The 65th Troop Command Brigade (TCB) welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. (CSM) LaCarl Baker of Matteson, Illinois, during a change of responsibility ceremony at the Army Aviation Support Facility #3 in Peoria, Illinois, April 13.
“I have full trust in your ability to be the right-hand man to this brigade and support all of our Soldiers,” said Col. Max Casteleyn, 65th TCB commander.
Baker enlisted in December 1993 as a light-wheeled mechanic in Chicago, Illinois. His first duty assignment was with Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 122nd Field Artillery (FA) in Chicago. Baker has served in several leadership roles and was selected as the CSM for the 2nd Battalion, 123rd FA Regiment in 2022. His stateside assignments include 2n Battalion, 122nd FA in Chicago and Crestwood, 555th Engineer Company in Fort Hood, Texas, and 3625th Classification Inspection Company in North Riverside as a first sergeant.
His overseas assignments include the 52nd Aviation in Camp Humphreys, South Korea, and the 2-130 Infantry in Hohenfels, Germany. He has deployed to Germany and Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
“This is a very unique brigade, and we have a variety of combined entities,” said Baker. “After analyzing it, I realized that it can be one of the most lethal brigades.”
The 65th TCB is comprised of 19 units and approximately 1,200 Soldiers stationed from Chicago to Springfield. The 65th is a multi-functional brigade of combat and combat support services, covering a wide range of missions including artillery, aviation, intelligence, cyber, public affairs, personnel, musicians, maintenance, and transportation.
“To the Soldiers of the 65th, I ask you to continue to master those MOS skills that you have. Create a balance with your basic Soldier tasks and be prepared for when your unit is called to protect the freedom of this great nation.” said Baker. “My number one passion is Soldier care. I challenge the NCOs to inspire your Soldiers and show them that they do matter. I guarantee you will garner great results.”
On the civilian side, Baker works for the Cook County Sherrif’s Department as a sergeant at Cook County Jail. He is married to his wife, Tawana, and together they have four daughters.
“I’m honored to have this position and want to thank CSM Jones who took me under his wing and mentored me. I think he prepared me to take on this challenge.”