Mark grew up in Churchville, Virginia, a small town in the western Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Upon graduation from high school, he attended James Madison University (JMU) in Harrisonburg, VA, where he majored in engineering geology. After earning a B.S. from JMU, he entered the workforce and spent time as an engineering geologist and police officer. Eventually, he went back to school and earned a Master of Science in Physical Science/Earth Science, Master of Arts in Religion, Master of Divinity, Master of Theology in Practical Theology, Master of Fine Arts in Poetry, and Doctor of Ministry. He recently completed a law degree and is currently pursing a Master of Business Administration at a popular business institute. He hopes to graduate by the summer of 2026. Finally, he is a licensed private investigator and professional geologist in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Mark is a 27-year veteran of the U.S. Army and currently serves as a command chaplain in the U.S. Army Reserve. He is also an associate vice president at a small college in Lynchburg, VA.
Most importantly, Mark is married to a wonderful woman named Beth who, to the consternation of my devout Southern family (just kidding), is originally from Northfield, NJ (just outside of Atlantic City). Mark and Beth have five great children: Luke (20 years), Megan (18 years), Jack (16 years), Levi (12 years), and Sadie (10 years). They currently reside in Lynchburg, VA.
