In April of 2001, Marko was on his way to basic training and started Airborne School in September, just prior to the terrorist attacks on September 11.He excelled in his class, graduating in the top 10%, and was approached by the Ranger recruiter to attend the Ranger Indoctrination Program.

By November, Marko was a Ranger assigned to the elite 2nd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment, a unique special operations force comprised of specifically selected and well-trained soldiers. Within weeks he was on a plane headed for Kandahar, Afghanistan, establishing U.S. presence and bases used to support tactical operations.

Marko deployed a total of 12 times to Afghanistan and Iraq, spending four years and two months of his nearly 10 years with the Regiment in a war zone. Marko earned two Bronze Stars, one with valor and several Army Commendation Medals. His unit was directly involved in actions which resulted in being awarded (on two separate occasions) the Valorous Unit Award, which is given to units whose action would warrant the Silver Star for an individual.