Mark served valiantly in the Marine Corps for 25 years. During his years of service, he held a variety of jobs and responsibilities, ranging from helicopter mechanic to drill instructor, and to Sargent Major for Osprey Squadron, 15th MEU Air Combat Element. Sgt.Maj. Wright served in Operation Iraqi Freedom on multiple deployments from 2004 to 2007. Then, after being selected for 1st Sgt., deployed once again in 2010, this time as a High Mobility Artillery Rocket battery in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Even after his retirement in 2018, Mark was not done with the armed services. He operated as a military contractor with the Army's 160th Special Operation Air Regiment until he could passionately continue his life of service as a member of the San Diego Police Dept. On March 13th, earlier this year, Mark was riding his motorcycle home from work when he collided with an abandoned vehicle. The collision was completely unavoidable and caused Mark to sustain a fractured pelvis and the amputation of his lower left leg. Complications from this amputation have persisted since the accident, forcing Mark to return for additional surgeries as well as battling repeated bouts of infection. In the face of all this adversity, Mark has been nothing but positive and remained steadfast in his convictions. Mark says that there is no point in dwelling on the negative and that he is now more motivated than ever to get back on the bike and return to work as a member of the SDPD. Mark Wright truly is one of the "few" and a shining example of the kind of person the Semper Cares Initiative is meant to honor. Sgt.Maj. Wright’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star.