Nashville resident promoted to Sergeant Major in Tennessee National Guard

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Cordeiro | Col. Steven Todd, Deputy Chief of Staff – Personnel, speaks to guests at Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Johnson’s promotion ceremony, March 23, at Joint Force Headquarters in Nashville. Johnson, a Nashville resident, is being promoted into the role of Sergeant Major of the Personnel Directorate where he will oversee personnel matters for more than 9,000 Tennessee Army National Guard Soldiers. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Cordeiro)  

NASHVILLE, TN, UNITED STATES

03.29.2023

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Cordeiro 

Tennessee National Guard Public Affairs Office

Kenneth Johnson, a Nashville resident, was promoted to the rank of Sergeant Major at a ceremony held March 23, at Joint Force Headquarters in Nashville.

Johnson is now the Sergeant Major of the Personnel Department where he oversees all administrative matters of more than 9,000 Tennessee Army National Guard Soldiers. Prior to this appointment, Johnson was the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of the Active Guard Reserve Office. He took over for Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew “Heath” Young, who was recently appointed as the new State Command Sergeant Major for the Tennessee Army National Guard.

“I look forward to building upon relationships throughout the state and to continue taking care of our Soldiers,” said Johnson. “I do not take this position lightly and will work tirelessly to ensure that Soldiers’ needs are met every day.”

Johnson, a 24-year veteran, was “pinned” to his new rank by his son, Teddy, and his wife, Natasha. Together, the three of them have lived in Nashville for more than two years.

“Sgt. Maj. Johnson brings a tireless work ethic and incredible leadership to the office,” said Col. Steven Todd, Deputy Chief of Staff - Personnel. “But what’s most impressive is his unwavering positivity and upbeat attitude that radiates throughout our organization. He is a shining example of what it means to be a leader.”

Johnson started his career on Active Duty in 1999. He then joined the California National Guard in 2002 and transitioned to the Tennessee National Guard in 2007. Johnson has deployed multiple times as a member of the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, including Iraq in 2009 and Ukraine in 2018.

• Date Taken: 03.29.2023
• Date Posted: 04.11.2023 10:38
• Story ID: 441436
• Location: NASHVILLE, TN, US