Honoring Captain Mark Tyler Voss
Namesake of Voss Middle School
Captain Mark Tyler Voss was a devoted son, loyal friend, passionate aviator, and decorated officer in the United States Air Force. A 2004 graduate of Boerne High School, Tyler’s legacy lives on not only in the hearts of those who knew him, but in the halls of Voss Middle School, where his name inspires our students every day to lead with character, curiosity and compassion.
From a young age, Tyler demonstrated a remarkable sense of purpose and dedication. He had a strong love for aviation and automobiles, and a hands-on approach to learning that fueled both passions. As a sophomore in high school, he received his first vehicle—a 1983 Ford Bronco—and immediately enrolled in an automotive course at St. Philip’s College to learn how to care for
and improve it. One day on his way to class, Tyler encountered a car stranded in a low water crossing. Without hesitation, he used his Bronco to pull the car and its driver to safety. That moment captured the essence of who Tyler was: brave, helpful, and always ready to step up when others needed him.
Later in high school, he received a 1990 Nissan twin-turbo 300ZX—a sleek, powerful car that quickly became his pride and joy. Just before heading off to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the car’s engine failed. But Tyler, never one to give up on something he loved, had his parents tow the car all the way to Colorado Springs. There, between rigorous coursework and cadet training, he found time to rebuild the engine himself—often working late into the night in the Academy’s Aeronautical Engineering labs, machining custom parts by hand. His determination and mechanical ingenuity reflected the same work ethic he brought to every aspect of his life.
Tyler graduated from the Air Force Academy in 2008 and went on to become a C-17 pilot. He proudly served his country with distinction and was deeply respected by his peers and commanding officers. In 2013, during Operation Enduring Freedom, Captain Voss was one of three airmen tragically killed while supporting military operations in Afghanistan. He was just 27 years old.
Captain Voss’s story is one of honor, courage, and selfless service. At Voss Middle School, we are proud to bear his name. We work every day to instill in our students the values he lived by—dedication, kindness, perseverance, and the belief that you can always make a difference. Whether
through academic pursuits, acts of service, or personal growth, our goal is to reflect his spirit in everything we do.
Though Tyler’s life was cut tragically short, his legacy continues to grow through the lives of the students who walk our halls, learn his story, and carry forward his example. By sharing these memories, we invite our school community to know Tyler—not only as the namesake of our school, but as a hometown son whose love for cars, service, and hard work shaped a legacy that still lives here today.
