At the age of 21, Marine Corporal Mark O’Brien was serving his second tour of duty in Iraq. On day number 68 of a military tour that had Mark taking fire in the 67 days leading up to it, his life was dramatically changed forever. While Mark and his squad were doing a sweep of a city in search for weapons, they came under extremely heavy fire. Mark was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) that ripped through the armor of his Humvee. Seriously wounded, and faced with a traumatic life or death situation, Mark began the fight of his life. Although he would lose both his right arm and leg as a result, he didn’t lose the amazing attitude that enabled him to overcome the adversity and life challenges that stood between him and the productive and fulfilling life he leads today. Mark’s story reinforces how the power of "mind over matter" can be combined with a great "never give up" attitude to achieve virtually anything you put your mind to.
Mark’s message addresses leadership, teamwork, wearing PPE, the importance of training and following proper procedures, watching out for each other, and most of all – how YOUR attitude makes a difference.
His military honors include:
• Purple Heart
• Marine Corps Accommodation Medal
• Navy Achievement Medal
• Good Conduct Medal
• Induction into the NYS Veteran’s Hall of Fame
NYSAFC is honored to have Mark share his message with us this year at our Annual Conference on Thursday, June 14, 2012 at the Turning Stone Showroom from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. This session is open to all attendees (Conference Full Term Registrants, One Day attendees, and exhibitor representatives) and is sponsored by DIVAL Safety & Supplies.
Click here to learn more about the NYSAFC 106th Annual Conference and FIRE 2012 expo and to download a pre-registration form.
New York State Association of Fire Chiefs