Mark Bramer was born on July 18, 1961, in Illinois. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on August 9, 1979, and completed basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas, in October 1979. Amn Bramer then attended Aircraft Maintenance School at Sheppard AFB, Texas, before serving as a T-38 Talon maintenance technician and Crew Chief at Columbus AFB, Mississippi, from 1980 to 1982. His next assignment was as an F-15 Eagle maintenance technician and Crew Chief at Bitburg AB, West Germany, from 1982 to 1984, followed by Flight Engineer training and E-3 Sentry Flight Engineer training. SSgt Bramer served as an E-3 flight engineer with the 965th Airborne Warning and Control Squadron at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, from 1985 to 1986. His final assignment was as an E-3 flight engineer with the 962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, from July 1986 until he was killed in the crash of an E-3B Sentry (Call Sign "Yukla 27") shortly after takeoff from Elmendorf AFB on September 22, 1995. Mark Bramer was buried at the Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church Cemetery in Schuylkill, Pennsylvania.

His Meritorious Service Medal Citation reads:

Members of Flight Yukla 27 distinguished themselves in the performance of outstanding service to the United States and Canada while serving as E-3 Airborne Warning and Air Control Systems air crew members assigned to 3rd Wing, 962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron and the 381st Air Intelligence Squadron, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. They consistantly demonstrated outstanding airmanship while providing long range airborne surveillance, detection, identification, and command and control during deployed operations and in the Alaska region. All were dedicated volunteers selflessly serving, and fully committed to the defense of their nations and the Alaska region. Our memory of these airmen will forever be of professionals who stepped to the front and answered the call to duty and made the ultimate sacrifice in the cause of peace and freedom. The distinctive accomplishments of each of these individuals reflect credit upon themselves, the United States Air Force, and Canadian Forces.

His 2nd Air Force Achievement Medal Citation reads:

Staff Sergeant Mark A. Bramer distinguished himself by outstanding achievement while assigned to the 962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron, 3rd Wing, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. During an eruption of Mount Spurr, a volcano 90 miles west of Elmendorf, he participated in the safe and efficient evacuation of the E-3, preventing serious damage to this valuable Air Force asset. The efforts of Sergeant Bramer reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

This medal was awarded just 2 months after his death for actions in August 1992.