Greetings! My name is Shawn Peno, and I am honored to serve as the Historian for the State Guard Association of the United States.
A little about my background: I have worn the uniform since 1991 — 29 of those as an enlisted member of the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant, and the last few years as a Chief Warrant Officer in the Maryland Defense Force. While my career has been defined by the operational demands of the Air Force and the State Guard, I have always been a student of our heritage. I believe that to understand where we are going, we must deeply respect where we have been.
Our Unique Lineage
The State Defense Forces (SDFs) occupy a unique chapter in the American military narrative. We are forces that belong to our respective states, yet we share a bond across boundaries and cultures to protect life and property.
As Historian, I often encounter the debate regarding our lineage. While our official federal authorization under current law traces back to the Home Guard eras of 1917 and 1940, the spirit of our service dates back much further—to the earliest militias and the founding of the Republic.
It is true that the heraldry of certain historic federal units belongs to them. We do not need to “borrow” glory. Our units—from the bridge watchers of WWII to the cyber specialists of today—have forged their own history under their own banners. It is my mission to ensure that this specific, state-focused history is not lost to time but preserved as a distinct and proud legacy.
Writing the History of Tomorrow
History is not just about dusty archives; it is being written by you, right now. This brings me to a vital point about how we conduct ourselves, particularly in the public square of social media.
Future historians will look back at this era to see how the State Defense Forces matured. When we air grievances or attack our own publicly, we tarnish the historical record of our organization. Detractors who wish to see SDFs reduced or eliminated will use those words as ammunition against us. We must ask ourselves: What story do we want the archives to tell about this generation of the State Guard? Let us ensure the record reflects our professionalism, bearing, and commitment to excellence.
A New Frontier: Cyber and Beyond
We are currently living through a pivotal historical shift. For the first time, State Defense Forces are entering the frontier of Cyber defense. Unlike traditional infantry or MP roles driven by century-old traditions, we are currently “making the sausage” of a new functional area.
Years from now, researchers will look back at the SGAUS Cyber Academy and the integration of cyber specialists into state ranks as a turning point. The same can be said for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations (sUASO), also known as drones. We are recruiting experts who may not fit the traditional mold but possess the skills to defend the 21st century homeland. This is a perfect example of how the State Guard evolves to meet the needs of the time, just as the Home Guards did in 1917.
Why “Historian”?
Some may ask why an old Chief Master Sergeant would take on the role of Historian. The answer is simple: The story of the volunteer soldier is the story of America. Whether you are an Airman, Sailor, Marine, Coast Guardsman, Guardian, or Soldier, you are part of a four-layer military establishment that exists nowhere else on Earth.
My goal is to capture that story. To document the service of the patriotic women and men who step up to mitigate human suffering when their governors call.
I look forward to hearing your stories—the local histories of your units, the legends of your predecessors, and your outlook for the future. I will close with a thought from Sir Winston Churchill: “The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.”
Thank you for your service, and for helping us write the next chapter of the State Guard history.
Shawn Peno, SGAUS Historian
