Mark Malone, 2nd Lt, USA at West Point, NY

Mark Daniel Malone of the State of the State of California (and Downieville) has been commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army of the United States having graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in International Affairs from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York on May the 27th, 2023. There to participate as spectators at the graduation events, parades, concerts, meals, tours and such were his parents and sister, Dan and Patricia and Katie, of Downieville and Antioch.

Looking back, yes Mark ran track, played soccer, baseball, football, and tennis in high school and other fitness endeavors as a candidate at the United States Military Academy Preparatory School at West Point. Then, as a cadet he participated on a top notch Sandhurst team placing 2nd in 2019 and 1st in 2021. The Sandhurst competition is a grueling fight of combat related tests against other US teams and those from other countries.

Looking at the picture here, take into account the path to commissioning as an officer is five tough years of dedicated effort before getting those Lieutenant bars on the shoulders. The crossed rifles on Mark’s lapels indicate Infantry Branch. There is the Badge signifying successful completion for the Air Assault qualification. The patch on his left shoulder shows his destination of the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson. And it is evident that the Army has gone back to the old “pinks and green” uniform of yore.

So now what! We know this fit and well educated young officer has led cadets as he trained to lead soldiers but still more school lies ahead of him when his graduation leave is over. Our new “butter bar” goes next to the IBOLC in July. That is the Infantry Officer Basic Leader Course at Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning) in Georgia. That is followed by Jump School (parachute training) and in February, Ranger School. With that ahead of him, it is good that he is so fit!

The 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT), 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado is the next stop for Mark where he will most likely start off as an Infantry platoon leader. At that point, all the years of training will be put to the test and the expectations of Mark as an officer will be met. He will have arrived!

This writer is familiar with Fort Carson since my husband, John Johnsen, a 17 year resident of Downieville, commanded an Armored Battalion there in 1975-1976. John too graduated from the USMA (’56) and I know he would have loved to congratulate young Mark on his becoming a member of “The Long Gray Line.” Finally, I am left with the confidence that with Mark as their leader, his soldiers will have the best chance of being safe no matter where Uncle Sam sends them. “Well done Mark- Grip Hands!”