The Tennessee Army National Guard has assigned a new recruiter, joining Staff Sergeant John Thompson, to the Cleveland/Bradley county area.

Sgt. 1st Class Richard Baxter has been assigned to the Recruiting Store Front office at 1300 25th Street, Suite 4, in Cleveland.

SFC Baxter brings 5 years of recruiting experience and is a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Awards include the Bronze Star, The Army Commendation Medal, 4 Army Achievement Medals, Combat Action Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, Master Recruiting Badge, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, NATO Medal, 3 Army Overseas Ribbons, The Army Service Ribbon, The National Defense Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Ribbon, plus NCO Development Awards.

SFC Baxter was born in Cartersville, Ga. He graduatedfrom North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Ga., and Gupton-Jones College in Atlanta.

He is married to Jennifer and they have two sons and twin daughters.

SFC Baxter can be reached by cell phone call or text at 423-305-5195 or at the National Guard office on 25th street.



Ryan C. Wright

Marine Corps Pfc. Ryan C. Wright, son of Denise and Kevin Wright of Cleveland, earned the title of United States Marine after graduating from recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S. C.

For 13 weeks, Wright stayed committed during some of the world's most demanding entry-level military training in order to be transformed from civilian to Marine instilled with pride, discipline and the core values of honor, courage and commitment. Training subjects included close-order drill, marksmanship with an M-16A4 rifle, physical fitness, martial arts, swimming, military history, customs and courtesies. One week prior to graduation, Wright endured The Crucible, a 54-hour final test of recruits' minds and bodies. Upon completion, recruits are presented the Marine Corps emblem and called Marines for the first time.

Wright is a 2008 graduate of Walker Valley High School of Cleveland.