Ohio National Guard News

Ohio Air National Guard commander's career
celebrated at retirement ceremony

Story by Stephanie Beougher, Photos by Staff Sgt. Mike Carden, Ohio National Guard Public Affairs

Maj. Gen. Stephen E. Markovich's retirement ceremony held on Dec. 7, 2018, at the Maj. Gen. Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. Markovich retired after 38 years in the military, served in various positions during his career including state surgeon for the Ohio Air National Guard.

Maj. Gen. Mark E. Bartman (left), Ohio adjutant general, presents Maj. Gen. Stephen E. Markovich, outgoing commander of the Ohio Air National Guard, with his retirement certificate.

Maj. Gen. Stephen E. Markovich, outgoing commander of the Ohio Air National Guard, shakes hands with well-wishers following his retirement ceremony.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (12/07/18) — Pilot, engineer and physician. Those are just a few of the many professional accomplishments that Ohio Air National Guard Maj. Gen. Stephen E. Markovich has achieved in his military and civilian careers.

Markovich is retiring after 38 years of service in the U.S. Air Force and Ohio Air National Guard. During a Dec. 7 ceremony at the Maj. Gen. Robert S. Beightler Armory, he thanked his Family, his civilian employer and the military leaders who educated him throughout his career.

“It’s time to make way for the next generation of leaders. I know they will succeed because we are the Guard and we are always there,” Markovich told those in attendance. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve. I hope I made a difference to my country, to the state of Ohio and my community.”

Markovich has served in various positions in his military career, including as state surgeon for the Ohio Air National Guard. He’s been the commander of the state’s Air National Guard since 2015, directing operations and establishing policy to ensure the mission readiness of nearly 5,000 personnel in four flying wings and six geographically separated support units. He is a command pilot with more than 2,000 flying hours.

“I love the Guard — what we do to support our active-duty brothers and sisters, what we do to support our communities during a crisis, and what we do for those less fortunate than us around the world,” Markovich said.

In his civilian career, Markovich is a doctor and currently the executive vice president for OhioHealth, a not-for-profit system of hospitals and healthcare facilities in Central Ohio. He will become the president and chief executive in July 2019. He lives in Dublin, Ohio with his wife and three children.

Markovich is succeeded by Brig. Gen. Todd M. Audet, whose previous assignment was as Ohio Air National Guard chief of staff.