SHORT NOTICE: CONFIRMED: Mark Miller, Veteran, US Navy (89-25) 21 Apr 25
2102 N Loop 1604 E
San Antonio, TX 78232
USA
US NAVY VETERAN
The family of Mr. Mark Miller, a US Navy Veteran, requests the presence and participation of the San Antonio Patriot Guard at the LEO supported procession, and graveside rendering of military honors of their loved one. We are honored to accept this invitation.
Mark K. Miller came into this world on August 6, 1971, and took his last breath on April 7, 2025. Although he is not here physically, his impact on those who knew him, and even those who did not, will go on forever. Mark, or Sparkie as the family called him, did not have children, although his nieces and nephews filled in that space beautifully.
Above all, Mark loved Yeshua (Jesus) and shared that love with others. His true identity was a painter- but not just any painter- He created art with deep messages, capturing the Lord’s sovereignty, in his ministry called God’s Paintbrush.
Mark was the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it, a man who rescued animals, and helped the needy. Mark always had a kind word of encouragement to offer and prayed for others.
Mark touched the lives of thousands during his lifetime, with kindness and encouragement. After an honorable discharge from the Navy, he served over 60,000 people at the Food Bank in Devine, TX, praying for them and offering hope. This was a testament to his servant’s heart. He spoke at veterans’ meetings and conferences providing insight and comfort.
All his family, including his mom, Jane Louise Miller and his dad, Larry J Miller MD, his brother Larry J Miller Jr, his sisters, Michelle Helms, Melissa Laster and Bianca Nelson, his many nieces and nephews and hundreds of friends knew they could count on Mark and knew he loved them. He was the most gentle, kind, and caring human they had ever known.
At age 21 he joined the Navy serving as Master of Arms on the nuclear aircraft carrier, the George Washington for 6 years. Right after 911 he rejoined the Navy to serve in a more significant way as a sniper in the Mobile Security Force (Special forces). He served under extreme hardship in some of the most dangerous situations in the Middle East and South America.
After 15 years of exemplary service, he developed herniated discs in his back and was transferred to Kingsville Naval Station where he suffered from PTSD and depression. The Navy placed him on Prozac, a mind-altering drug, which triggered a suicide attempt. By a miracle of God, he was rescued from certain death.
In 2021 he wrote a book, Suicide Stalks the Sniper about his near-death experience and lessons learned, as a way to help those who may be contemplating suicide and families of Veterans with depression and PTSD.
On April 1, 2025, severe depression once again engulfed him and he went to the VA for help, wanting to be admitted for treatment. Instead of the care he deserved, after just 5 minutes of consultation, the provider gave him a bottle of mind-altering drugs. Mark texted to his family, “I just left my VA appointment at Audi Murphy – look how nice they are, they prescribed me Seroquel. Wow! How nice. Did not even listen to my story – just like a robot that hands out poison to every soldier. I should call KSAT 12 news and tell them that they are murdering our heroic men and women. They did not even listen to anything I said – just prescribed stuff. Unreal. It is a crime.”
Seven days later, at 12:30 pm he texted his family and said, “I love you very much and I always will.” A couple of minutes later at Audie Murphy VA hospital, he shot himself as a powerful message to the VA and the world about the terrible injustice he had received.
Mark gave his life to speak to the thousands of veterans who have no voice and to the thousands who have been neglected by the VA system.
His last wish, and the overarching wishes of his family are to initiate major changes at the VA mental health system-to stop handing out dangerous drugs to the veterans as a band aid on a deadly wound. Start treating them with the care and dignity that they deserve. Offer them alternative treatments of their choice outside of the VA system that they can use without having to pay out of their own pockets.
In Mark’s own words:
“I have taken my last breath in this temporal world. Do not cry for me, but rather cry for yourselves, because you are still struggling in this world. The angels look down from heaven and they are cheering for your soul to win. Do not let God down.”
“People can rise up and do and have amazing things, like the Olympics, sports, dancing, money, power, and so on, but in the end what does it matter? It goes back to why you do things and with what intent and purpose. All Glory should go to the Lord. Any glory that people try to attain in this life will eventually fade away. Let he that boasts, boast in the Lord.”
“Good luck with the rest of your life. Remember every second counts, every word counts, every breath counts.”
“Please read together: Hebrews 9:29, Mark 16:16, 1Corinthians 13 and Jeremiah 33:3”
Love always, Sparkie
WEATHER: Hi 86 / Lo 70, 0 % Chance of Rain, 81 % Humidity, Wind: 6 mph NE
REQUESTOR: Larry Miller, Father
STAGING: 9:00 am, Monday, April 21, 2025
Porter Loring Mortuaries North
2102 N Loop-1604E
San Antonio, Texas 78232
https://goo.gl/maps/QqJh7Wi49EGft5Zh9
BRIEFING: 9:15 am
HONOR LINE: 9:45 am
**THIS IS A MOTORCYCLE ESCORT ONLY. NO CAGES PLEASE
KSU: 10:00 am (Semper Gumby)
**THE CAGES WILL MEET AT THE SHELTER IN FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
INTERMENT: 10:45 am – Assembly Area (Call to Verify)
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
1520 Harry Wurzbach Road
San Antonio, Texas 78209
https://goo.gl/maps/kQ68VALuUAptXpgS9
RC: Bob “Pizza Man” Johnson
FC: Rich “Richie Rich” Pachecano
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. Iron horses if you can, cages are always welcome and appreciated and unless under special circumstances not allowed in processions. You do not have to have a motorcycle to participate in honoring our veterans.
2. Safety First: Please remember to properly hydrate (including the night before) before any outdoor activity and to dress appropriately. Do not hesitate to take a break at any time if you feel you need to get in the shade or get indoors and always ask for help at any time. Also please do not forget your sun screen.
3. Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and. NO TALKING, SMOKING, CHEWING OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, OR CELL PHONE USE IN THE FLAG LINE!
***Safety Notice***
Before volunteering and/or attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders missions we encourage you to review all safety information below. Included are some potential safety concerns to be aware of, however this does not include the full scope of all potential hazards. Anyone attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders mission understands that they do so at their own risk. Neither the Patriot Guard Riders Organization nor its representatives are liable for any damages incurred on any PGR mission or event.
Funeral Processions/Escorts
EVERY RIDER IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for their own safety at all times while riding in a funeral procession.
At NO TIME are any riders authorized to block any intersection or otherwise block or impede traffic laws in any way. Only Law Enforcement officials are authorized to block and/or impeded the lawful flow of traffic.
If you choose to fly a Flag on your bike you are SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for ensuring it is secured and not a danger to any other rider or traffic.
Warm Regards,
Bob “Pizza Man” Johnson
Asst. State Captain
Deputy State Captain
San Antonio Patriot Guard
Dignity, Honor, Respect
Cell: 562-413-2223
“We can’t all be heroes. Some of us get to stand on the curb and clap as they go by.”
Will Rogers