National Guard unit under Title 10, the decision is out of the governor’s hands.
In light of these events, new legislation has been introduced in Tennessee and other states to prevent similar situations in the future. The Defend the Guard Act aims to ensure that National Guard troops cannot be sent into active combat overseas without a formal declaration of war from Congress. This legislation seeks to realign federal priorities towards domestic needs, especially during emergencies like hurricanes.
The bill is being championed by State Representative Michele Reneau, who expressed disappointment that local resources were not prioritized during the crisis. She emphasized the need for the National Guard to focus on home front needs during disasters.
Support for the Defend the Guard Act is growing, with endorsements from prominent figures, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. However, it faces strong opposition from the National Guard Bureau, which has actively lobbied against the legislation. Critics of the bill fear that passing it could lead to a loss of federal funding and resources for the National Guard.
Despite the pushback, local leaders like Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs are advocating for the bill as a way to prioritize American interests and reduce foreign military engagements. Jacobs, a former professional wrestler known as Kane, has a military background in his family and believes in limiting overseas involvement.
As the Defend the Guard bill gains traction, it highlights a growing sentiment among some lawmakers and citizens who want to ensure that National Guard resources are available for domestic emergencies. A hearing for the bill is set to take place soon, reflecting the rising support for this initiative in Tennessee.