Captain Mark D. Cieplinski is a native of Springfield, Massachusetts and is a graduate of Springfield Central High School. He entered military service with the United States Military Academy at West Point, class of 1994 and earned his Baccalaureate Degree as an Environmental Science Major. He also earned his commission as a Second Lieutenant and was branched Aviation. Upon successful completion of Initial Entry Rotor Wing Training at Fort Rucker, Alabama, Captain Cieplinski received orders for assignment to Japan and duty with the 78th Aviation Battalion, Camp Zama, Japan. Captain Cieplinski served as the UH-1H flight Platoon Leader, Battalion Adjutant/S1. He was also the Commander of Headquarters & Headquarters Detachment, 78th Aviation Battalion from October 1997 through November 1998. Upon his return to the United States he attended the Aviation Officers Advanced Course, Combined Arms Staff and Services School, and the School of Cadet Command before finally arriving at the University of Rhode Island, where he was assigned as the Assistant Operations Officer and Assistant Professor of Military Science. He has been serving as the Recruiting Operation Officer since May of 2000.

Captain Cieplinski is a graduate of the Aviation Officer Basic Course, Initial Entry Rotor Wing Aviation Course, UH-60 Aviator Qualification Course, Air Assault Course, Aviation Officer Advanced Course and the Combined Arms Services Staff School.

Captain Cieplinski's awards and badges include the Army Aviator Badge, Air Assault Badge, the Army Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon.

Captain Cieplinski is married to the former Christina Cavallo.