CAMP WILLIAMS, Utah –
Brig. Gen. Thomas C. Fisher, the former commander of the Utah Army National Guard’s Land Component Command and current Summit County Manager, retired from his military career May 1, 2021, after 31 years of distinguished service.
“You have led at the platoon, you have led at the company, you have led at the battalion, the brigade and the component levels,” said Maj. Gen. Michael J. Turley, adjutant general, Utah National Guard. “At each point in time along the way you have taken the time to develop people, to mentor people and to teach people, at heart Tom, I think that you are a teacher.”
Fisher started his 31-year journey as a guardsman on June 9, 1990, receiving his commission into the Quartermaster Corps from Michigan State and enlisting into the Michigan National Guard as a second lieutenant. Fisher has taken command on numerous deployments out of country such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Kosovo. Fisher has also been a part of domestic relief efforts after hurricanes Katrina and Rita, as well as helping to re-establish major highways after damaging floods in Colorado.
Fisher credits his growth as an effective leader, Soldier and public servant throughout his career to the support he has received from his civilian employers, colleagues, mentors, children, and wife; who he presented a necklace during his final remarks.
“I have been in and commanded at all levels, I have deployed overseas, I have deployed for domestic operations, served in national posts and have been honored with the title of brigadier general,” said Fischer. “But all of this cool stuff is because of the great people I have been able to work with, work for, and been able to influence.”
Fisher assumed command of the Utah Army National Guard Land Component Command in 2016. As commander, Fisher provided strategic-level leadership and guidance in support to the adjutant general. He was responsible for overseeing the training and readiness of Joint Force Headquarters, 65th Field Artillery Brigade, 97th Troop Command, 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade and Medical Detachment. Fisher was accountable to the adjutant general for ensuring these commands and their subordinate units were prepared to respond to the governor or the president for any domestic or foreign contingency.
Leader’s from all major commands honored the wishes of Fisher and made donations to the Utah Charitable Trust, and in addition, but not in accordance with his wishes, they lined up with gifts to honor and address their appreciation for the retiring commander.
“They never follow my orders,” said Fisher jokingly.
Turley summed up the feeling of the guests at the ceremony.
“We are going to miss you,” said Turley, “but your DNA will be in this organization well beyond our time here in these units and maybe beyond the time of our subordinates’, subordinates.”