[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.

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