Courtesy Photo | U.S. Air National Guard Airmen from the 134th Security Forces Squadron participate in...... read more read more
Subscribe
This year’s match drew 24 full teams—19 from the Army National Guard and five from the Air National Guard—alongside a handful of incomplete teams. Over the weekend, competitors faced off in five challenging events, testing their accuracy, consistency, and composure under pressure.
One of the 134th SFS teams earned top honors, winning the overall team match with a score of 2,987 points. The victory underscored the team’s dedication to marksmanship and tactical proficiency.
Individual Airmen also shone brightly. Tech. Sgt. Michael Smith and Tech. Sgt. Ray Dakota, both from the 134th SFS, placed in the top 10% during the Excellence-in-Competition (EIC) portion of the match, earning the prestigious Bronze Pistol Marksmanship Badge. In addition, Dakota and Master Sgt. James Cavin, Aircrew Flight Equipment journeyman with the 134th Operations Group, placed in the top eight overall as individuals, securing the coveted Governor’s Twenty Tab.
The Governor’s Twenty Tab, awarded to only nine individuals across Tennessee each year, recognizes exceptional marksmanship and personal dedication during state matches. For Airmen like Dakota and Cavin, it’s a mark of excellence in a highly competitive field.
“This competition gives our Airmen an opportunity to participate in weapons training that they may never experience in their career field,” said Cavin. “It’s not just about scores—it’s about improving skills, building confidence, and encouraging a warrior mindset.”
Open to any Soldier or Airman in the Tennessee National Guard, the Adjutant General’s Pistol Match helps foster camaraderie and resilience, while sharpening one of the most fundamental military skills—marksmanship.
The TNANG has no formal training program for the competition, which means the achievement is entirely due to the dedication of the individuals. Their hard-earned accolades serve as an example of the value of perseverance, training, and the pursuit of excellence in service to their state and nation.
| Date Taken: | 07.02.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 08.04.2025 12:37 |
| Story ID: | 544633 |
| Location: | TULLAHOMA, TENNESSEE, US |
| Web Views: | 24 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Airmen from 134th SFS excel at Tennessee Adjutant General's annual Pistol Match, by TSgt Melissa Dearstone, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
