Tyrone Mack
SSG, Tyrone J. Mack, 42, died of natural causes at his home in Tucson, Arizona on Tuesday, August 24, 2010, where he was welcomed into God’s open arms.
Tyrone was born on Dec. 15, 1967, in Rugby, ND, to Neil and Corrine (Wiest) Mack. He lived and grew up in the states of North Dakota, Minnesota, and Arizona. He graduated in 1986 from Lakeville High School in Lakeville, Minnesota. After graduation, he joined the Arizona Army National Guard and was an active serviceman until the time of his death.
During his 22 years with the Army National Guard he became a valuable member and was much sought after for his expertise in the field of aircraft maintenance, in particular the AH-64D Apache Longbow. He was a soldier, a full-time technician, a Quality Control NCO, and a lead mechanic. Tyrone completed a 22-month tour of duty with the Active Army in Fort Hood, Texas and then onto a combat tour in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom VII, where he was assigned as a lead mechanic and Quality Control Inspector to provide a safe and reliable aircraft for aviators. While in Afghanistan and on his return home, he continued his education for computers and business management. He was also a member of the Downed Aircraft Recovery Team and known for his leadership skills.
While serving in Afghanistan, he was awarded the Master AVN Air Crewman Badge, Global War on Terrorism Medal, AFGHAN Campaign Medal, ARMY Commendation Medal (2nd), ARMY Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device, and the Overseas Service Ribbon.
Tyrone had a very strong sense of patriotism for his country and love for his daughters and family.
Tyrone is survived by his parents, Neil and Corrine, Balta, ND; daughters, Tika and Tasha, Tucson, Ariz.; brothers, Troy, Medora, ND, and Trevor (Maxine), step-niece, Phobe, and nephew, Brice, Tucson, Ariz.; paternal grandparents, John and Lena Mack, Harvey, ND; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and his extended military family.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, John and Catherine Wiest, and cousin, Keith Wiest.
Military services were held Friday, Sept. 3, 2010, at the Veterans Club in Tucson, Ariz. His body was then returned to North Dakota, where interment was in the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Mandan, ND. Funeral Services were held Friday, Sept. 10 at the Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Bismarck.
Tyrone will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.