June's Veteran Of The Month: Mark F. Mulvihill

Mark Mulvihill was 18 years old when he joined the United States Marine Corps and 19 years old when he first landed in I Corps South Vietnam.

Most of his time there was spent in combat in the An Hoi basin and in and around Marble Mountain. He was wounded twice during combat engagements.

Mark was awarded the Bronze Star with "V" for Valor, Two Purple Hearts, the Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Meritorious Unit, Presidential Unit, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, nine campaign awards and Good Conduct. (His special award would be the Bronze Star for Valor.)

Mark extended his tours in Vietnam twice. Upon returning home, he married the love of his life, Debby Strand of South St. Paul, Minn. They've been married now for 43 years and have three adult children and six grandchildren.

Mark worked for the Department of Veteran Affairs where he was the director of an outpatient mental health program to help Vietnam veterans readjust back to society.

War taught Mark the value of life and he feels that, "War is the ultimate insult to God and society."