At the age of 21, Marine Corporal Mark O’Brien was serving his second tour of duty in Iraq. On day number 68, his life was dramatically changed forever. Mark’s message addresses the leadership, teamwork, wearing PPE, the importance of training and following proper procedures, watching out for each other, and most of all how YOUR attitude makes a difference.

Mark’s dramatic and emotional story reinforces how the power of “mind over matter” can be combined with a great “never give up” attitude to achieve virtually anything you put your mind to. 
A native of Western New York, Mark is a former Police dispatcher for the Erie County Sheriff’s Department.  Mark currently is on staff at DiVal Safety Equipment providing safety training and motivational sessions thorough our Training and Compliance Division.

Marine Corporal O’Brien’s Military honors include:
Purple Heart
Marine Corps Accommodation Medal
Navy Achievement Medal
Good Conduct Medal
Induction into the NYS Veteran’s Hall of Fame