Col. Mark Baxter, former NETCOM Chief of Staff, receives congratulations from Maj. Gen. John Morrison Jr., commanding general of the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence and Fort Gordon (Georgia), after presentation of the Legion of Merit during Baxt...
FORT HUACHUCA, Arizona (March 17, 2017) - After 30 years of service to the Army, Col. Mark Baxter, former Network Enterprise Technology Command Chief of Staff, retired in a ceremony today at Greely Hall.
Baxter served in a number of assignments which included deployments to Southwest Asia, and tours in Europe and the Pacific Theater, and joint and coalition assignments.
Maj. Gen. John Morrison Jr., currently serving as the commanding general of the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence and Fort Gordon, Georgia, spoke fondly about his time in NETCOM with Baxter as his chief of staff. Throughout his remarks, the one theme he highlighted most was the relationship between Baxter and his wife, Carol.
"They are the consummate Army couple," Morrison said. "Whether it was at the 21st Signal Brigade, here at NETCOM or out in the community, they are always together."
Morrison recalled a number of events that emphasized the Baxter's passion for taking care of Soldiers, even if they had to travel hundreds of miles to do so.
"It was all about service to their Nation, to the Army, but never to themselves," Morrison said.
In appreciation for supporting her husband and the Army throughout the years, Carol Baxter was presented the Commander's Award for Public Service and the Mary Walker Award. Baxter was presented the Legion of Merit for his many years of service and dedication to duty, culminating with his assignment as the NETCOM chief of staff.
"When I signed up for the Army, I thought I was leaving home," Baxter said. "I was wrong. I was coming home."
Baxter summed up his career, which included 19 moves, 44 countries, about five years of training, and more than 10 of his years of service in joint and coalition assignments. He said he appreciated the people he worked with and for, and would miss them most of all.
Baxter also personally thanked Morrison for taking the time out of his schedule, and finished by thanking his wife and two sons for their support.
"It's been 30 exciting and fun years," Baxter said.
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