Mark Stephen Sullivan was born in Aberdeen, Maryland and is the fifth and youngest child to Robert and Frances Sullivan. The family moved to Huntsville, Alabama, and Mark graduated from Grissom High School in 1983 and earned a business degree and ROTC Commission from Jacksonville State University in 1988.

Major Mark Sullivan was awarded the Bronze Star for valor on 30 April 2003 for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  While serving as a Brigade Fire Support Officer, his courage under fire and unending enthusiasm inspired his team on the battlefield.  His ability to perform multiple skilled tasks while under fire facilitated unparalleled success for the 3^rd Infantry Division to defeat enemy forces and liberate Iraq. Major Sullivan distinguished himself repeatedly during the 26 days of sustained combat.  After crossing the Kuwait – Iraq border on the night of 20 March 2003, the battalion in which he served traveled more than 750 kilometers in 20 days ending the conflict on the northern edge of Baghdad. The battalion fired a total of 6,283 rounds in support of all three-ground maneuver brigades in the 3^rd Infantry Division. Fires were timely, accurate and lethal every time the battalion was asked to “Unleash Hell” on the enemy. The battalion’s fires destroyed more than 800 enemy soldiers, 75 direct fire combat systems and 50 enemy indirect fire systems. Most importantly the battalion lost no soldiers in combat and only sustained one casualty during the conflict. COL (R) Sullivan retired on 1 September 2013 after 27 years of service in the Field Artillery.  During his tenure, he served three operational tours in Saudi Arabia, Korea and Kuwait, and five combat tours in Iraq in support of Desert Shield/Storm, Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.  He was awarded three additional Bronze Star medals and the Defense Superior Service Award for actions during these campaigns. COL (R) Sullivan is married to Ms Lesley and together have six children, Emily, Olivia, Adam, Megan, Colin and Laney; all of which are joining us here tonight.