Mark Woods, Jr., a former Major in the United States Army and a dedicated public servant, passed away on May 17, 2024, at the age of 54. His life was marked by military service, law enforcement work, and advocacy for veterans.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Woods attended Catholic school and was inspired by his uncle who served in the Vietnam War to pursue a career in the military. He graduated from The Citadel with strong academic performance and leadership skills before being commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Infantry. His early assignments included service in Berlin at the end of the Cold War and participation in a United Nations peacekeeping mission during the Bosnian crisis.
After four years in the Army, Woods transitioned to law enforcement roles including corrections officer and border agent before joining the New York Police Department (NYPD). He worked in Coney Island prior to 9/11 and later contributed to rescue efforts after the attacks. In 2005, he returned to active duty for deployment to Iraq where he focused on civil affairs.
Upon returning from Iraq, Woods rejoined NYPD’s Vice Squad tackling human trafficking and organized crime before transferring to the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) where he dealt with groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Following his retirement from law enforcement, Woods became an advocate for veterans. He served as Deputy Director of Rockland County Veterans Service Agency working on housing and employment for veterans.
Woods also led BRIDGES’ Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support mentoring program assisting veterans with PTSD. Elected to Clarkstown Town Council, he worked on community services projects including an accessible playground for children.
His sudden passing left a significant impact on his family and community. Mark Woods is remembered for his dedication and compassion earning him recognition in the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame.
