Mark Chance was born in 1961 in California. He entered the U.S. Air Force Academy in June 1980, graduating and earning his commission as a 2d Lt on May 30, 1984. Lt Chance completed Undergraduate Navigator Training and was awarded his Navigator Wings at Mather AFB, California, in January 1985, and then attended Lead In Fighter Training at Holloman AFB, New Mexico, from March to June 1985. After completing F-4 Phantom II Weapon Systems Officer training, he served with the 163rd Tactical Fighter Group at March AFB, California, from March 1986 to May 1989, and then transitioned into the F-111 Aardvark. From October 1989 to November 1991, Capt Chance served with the 48th Tactical Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath, England. During this time, he participated in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm where he flew many combat missions throughout the campaign. He then transitioned to the F-15E Strike Eagle, and continued to serve with the 48th Fighter Wing at Lakenheath until March 1996. Maj Chance next served as a staff officer on the F-22 Raptor program with Headquarters Air Combat Command at Langley AFB, Virginia, from March 1996 to April 1999, followed by service with the 3rd Wing at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, from July 1999 to June 2002. Col Chance again served on the staff of Air Combat Command from June 2002 to July 2004, followed by Air War College at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, from July 2004 to June 2005. His next assignment was as Chief of F-22 Programming with Headquarters U.S. Air Force in the Pentagon from June 2005 to June 2006. From June 2006 to July 2008, Col Chance served on the staff of Headquarters Pacific Air Forces at Hickam AFB, Hawaii, followed by service as Commander of the 3rd Mission Support Group under the 3rd Wing at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, from July 2008 to August 2010. Col Chance next served as Deputy Director of the 612th Air and Space Operations Center at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, from August 2010 to October 2012, and then as Director of Strategic Requirements and Programming with 12th Air Force and Air Forces Southern at Davis-Monthan AFB from October 2012 until his retirement from the Air Force in September 2014. After his retirement, Mark worked as Civil Service employee of the U.S. Air Force at Headquarters Air Education and Training Command at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, from October 2014 to January 2015, and he is currently working as a Program Manager with USAA in San Antonio.

His Silver Star Citation reads:

Captain Mark A. Chance distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against the Republic of Iraq near Al Habbaniyah Airfield on 19 January 1991. On that date, Captain Chance assumed lead weapon systems officer duties of a 14 aircraft composite force package during a night attack against a runway used for MIG-29 operations. Despite air-to-air and surface-to-air missile attacks and extensive anti-aircraft artillery fire, he successfully rendered a MIG-29 airfield incapable of launching or recovering aircraft. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Chance has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.