Scott Throckmorton looks forward to the serenity of the New River near his new home in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
Throckmorton, the Garrison’s director of emergency services and director of plans, training, mobilization and security since July 2022, has retired after 36 years of service. His last day at work was Friday.
“I just want to say thank you,” Garrison Commander Col. Erin Eike told him at the March 17 command and staff meeting with the directors, “and wish you well and appreciate your service.”
Throckmorton plans to move to West Jefferson, North Carolina, in Ashe County, the northwestern corner of the state. His new house awaits on the banks of the New River.
His 36 years of government service included 23 as a Soldier and 13 as an Army civilian. He retired as a first sergeant in 2010 after his more than two decades as a military policeman, mostly as a dog handler, and four deployments – including Iraq and Afghanistan. He was also a contractor for two years for the Missile Defense Agency.
“It’s bittersweet,” Throckmorton, 57, said of retiring. “We’ve built an incredibly dynamic team here in the Garrison that took years to develop and hone to the current high level of readiness and capability in support of all Redstone tenants. But I also look forward to our future life on the banks of the New River in northwestern Carolina.
“I feel blessed that I’ve had this opportunity to serve in various positions in support of our nation and feel honored to have been able to do that. No regrets.”
He was born in Winston Salem, North Carolina, but grew up in a town called Sugar Grove in southwestern Virginia. “I guess that’s where I developed my love of the mountains, of the Blue Ridge Mountains,” he said.
His wife of 38 years, Barbara, is also leaving her job as a Garrison resource manager. The Madison residents have a son, Daniel, who will graduate in May from law school at Washington and Lee University, in Lexington, Virginia; and a daughter, Jenna, who lives in Salem, Oregon.
“My plans are to live life every day and make the most of it,” Throckmorton said. His hobbies include working with old cars and doing historical research.
“This (local community) is a great place to live,” he said. “And Redstone will continue to grow and increase its relevance in the national mission. And it’s been an honor to be part of the Garrison team.”
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