His Great-Grandfather Rode for Forrest. Now He’s Telling the Real Story at Sam Davis Home

Publisher’s Note: As a Tennessee state lawmaker, I have seen firsthand how today’s climate of political correctness can discourage open and honest dialogue. It is troubling that exercising First Amendment rights can draw criticism—but that is precisely why those rights matter. The freedom to speak, especially when unpopular, is a cornerstone of a functioning democracy, secured through the sacrifice of those who came before us.
I am reminded of an adage often attributed to Voltaire: “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” That principle remains vital today.
During my time in public service, I have experienced what I believe to be misrepresentation by segments of the mainstream media—what many call “fake news.” When a story does not fit a preferred narrative, individuals can become targets. As reporter Dan Epright of Main Street Media once told me, “You know you’re over the target when you’re catching flak.”
That statement has stayed with me. It echoes what my late father, a World War II B-17 airman stationed at Sewart Air Force Base (now Smyrna Airport), used to say about the flak they endured over Germany. That same flak nearly cost him his life and could have led to capture, as it did for thousands of airmen.
I have felt a different kind of “flak” myself, including an incident where protesters gathered outside my home in the early morning hours in an apparent attempt to intimidate my family. No public servant should have to face that.
In 2017, the State of Tennessee designated the Memphis Belle as the official state airplane. During the legislation discussion on the house floor I mentioned that General Forrest grandson Brigadier General Nathan Bedford Forrest III was the first American general to be killed in action in the European Theater during World War II. On June 13, 1943, the great-grandson of the Confederate general died when his B-17 bomber was shot down during a raid over Kiel, Germany. A lawmaker became angry with me saying “I was going to mess it up for Memphis.” Once again it’s sad that in today’s extreme police correctness you can’t have a discussion about history. Edmund Burke I once said, “Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it.” Let’s hope our nation learns from history, after all 660,000 young men who killed during the civil war.

Regardless of terminology, Americans are increasingly concerned about fairness, accuracy, and bias in how information is presented. This reflects what is known as Agenda-Setting Theory—the idea that while media may not tell people what to think, it can influence what they think about. Too often, that influence fosters division rather than understanding.
The First Amendment is not just another part of our Constitution—it is the foundation of all our freedoms. Our Founding Fathers placed it first for a reason. When voices are dismissed or distorted, it erodes trust and weakens the principles that hold our republic together.
We may not always agree—but we must always defend the right to speak, to question, and to engage in civil discourse. That is both a constitutional right and an American responsibility.

Shout out to the memory of the late Dr. George Smith who I served on the Board of the Sam Davis Home and was the first African American doctor to be able to practice at the old Rutherford County Hospital. He attended my political fundraiser at Sam Davis Home just weeks before he passed away—his last words to me were “Sparks, I’m going to get you a check.”
We honored Dr. Smith a mere hour or two before he passed on the floor of the Tennessee General Assembly.

$250K secured to preserve Rutherford County’s historic cemetery community

Many thanks to the late Frank Caperton for all his help and introducing me to Dr. Smith. That’s what led to the $250,000 grant for the Cemetery School.
Folks there so much more to this story, but for the sake of time. I’ll leave it at that.
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SMYRNA, TN — The Rutherford County Historical Society’s July meeting brings back a familiar face and a deeply researched Civil War storyteller. Bret Hawkins will present Nathan Bedford Forrest: The True Story (Part II) on Monday, July 20, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at the Sam Davis Home Visitor Center.

Hawkins’ connection to Forrest’s command runs straight through his own family tree. He is the great‑grandson of Private Joseph Irvin Hawkins, great‑grandnephew of Privates Enoch James Hawkins and Robert D. Hawkins, and first cousin three times removed of Private Stephen Masey—all men who rode and fought under Lt. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest during the war.

Part II of Hawkins’ presentation continues his effort to separate legend from record, focusing on battlefield accounts, personal correspondence, and the lived experiences of the men who served in Forrest’s ranks. His programs typically blend genealogy, military history, and lesser‑known primary sources, offering audiences a more textured look at one of the Civil War’s most debated figures.

The meeting is free and open to the public.