Leadership

BG (MSSG) John Carter

BG Carter began his military career upon graduating from Army ROTC at Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, Alabama, in 1985. He served on Active Duty in Europe as a Field Artillery Officer until 1989, when he transitioned to the Army Reserve. He volunteered and served during Desert Shield/Desert Storm with the 2-114th Field Artillery, 155th Separate Armored Brigade, MSARNG.  BG Carter is certified in the Field Artillery, Military Intelligence and Signal Corps with 15 years total Federal commissioned service. He is a graduate of the US Army Field Artillery basic course and Signal Corps advanced course. Carter has also served in the Alaska Territorial Guard, where he commanded an MP Battalion, and the Maryland Defense Force, where he was the Assistant Chief of Staff for Plans, Operations, Training and Policy (D-3/5/7).

COL (MSSG) Randall Saxton  

COL Saxton majored in History and English, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree, as well as winning a national championship in powerlifting. He also holds a Master of Social Sciences in Administration of Justice, studying abroad in Montpellier, France, before attending law school at the Mississippi College School of Law and graduating as a Doctor of Jurisprudence.

After serving terms as a legal extern for Joint Forces Headquarters and the 172nd Airlift Wing, Mississippi National Guard, COL Saxton direct commissioned into the Mississippi State Guard, where he has served as a company, battalion, and brigade commander.

In his civilian public service, COL Saxton served as Chief of Staff at the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and is a certified law enforcement officer.

CW5 (MSSG) Beckett Hadley 

Chief Hadley became the first CW5 and was appointed as the first Command Chief Warrant Officer in the MSSG in 2022. He also serves in state law enforcement, previously serving with the Mississippi Gaming Commission and currently serving with the Mississippi Department of Corrections. He is a graduate of the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers’ Training Academy (MLEOTA), completing the State of Mississippi’s certified law enforcement training program and Certified Investigator Program.

CH. COL (MSSG) Scott Carson

Possesses over 30 years experience as a United States Army Chaplain achieving the rank of Colonel, Executive Director of the Baptist Missionary Assn. of America Chaplaincy Department, and Command Chaplain for the Mississippi State Guard. Passionate to spiritually empower others in their personal and professional lives. Exceptional knowledge of secular workplace ministry with extensive experience in transformational management skills. Areas of expertise include strategic planning and organizational effectiveness; spiritual resiliency for senior executives and their spouses; moral and value-centric leadership, ethical decision-making; managing complexity in diversity; leading through mentoring and coaching; formulating thriving and winning teams; crisis management in high intensity and complex situations; and effective biblically based public speaking.

MAJ (MSSG) Andrew Bryson

CPT Bryson joined the Navy in 2000 where he enlisted as an undesignated airman. He served in Jacksonville, Fl at VP-30. His next duty was with Special Projects. He deployed for five years to OIF and OEF. CPT Bryson reenlisted in Pakistan in 2004. CPT Bryson was the youngest person in the Navy to achieve the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist pin. He was an Aviation Electronics Technician with a specialty in Communications and Radar. CPT Bryson was also one of a few members of a Security Force Team. 

CPT Bryson joined the Mississippi State Guard in Aug 2017 where he began with the 310th MP Battalion. CPT Bryson was commissioned as a 2nd LT and began his tenure as the Assistant Public Affairs Officer in late 2018. CPT Bryson assumed command of the PAO office in August of 2021. MSSG awards include: Commendation Award, Award of Merit, and Longevity Award. 

CPT Bryson received a B.S. from LSU with a degree in Sport Administration with a concentration in Leadership. He is currently the CEO of Gridiron Football since 2014 and has received numerous awards for his work as a sport journalist and football scout including a Key To A City, Best in Business, and National Top 5 Sport publication.

LTC (MSSG) Reginal Blackledge   

LTC Blackledge went to Northeast Jones High School in Laurel, Mississippi, and then to Jones County Junior College in Ellisville, MS. While working as a Radiologic Technologist he went part time to William Carey College and got my BS in Radiologic Technology.  He began law school at Mississippi College School of Law in 1998 and graduated in 2001,and was admitted to the MS Bar that year. "Reggie" has been a Public Defender, a Prosecutor, and has served as a Municipal Judge since 2018.