Mark L. Donald

Mark is a physician assistant, author, professional speaker and leader in the non-profit community. Born to Mexican mother and Caucasian father Mark grew up appreciating the value of ethnic diversity. Inspired by his parent’s ideals for “service for others before self,” and a desire to escape the difficulties of home Mark enlisted in the Marine Corps at the early age of 17. It was during his training as a Reconnaissance Marine he discovered his calling to medicine and by the end of year would don a Navy uniform. Mark continued to serve the country for nearly a quarter of century as a Navy SEAL, Corpsman and Medical Service Corps officer. Following retirement Mark worked with a number of programs supporting military, veteran and wounded causes while completing his memoir Battle Ready – Memoir of a SEAL Warrior Medic. Mark has served as Commander for the Military Order of the Purple Heart for the Commonwealth of Virginia and sat on the board of directors for the Legion of Valor, OASIS Group and the Special Operations Medical Association. Mark holds a Bachelor of Science and Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska. His military decorations include the Navy Cross, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star with “V” for combat distinction, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medals, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Special Warfare (SEAL) breast insignia, Naval Parachutist breast insignia, the Honduran Medal of Merit and various unit and campaign ribbons.