In a previous post called “One Star on the Flag” from November 2024, I shared a little about my brother, Mark and the significance of his military service in his life and the life of his family. As we now approach Memorial Day two years later, I am thinking a lot about him once again.
Only this time, it’s different. My brother died a few weeks ago in a motorcycle accident. He and a friend were riding on Interstate 17 between Phoenix and Flagstaff, AZ when his front tire began to wobble. He was unable to recover control of the bike. He crashed and died nearly instantaneously. The shock of the news of his death is hard to describe but tragically familiar to those who have lost loved ones so unexpectedly. What are we to do with the heart breaking gap that is left behind when one so quickly vanishes from our lives?
Mark retired as a Master Gunnery Sergeant from the Marine Corp in 2022 after 26 years of faithful, competent service. His deployments took him to many of the worst theaters of conflict and warfare in the world at that time. When he wrote home, his letters sounded like the writings of the Apostle Paul, so rich were they in Biblical truth and encouragement. There were many times when he felt certain that he might not make it back home, yet by God’s grace, he did return to the welcoming and relieved hearts of his family and friends.
After retiring from the Marine Corps, Mark devoted himself to family, travel, and ministry. He used his musical gifts and brotherly spirit to serve the Lord through his church and through one-to-one ministry in the motorcycle community. He participated in numerous motorcycle ministry groups, rides, and worship gatherings. Mark also volunteered regularly serving the homeless and impoverished of downtown Phoenix with food, water, preaching and prayer.
Mark practiced what might be called a ministry of presence. When people called, he did what he could to be there for them. He made multiple cross-country rides to support veterans and sick family members, and he used his music and horse-training skills to reconnect with loved ones whose lives he had largely missed during his military career. His childlike humor, smiling eyes, and easy familiarity made him a joy to be around.
What sustained Mark through the adventures of marriage, military service, and ministry was his deep faith in Jesus Christ. He rested in the Savior’s forgiveness, the life of the Holy Spirit, and the promise of a God who would never leave or forsake him.
I’m going to miss my brother. I would like to have had more time with him. I have many “Why” questions, but God doesn’t seem to answer many of those. He gives us “What” and “Who” answers like Trust in Me. I do know Who knows the answers and who is worth trusting in all of this. I believe in the supremacy of God in all things, including loss, and I will yet worship Him.