By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Molly A. Burgess
NORFOLK (NNS) -- Hundreds of service members, friends and
family filed into the Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk auditorium April 7, and
whispered calming stories about 24 year-old Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Mark A.
Mayo, as they waited for the memorial service to begin.
Mayo, labeled a hero for his actions on March 24 when he was
on duty as chief of the guard on Pier 1 of Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk, put
himself between a gunman and USS Mahan's (DDG 72) duty petty officer of the
watch, giving his own life to ensure the safety of the Sailors on board the
ship.
"Webster defines a hero as an illustrious warrior, a
man admired for his achievements and noble qualities and one who shows great
courage. Petty officer Mayo epitomizes this definition," said NAVSTA
Norfolk's Commanding Officer Capt. Robert Clark, during his opening remarks.
"He made a split-second decision to act and benefit more than just
himself. This type of courage cannot be taught, it is something that resides
deep within and is displayed without conscious thought. It is the decision to
render aid when many would watch from the sidelines."
As fellow shipmates and guests took turns at the podium,
words were spoken to describe Mayo's character as they knew him to be.
"I think we can all say that when we were young, we
thought heroes wore a mask, a cape and had super powers. Petty Officer Mayo
wore no mask, yet he had character," said Lt. Errol Johnson, security
officer at NAVSTA Norfolk. "He didn't have a cape, yet in the face of
danger and adversity, he displayed courage, and with no super powers, also
displayed a wealth of self-sacrifice. Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Mark Mayo is a
true definition of a real hero."
Mayo, born in Washington, D.C., but moved to Hagerstown,
Md., when still in grade school, joined the Navy in October 2007, completing a
tour at Naval Security Forces Bahrain followed by a tour at Naval Station Rota,
Spain, before checking on board to Naval Station Norfolk in May 2011.
Master-at-Arms Virgil Savage, a friend of Mayo's, and
coworker at NAVSTA Norfolk, remembered Mayo for his outspoken demeanor and
courageous posture who he said was always willing to help those in need.
"Mayo was a little guy but he carried himself with an
attitude of a giant. He wouldn't back down from anybody and he wouldn't just
let you roll over him for any reason," said Savage. "... he stood up
for people all the time so when I heard that he saved another person's life, it
did not surprise me at all. That's something he would do without thinking, and
I am proud to say I knew him."
During the course of the ceremony, words of scriptures,
prayers and kind words to the family were expressed, reminding those in
attendance that Mayo and his selfless act would not be forgotten.
"To my shipmate and my friend, MA2 Mayo, rest on my
brother," said Department of the Navy Officer Levon Snyder. "We have
the watch here on Earth, but one day, we will relieve you from your watch in
Heaven."
As the ceremony came to a close, Master-at-Arms 1st Class
Orlando Morin stood at the podium and began a roll call where Master-at-Arms in
attendance stood and replied back "Present MA1" as their names were
called, signifying that they were ready to stand watch.
"Call of the roll. MASN Miller. MASN Harrell. MA3
Stewart," Morin called out. As he neared the end of the list, one name did
not have a respondent. "MA2 Mayo... MA2 Mark Mayo... Mark Aaron
Mayo."
The call remained unanswered.
"Thank you for providing the United States Navy with a
young man of such impeccable character. A man who served his country with honor
courage and commitment. Mrs. Blair, Mr. Mayo, your son will forever remain in
the hearts and minds of everyone at Naval Station Norfolk," said Clark,
comforting the family in attendance. "He will be remembered across this
great country and throughout the Navy as a hero who made the unquestionable
brave decision to protect the lives of others, even at his own peril."
Mayo will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, in
Arlington, Va., later this month.
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