Today we honor the legacy of a remarkable soldier, Mark Alan Stets, a man whose journey began on January 4, 1971, at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. Mark’s story, a story of honor, dedication, and courage, unfolded over the years, leaving an indelible mark on those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Mark began his lift in Louisiana but he called Virginia Beach home. His father served in the Navy there, shaping his early life and instilling in him a deep sense of service. As a child, Mark’s imagination was ignited by playing Army games with his neighborhood friends, a prelude to his future in uniform.
Upon graduating from Cox High School, Mark’s father gently nudged him to follow his footsteps into the Navy. In 1989, he enlisted in the Navy, serving as a gunner’s mate on the tank landing ship Frederick stationed in San Diego.
But Mark’s service to the nation didn’t end with the Navy. In 1993, he enlisted in the California Army National Guard, where he was deployed to aid in the aftermath of the 1994 Northridge earthquake, showcasing his unwavering commitment to helping others.
In 1995, Mark transitioned into the Army and became an artilleryman and paratrooper. His military career took him across the globe, deploying from Korea to Kuwait and other exotic locations. He demonstrated an exceptional aptitude for learning foreign languages, studying Korean, Russian, and Arabic at the Defense Language Institute’s Foreign Language Center in Monterey, California.
Mark’s path led him to Ft. Bragg in 1996, where he became part of a team at the forefront of testing a new prototype rocket launcher. His dedication and courage were so remarkable that he was selected by Lockheed Martin to represent them in their advertising campaigns, becoming a face of courage for the world to see. He even appeared in a Lockheed Martin commercial during the Super Bowl.
In 2004 SSgt Stets volunteered for assignment to the Psychological Operations field. He graduated the difficult training and was subsequently assigned to 8th Psychological Operations Battalion, 4th Psychological Operations Group. In 2010 he deployed to Pakistan as a Psychological Operations Sergeant to help train Pakistan security forces in humanitarian and intelligence work, and counterinsurgency tactics.
Mark’s ability to blend in with the local populace, his humor, and his outgoing personality made him a quick friend to those he met during his service. Mark’s father fondly remembers his son’s enthusiasm for his work and his dedication to making a positive impact in the world. Mark Stets Sr. recalls how Mark embraced his role in psychological operations, even joking with his superiors with a quick wit that brought smiles to those around him.
On February 3, 2010, in Timagara, Pakistan, Mark’s life was tragically cut short by an improvised explosive device while supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Mark’s time in Pakistan was brief, but he left an enduring mark, making friends and connecting with individuals from all walks of life, demonstrating his capacity to build bridges and spread goodwill.
Mark Stets’ legacy is not confined to his service but extends to his home in Virginia Beach, where he lived as a cherished member of the community. He was a loving husband, father to his daughters December, Jessica, and Rachael, and a son to his parents, Mark Stets Sr. and Nancy. Mark’s charm, intelligence, and wit endeared him to everyone he met, earning him a special place in their hearts.
Mark Stets was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery on May 14, 2010, a place of honor befitting a man of his caliber. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him and in the memories of a life dedicated to service, love, and laughter.
In closing, Mark Alan Stets’ journey may have been too short, but it was profoundly impactful. He will always be remembered as the face of courage, not just in Super Bowl commercials, but in the hearts and minds of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy is one of bravery, dedication, and unwavering love for his family, friends, and his country. Mark Stets’ memory will endure, and his sacrifice will never be forgotten.
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