HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF COLONEL MARK C. TURNER, ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

On 2026-07-09, Representative Jason Smith (R-MO-8) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF COLONEL MARK C. TURNER, ARMY NATIONAL GUARD" in the House.

HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF COLONEL MARK C. TURNER, ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 112 (Thursday, July 9, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 112 (Thursday, July 9, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E660] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF COLONEL MARK C. TURNER, ARMY NATIONAL GUARD _____ HON. JASON SMITH of missouri in the house of representatives Thursday, July 9, 2026 Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Army National Guard Colonel and Chief of Intelligence and Security, Mark C. Turner, on his retirement after a remarkable 30-year career in service to his country. A native of Rolla, Missouri, Colonel Turner graduated from Missouri State University in 1996 with a B.S. in Communications. Immediately after graduation, Colonel Turner accepted his first commission as an officer in the United States Army National Guard. Colonel Turner's educational aspirations didn't stop after his commission, and he would go on to earn an MBA from William Woods University and a Master of Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College. Colonel Turner's first deployment came in December of 2002, when he deployed with the 35th Infantry Division to Bosnia & Herzegovina where he served as the Analysis and Control Element Battle Captain. Colonel Turner had two further deployments in Iraq, where he served as a Tactical Intelligence Officer and as an Intelligence Trainer. Throughout his military career, Colonel Turner held various leadership positions including Company Commander, Brigade Intelligence Officer, Intelligence Systems Branch Chief, Force Integration Chief, Intelligence Programs Division, Battalion Commander, ISR Division Chief and Senior Army National Guard Advisor to HQDA. Finally, since achieving the rank of Colonel in 2021, he has held the position of Chief of Intelligence and Security for the Army National Guard in Arlington, Virginia. Throughout this long and illustrious career, Colonel Turner admirably served his Nation and proudly upheld the core American ideals of freedom, liberty, and justice for all. In recognition of his heroic service, Colonel Turner received numerous commendations including a Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Army Commendation Medal. He also received the distinguished 2022 Knowlton Award from the Military Intelligence Corps Association, recognizing him for his incredible integrity, moral character, professional competence, and leadership. Colonel Turner's career is exemplary of the kind of service all Americans should aspire to. It is my honor and privilege to recognize this great Missourian's sacrifice and heroism. I also recognize and thank Colonel Turner's wife, Carrie, and his daughters, Lauren and Sydney, for their bravery and sacrifice. The price of freedom is high, and no one knows this better than the families of our brave soldiers. I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Colonel Turner on an exemplary and distinguished career and to wish him and his family the best in a very well-deserved retirement. ____________________