Mark Edward Nielsen (Army CSM, retired), was born May 26, 1954, in Mt. Clemens, Michigan to Richard & Jeanne Nielsen. Mark was born into the military and had a calling to continue in the military life.

Mark enlisted in the United States Army in 1973 and after basic training, began his military career in the 1st Battalion, 509th Airborne Infantry (Geronimo). The 509th was initially based in West Germany, but shortly after Mark's arrival, they moved to Vicenza, Italy. The years that followed included 18 years with the 75th Ranger Regiment, where he served in all three battalions of the Regiment, as well as headquarters. After being selected for the rank of Sergeant major and completing the Sergeants Major Academy, he once again returned to the 1st of the 509th Airborne Infantry Battalion - this time as their Command Sergeant major (CSM). Afterwards, Mark went on to become the CSM for the 1st of the 508th Airborne Infantry (173rd Airborne Brigade), back in Vicenza, Italy. Following this assignment, Mark went on to become the CSM for the 2nd Battalion Raider Rakkasan) of the 187th Infantry (101st Airborne Division(Air Assault)). Over 32 years after Mark began his journey, he quietly retired in 2005 at Fort Campbell, Kentucky and retired to Florida with his beautiful wife, Marisa.

Mark is survived by his wife, Marisa Nielsen, his daughter, Dawn Marie Emmons, three siblings Rick, Bob (Rose) & Mary Ann (Wendy), Brother-in-law, Marcus (Gina), grandson Landon, and two nephews, Marcus Jr & Nicholas. Mark was predeceased by his son, John Nielsen.

Mark died September 17, 2024. He was loved and respected, and will be greatly missed by his family, friends and comrades. AATW-RLTW-GERONIMO!

The family is requesting in lieu of flowers please donate to The Wounded Warrior Project in Mark's honor.

Veterans Charity - Non Profit Organization for Veterans Wounded Warriors Project https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/

Tribute: In Memoriam of CSM Mark Nielsen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vccb-cUslo0

Burial at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery on Wednesday, Oct. 16th at 10:00 am. Lane A for parking. Reception will be held at Port Orange VFW from 12:00pm to 3:00pm.