Mark Mackey
President│Bamboo Bend
mark.mackey@bamboobend.org
Raised in northern Wisconsin, a land rich in outdoor activities and forests laced with wild trout streams.
Received Biology degree from Northland College in Ashland, WI and worked as a biologist for the National Park Service from 1988-1990, and later Joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1990. He Served well and faithfully in the Marines for 23 years as an Infantry Officer and attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Operations and personal awards listed below.
Real world operations:
- Operation Peacemaker (LA Riots, May 1992)
- Operation Desert Storm, Cease Fire, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait 1993
- Operation Mohawk (JTF-6 counter narcotics mission on Mexico border) 1994
- Operation United Shield (United Nations Somalia pull-out), Feb 1995
- Operation Enduring Freedom, TF Panther, Dec 2001
- Operation Iraqi Freedom, Multi-National Corps-I FUOPS Baghdad May-Nov 2009
- Combat Action Ribbon for receiving and returning enemy fire
- Navy Achievement Medal with “Combat Device” for specific valor under enemy fire
- Joint Service Achievement Medal (impact)
- Navy Commendation Medal
- Joint Service Commendation Medal
- Meritorious Service Medal x 4
- Joint Meritorious Service Medal
- Bronze Star Medal
Upon retiring, Mark moved to remote interior Alaska and practiced true subsistence living for over a year. He has since returned to northern Wisconsin and built a modern but rustic home. He was a student in the 2016 Bamboo Bend class and took over as President in May 2017.