Mark Bircher

Mark W. Bircher (born June 25, 1953)^[1] is a retired Marine Corps Reserve brigadier general, commercial pilot (Boeing 777), lawyer, scholar, and former Blue Angels pilot.^[2] He was a Republican Party candidate in Florida's 13th congressional district special election, 2014.^[2][3] He was the Republican candidate for the 2016 election in Florida's 13th congressional district.^[4]

Born (1953-06-25) June 25, 1953 (age 72)

Pensacola, Florida, U.S.

AllegianceUnited States

Branch

• United States Marine Corps
  • Marine Corps Reserve

Serviceyears

1976–2009

Quick facts Born, Allegiance ...

Mark Bircher
Official portrait
Born	(1953-06-25) June 25, 1953 (age 72) Pensacola, Florida, U.S.
Allegiance	United States
Branch	United States Marine Corps Marine Corps Reserve
Service years	1976–2009
Rank	Brigadier general
Commands	United States Marine Corps Forces, South 4th Marine Aircraft Wing Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 142
Conflicts	Iraq War
Awards	Bronze Star
Alma mater	United States Naval Academy

Close

Bircher is a graduate of the Naval Academy and the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN).^[1] He became a fighter pilot and flew the A-4 Skyhawk and F/A-18 Hornet. He was awarded the Bronze Star.^[5] He flew with the Blue Angels for three years. In 2003 he deployed to Iraq. In 2009 he retired from the Marine Corps Reserve as a Brigadier General.^[2]

Bircher ran as a conservative candidate in the Republican primary in the 2014 special election for Florida's 13th congressional district. Bircher finished third with 24% of the vote, behind State Representative Kathleen Peters (29%) and lobbyist David Jolly (45%) who went on to defeat Alex Sink in the March 11, 2014 special election.^[6]