Mark Glenn is dedicated to public service.
"I am a public servant, and public service to and for others is what I am all about," said the former soldier.
The last of nine children, Glenn was born at Madigan Army Medical Center and raised in Spanaway, Washington.
"I grew up with a southern upbringing in the Pacific Northwest in a military household," he explained, "and my father, who was a Vietnam veteran, had the greatest impact on me because he set the positive examples of what it meant to work hard for everything you receive in life, to serve others, and to always do your best."
While a student at Spanaway Lake High School, he served in the Army Reserve. After graduating in 1989, he served on active duty as a telecommunications specialist until 1992 before joining the Washington Army National Guard's 81st Brigade.
While on active duty and in the Guard, Glenn made the most of every opportunity to take classes at Tacoma Community College and Pierce College to help him earn his bachelor's degree from the University of Washington.
Building on his father's examples, what he had learned about himself and information technology in the military, and his educational background, in 2000 he started a small business in order to supplement his income. Currently, Glenn is the Chief Information Officer for the Washington Military Department.
"I oversee all information technology for the WMD, and it is a joy to serve in this capacity alongside many service members," he continued. "Although I have been a civilian for quite some time, serving at the WMD is truly enjoyable and rewarding."
But his sense of public service goes well beyond what is listed on his resume.
While attending football games at the University of Washington in 2016, Glenn decided to create the concept of "Sergeant Husky."
"I wanted to be able to pay homage to my father, his service, the United States Army and the education I earned at the University of Washington, so I created the character of Sergeant Husky to symbolically do just that," he explained.
That trifecta of committed service was on full display during the Washington National Guard's most recent Turkey Drop event. Wearing purple pants, jacket and vest, along with tan combat boots, a purple top hat with a large W and a white band with the words "Sergeant Husky" on it, Glenn greeted every person who came by.
"I remember what it was like to face food insecurity as a young soldier," he explained. "(So) I used social media to create a Go Fund Me page to help raise funds for this event," he explained at the time.
"I have been amazed by the outpouring of support from the community for the work I do (as) Sergeant Husky," concluded Glenn. "I am proud to be part of a legacy that is all about serving others."
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