Veteran of the Day — December 16, 2025
Mark Bernard Platt
United States Army
Vietnam War Veteran – Communications
Born: January 22, 1946 – San Angelo, Texas
Passed: December 4, 2025 (Age 79)
Service to Country
Mark Bernard Platt served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1972, and during his service, he deployed to Vietnam from 1967 to 1968, working in communications.
That role mattered more than most people realize. In Vietnam, communications was the nervous system of everything: keeping units connected, coordinating movement, ensuring command knew what was happening, and helping bring order to chaos in a war where the situation changed in seconds.
Growing Up and Finding His Way
Mark was born in San Angelo, Texas, the fourth of nine children, and grew up in a big family that moved from Texas to Colorado and later to California.
Those early years shaped him into someone who could adapt, keep moving forward, and still keep his sense of humor. His family remembered him as someone who always had nicknames for people and never ran out of jokes.
A Life Built on Family
Mark met Marla Von Raesfeld through a friend. In true Mark fashion, he proposed during an argument, and he had to ask twice because she didn’t believe he was serious. They married on February 16, 1974, bought their first home that same year, and went on to raise four children.
Those who knew him describe him as the kind of father who passed down what really lasts: humor, honesty, toughness, and work ethic.
Working Life: From Lineman to Fiberoptic Engineer
After returning from service, Mark built a long career in telecommunications. He worked as a telephone lineman for GTE, and later finished his career as a fiber-optic engineer for Verizon (after Verizon acquired GTE).
Even at work, Mark kept his signature humor. He jokingly redefined “GTE” as: “Get The Employee.”
The Hands of a Fixer, the Heart of a Host
Mark loved the outdoors, fishing, and sports, and he was the kind of man who welcomed people into his home and made them feel like family. He had a habit of preparing snacks for guests, and his granddaughters could count on the simple kindness of “Grandpa food” after school, made fresh by his hands.
He was also a natural helper, lending his time to friends, family, and neighbors, and even volunteering as a Boy Scout leader when his son’s group joined the scouts.
The Car Guy
Mark loved fixing things, especially anything automobile-related. His prized possessions included a white 1955 Porsche and a custom-ordered 1978 yellow Ford F100 stepside truck, which he kept in pristine condition. His wife teased that he loved the truck more than her, which… honestly sounds like a very married joke.
Reflection
Not every Vietnam veteran’s story is built from headlines. Some are built from:
- a tour in a brutal war,
- a life of honest work,
- raising a family,
- helping neighbors,
- and making sure the people around you are fed, safe, and laughing.
Mark Bernard Platt represents that kind of veteran: the kind who served, came home, and quietly kept building.
Funeral services: Wednesday, December 17, Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary,
466 North Winchester Blvd
Santa Clara, CA 95050
ROSARY 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM – The Micky Spano Show will broadcast the Chaplet of Saint Michael the Archangel
Coolbeaners Appreciation
At mickyspano.com/, we honor the men and women who stepped up when our nation called.
Today, we recognize Mark Bernard Platt, United States Army — a Vietnam War veteran who served in communications, came home, worked with pride, raised a family, and left behind a legacy of humor, toughness, and generosity.
mickyspano.com/
The Micky Spano Show
The only independent station in America honoring a veteran every single day.
Leave a Reply