Shelbyville Resident Promoted to Colonel

SMYRNA, Tenn. – During a ceremony held at Smyrna’s Volunteer Training Site, Richard Stackpole, who resides in Shelbyville, was promoted to the rank of colonel by Maj. Gen. Warner Ross, Tennessee’s Adjutant General, September 11. 

“Richard is one of the most talented and selfless officers I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing,” said Ross as he presided over the ceremony. “He is fully committed to every position he has ever held, and I want to thank him for everything he has done so far. I now look forward to all the great things he will do in the future.” 

So far, Stackpole has served on Active Duty and the Tennessee National Guard as a commissioned officer for more than 24 years, starting his career in Murfreesboro’s ROTC program at Middle Tennessee State University and now serves as the Tennessee National Guard’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, G1.

During the ceremony, Stackpole thanked everyone for their support throughout his career and was then promoted by Ross as his new rank was pinned on by his wife, Deana, and their two children, Abram and Verity.

“I’ve been blessed to work with so many great Soldiers and leaders throughout my career,” said Stackpole. “They are some of the best America has to offer. Without them, and the incredible support and sacrifice from my wife and family, I would not be here today.”  

As Tennessee’s G1, Stackpole is responsible for the management, promotions, and careers of nearly 10,000 Guardsmen across the state. He also provides senior level counsel to Tennessee’s Adjutant General and Assistant Adjutant General-Army on the management and welfare of all Tennessee Army National Guard Soldiers, warrant officers, and officers.   

Stackpole began his career when he received his commission as a signal officer from the MTSU ROTC program in 2002. He then served five years on active duty where he deployed to Iraq twice as a platoon leader and then as a company commander. Next, he transitioned to the Tennessee National Guard, serving in various key positions which included the operations officer at the battalion and brigade level and as the deputy commander for the state’s recruiting and retention battalion.

Next, he served in other key roles that included the state’s director of family programs and the director of communications, commander of the Recruiting and Retention Battalion, and then the deputy G1. He

holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Middle Tennessee State University and a master’s in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal, among others.

“It’s been a privilege to serve our state which has been so good to me and my family,” said Stackpole. “I never thought I’d do this for as long as I have, and I feel blessed for it. I look forward to the challenges this next position holds.” 

Author: Lt. Col. Darrin Haas
Last Updated: September 11, 2026
Category: Promotion