Trooper Mark Jeffrey Phebus

I too had the privilege of serving with Mark. I was the training officer of the 95th Division Leadership Academy, our drill sergeant school. I remember him as sort of a conundrum. He was a big, goofy, lovable niave kid. Yet he was going places. A young hard stripe corporal, no easy feat by itself, he was someone who had a clear vision and the path he would follow. It didn't take long to figure out that under the façade of a lovable goofball was a sharp, motivated individual with serious skills and a game plan for life.

I first heard of his loss from former Leadership Academy members. I was struck with a profound sadness that someone who had so much to offer and such a willingness to share it was taken from us at such a young age. All these years later I can still see that silly grin and remember the good natured teasing we gave him. We'll always miss you kid.

MAJ (R) Carl O. Owen, III
EN Sec, HQ, 95th Division

September 22, 2019