Veteran Spotlight: Air Force Master Sgt. Mark Gilliard

FALMOUNTH, Mass. — Mark Gilliard served his country for an amazing 31 years in the Air Force and Army National Guard retiring as a master sergeant.

 

During his service, he also received numerous "Man of The Year" awards in a variety of capacities, which highlight an exceptional military career of service.

 

Born in Savannah, Ga., he did his first basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. 

 

"I was that 18-year old kid, I think that's an appropriate age to enlist," he said. "I learned so much — the whole experience was a meaningful, exciting and impactful learning experience for me. Coming home from boot camp was a bit of an eye-opener as we were in our uniforms and were treated with unexpected contempt by people who still had Vietnam on their minds. It was 1979."

 

I asked Gilliard his thoughts on leadership and why he was so successful in that capacity.

 

"I had great mentors in all of my experiences, my biggest attribute has always been listening and being open-minded," he said. "My drill sergeants were mostly Vietnam veterans. They told us stories ... for me it's about patriotism and service to your country. Wearing your greens is something, but putting on your dress blues — you feel like you're the protector of your country. It's just amazing to combine your passion with your purpose."

 

Gilliard was deployed six times. I asked him what it was like being away for the holidays. 

 

"It was less stressful, because you were serving with your peers. I missed my home and family but my mindset was that I was 'serving,'" he said. I was always the morale guy, keeping everyone's spirits up. We were staying at a castle when I was deployed in Scotland during Thanksgiving and we mentioned to the staff what we normally have. 

 

"They actually went out and got all the fixings and turkey and made us Thanksgiving dinner, it was extra special because they even went out and got us a television so we could watch the football games. It was an amazing experience."

 

He would later in his career cross into the family support realm and be sent to Pápa, Hungary (Pop. 4,400), where the United States was looking to start a base. He was selected by headquarters in Europe as the first enlisted member to serve as the multinational support element director for 125 Air Force members and their families. 

 

"Someone gave me a backpack full of money and said, 'Go build this,'" Gilliard said. Again, it was another meaningful experience." 

 

While stationed at Royal Air Force Lakenheath in the United Kingdom, he would also hold high level positions including first sergeant for the 48 Mission Support Squadron and deputy director of the Airman and Family Readiness Center. 

 

His thoughts on his distinguished service? "The biggest word for me is blessing. Growing up I was a lover of history and wanted to go all over — South America, Europe," he said. "I met Vietnam vets with scars on their faces, met command sergeants and personnel and it increased my desire and pride."

 

His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters, the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal.

 

After retiring in 2010, he took several civil positions with the Air Force, including as recovery care coordinator at Hanscom Air Force Base, and was named director of the Falmouth Community Veterans Center this past February.

 

Master Sgt. Mark Gilliard, thank you for your service to our great country.