On October 21 at the 95th Division Memorial located in the 95th Training Division (IET) Headquarters building, Lt. Col. Michael D. Eckart retired from the United States Army Reserve after serving more than 33 years.
Many Soldiers, family members, friends and former members of the division filled Snow Hall to honor the retiree.
Eckart started is career on November 3, 1980 as an enlisted Combat Engineer in the North Dakota Army National Guard. He later transferred to the Oklahoma National Guard where he served as a TOW Gunner. Eckart soon after attended Officer Candidate School and received his commission as a Second Lieutenant on August 1, 1992 in the Field Artillery branch. Eckart served in various positions within Field Artillery in the Oklahoma National Guard before becoming a Public Affairs Officer.
In 2004, Eckart mobilized to Afghanistan with the 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment. Upon return from deployment in 2005, Eckart assumed command of that detachment. In January 2009, he mobilized to Iraq with the 145th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment. Upon return from deployment, Eckart served in various positions as a PAO for the Oklahoma Guard. In 2015, Eckart transferred to the 95th Training Division (IET), where he was promoted to his current rank and served as the Division Equal Opportunity Officer until his retirement.
Lt. Col. Eckart is a graduate of Field Artillery Basic Course, Transportation Officer Advanced Course, Command and General Staff School Intermediate Level Course, Public Affairs Qualification Course, and the Equal Opportunity Advisors Course at the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute.
He holds a Master’s Degree in Science from Southern Nazarene University. In his civilian career, Eckart is a trainer for Oklahoma Gas and Electric. He is also an adjunct instructor for the Division of science and Engineering, Oklahoma State University in Oklahoma City.
Eckart’s awards include the Bronze Star Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, and numerous other Federal and State awards.
“It is strange looking ahead and not having to fit my life around drill weekend,” recalls Eckart as he heads to Battle Assembly for the last time, “I am so thankful that I have had the opportunity to serve.”
Eckart shared his special day with his wife Lisa and 20 members of his family.