Celebrating the Life of Sgt. Mark Cofield
Nazarene Bible College is located in the heart of Colorado Springs, Colorado, which as many of you know is home to a large military presence. While driving around town, you often see signs created by friends and family welcoming their love ones home and thanking them for their service. Although it is impossible to articulate how grateful we are for these men and women, I can't help but express my eternal gratitude to those who serve in our military. It is never easy to learn about those that are lost for keeping us safe and insuring our freedom. However, it is such a blessing knowing those planes flying in are bringing most of our heroes back home.
Sgt. Mark Cofield of the United States Army was John and Tari Cofield's second son. He began his assignment in Ft. Bragg, North Carolina and was deployed to Iraq in October of 2010. On Sunday, July 17, Mark was tragically killed in action at his base from a head injury. Many know Tari as she has worked at Nazarene Bible College for several years in Campus Academic Services. Currently, Tari's husband John and oldest son John Howard are stationed at separate bases around the US. Although serving in the Military can be demanding and unpredictable, it has always been a part of the Cofield family, and always will be.
Numerous times before, Mark had mentioned wanting a big party to celebrate his life if the time came. It comes as no surprise that multiple celebrations went on throughout the week showing the "mark" that Mark left in this world. At an event earlier this week Tari said, "The folks at Peterson AFB lined the main avenue when we left the flight line. All the way out the main gate -- all different branches of service, colonels to admin assistants, active duty to contractors, saluting our son as he traveled to the funeral home." Mark was an incredible man and hero. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten for his sacrifice. Thank you Mark for your service, may you rest in peace.
Mark's funeral took place Friday, July 29 at the Soldier's Memorial Chapel on Fort Carson's base. According the Gazette, "Gov. John Hickenlooper has ordered flags be lowered to half-staff on all public buildings statewide Friday in honor of Sgt. Mark Cofield". More about Sgt. Cofield. Lastly, please feel free to look at Sgt. Mark Cofield's Obituary to read more on the incredible life he lived.
Published: 07/29/2011
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