Major General Tackett served as The Adjutant General for the West Virginia National Guard from 1995 to 2011. As The Adjutant General, State of West Virginia, he provides command guidance and vision to the West Virginia Army and Air National Guard of more than 6000 citizen soldiers and airmen.
He began his military career in the West Virginia Army National Guard as a Private with the 16th Special Forces Group on 20 January 1963 and attended Infantry Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia where he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, Infantry, 27 June 1967. General Tackett served with the Special Forces 25 years culminating with his tour as the Battalion Commander, 2nd Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne).
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS: Legion of Merit; Meritorious Service Medal (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster); Army Commendation Medal (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster); Army Achievement Medal; National Defense Medal; Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (Fifth Award); Humanitarian Service Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters); Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters); Army Service Ribbon; Special Forces Tab; Master Parachutist Badge
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS: MG Tackett was named the Outstanding Officer of the West Virginia National Guard for 1988; in April of 1989 he was elected President of the National Guard Officers Association of West Virginia for 1991; and 24 May 1991, he was named to the Fort Benning Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame