MSgt Mark Hurst 

Master Sgt. Mark Hurst does not take no for an answer. He is a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) operator who was facing medical discharge from the Air Force after losing his left eye during combat operations in Afghanistan in 2004. As a TACP member, he had more than 100 parachute jumps to his credit, unparalleled training, and passed the ultimate test with combat experience. But the real reason Sergeant Hurst remains in the Air Force today is because of his desire and his heart; not being able to wear his country’s uniform was simply unacceptable to the 12-year Air Force veteran.

His injury came during his fifth combat tour in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was serving as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) in Afghanistan, controlling airpower in support of ground forces. On the day he was injured, a rocket-propelled grenade hit his vehicle, leaving him with severe shrapnel wounds to the left side of his face, body and eye. He was treated at the field hospital in Afghanistan and quickly airlifted to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany, and eventually to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C.

Once recovered and fitted with a prosthetic eye, Sergeant Hurst would accept nothing less than being able to contribute to the Air Force and his country. He went to work as the Operations Training Manager and Parachutist Program Manager at Pope AFB, N.C. During this time, he requested a waiver and worked to remain qualified to serve in the combat zone. His waiver was approved and he is now again able to static-line parachute jump. He deployed to Iraq to serve his sixth combat tour from March to July 2006.

Sergeant Hurst’s experiences have made him a strong advocate for wounded Airmen. He is often a guest briefer to senior leaders in a variety of courses, sharing his perspective on ways to help wounded Airmen and their families through the difficult recovery period.

Sergeant Hurst serves today because of his devotion to duty, his commitment to the Air Force, and his determination to remain a TACP operator who proudly contributes to his country in uniform.