Mr. Baker entered the Marine Corps in July 1969 and completed recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC, followed by Basic Infantry Training School at Camp Lejeune, NC. Upon completion of his “A” school in Millington, TN, he was assigned to VMA-324, in Beaufort, SC. He worked on the A-4 Aircraft for the next twelve years. He then served as the NCOIC of the Marine Security Guard Detachment in Jakarta, Indonesia for two years.

He was promoted to the rank of First Sergeant and served with India Battery, 12th Marines; I-I Staff, Augusta, GA; and as the First of LSE Company, 2nd LSB Battalion, Camp Lejeune, NC. He was promoted to Sergeant Major in August 1989. As Sergeant Major, he served at SOMS & H&HS, Kaneohe, HI; Regimental SgtMaj at 14th Marines, Dallas, TX, and Base SgtMaj, MCAS Beaufort, SC. SgtMaj Baker officially retired on 1 August 1999.

After retirement, SgtMaj Baker earned an associates and bachelors degrees in Electronic Engineering Technology and a Master’s degree in Industrial Technology with emphasis in Technology Education from Alabama A&M University. Johnny retired again in May 2021 as the Director of Adult Education Services for Gadsden State Community College, in Gadsden, AL. Johnny is the Past National Commandant/CEO of the Marine Corps League

Sergeant Major Baker’s personal decorations include Service Medal (with 1 Gold Star in lieu of second award), Navy Commendation Medal, and the Nave Achievement Medal.