LTC Mark A. Merritt, of the West Virginia Army National Guard, has served nearly 32 years in the military, entering service in 1987 in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, and then the WV Army National Guard in 1993. Prior to becoming an Active Guard Reserve (AGR) officer in 2005, he spent 15 years as a courier with FedEx.
Upon commissioning in 1996, LTC Merritt branched Military Police, and has served in numerous positions on both the MP Battalion staff, and in command, to include recently completing command of the 771st Troop Command Battalion. During his time as BN CDR, he was also commander of 35th CERFP (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, High Yield Explosive, Enhanced Response Force Package), a task force of just over 200 Soldiers and Airmen dedicated to the immediate response of ALL-Hazards incidents within 6 hours.
LTC Merritt has completed 3 tours in South West Asia, to include Desert Storm 1990-1991, and Iraq in 2003 and 2009-2010.
LTC Merritt has been married to Susan (Wright) Merritt for over 27 years, and has two daughters, Allison and Katie.
