Past Guestbook Comments

Kevin Falsetto said:   September 15th, 2018 6:14 am

Mr. Brown - I want to personally thank you for providing my wife and I with the knowledge and deeper understanding of the 0081 retirement system. As we've met a few times over the years, it's been very exciting for us to follow the growth of my FERS retirement, and I am now in a position to take advantage of the ability to retire at a fairly early age. I am grateful for the most recent chance to attend your briefing as it has increased my knowledge to better help the firefighters that I work with and to ensure our department is doing everything we can to assist and guide our workforce. Your program is much more than retirement planning and projections, it is retirement education! However, most importantly, it allowed me to make the best informed decisions for my family. Again, Thank you for guiding and informing my wife and I so the decisions we made put us in a position to look at our future. I know we will be very comfortable for many years to come. Thank You! Kevin Falsetto Deputy Fire Chief Fort Campbell Fire and Emergency Services

Joseph D'Ambrosio said:   August 16th, 2017 5:33 am

Mark, I have just received my final retirement numbers from OPM. Your calculations were high by $12.00 dollars. I can live with that and wanted to drop you a note thanking you for your assistance over the years. The advice you have given will benefit my family for many years to come. Please continue your work assisting the individuals that want help. Thanks, Joe D'Ambrosio Assistant Fire Chief NIH Fire Department (Retired)

Margaret DeRupa said:   July 13th, 2017 8:57 am

Enjoyed our first meeting today.....Anxious to see my numbers tomorrow.....

Jim and Donna Rhodes said:   January 24th, 2017 1:34 pm

DoDEA teacher, Guam, USA--Where America's Retirement Day Begins! Mark, Thank you very much for assisting us with organizing our retirement funds and minimizing our taxable income! You're humor and your expertise in the field make the workshop enjoyable and understandable! Our one-on-one session, truly helped us understand how we should be appointing our money to maximize our retirement funds. But most importantly, you eased our minds as to what we will have for funding in our retirement. Truly, truly, thank you!

David De Jesus said:   December 17th, 2016 8:41 am

GS-0081, Installation Fire Chief, Puerto Rico Air National Guard. Thank you so much Mark for your visit and presentation. I have learned more from Mark about setting myself up for the best retirement than I have 28 years from anyone else. After listening to his presentation, I feel more excited about the potentials of my retirement funds. His knowledge of TSP and the federal retirement system is amazing. I have learned from Mark's presentation how to save money from paying into taxes and make that money work for me in my TSP. His explanation on how to properly allocate TSP contributions to maximize my returns is an eye-opener. High3Team and Mark are the best investment to learn your retirement system and its benefits early. Thank you Mark!

Hilary Tuttle, District Chief, Fort Campbell KY said:   December 12th, 2016 10:21 pm

Hi Mark, I wanted to thank you again. My department had you nine years ago and I followed though on the advice with the MEA calculations. It did not affect my pay and yet it doubled my contributions. With out your advice I do not feel that I would be in such a healthy financial outlook for retirement. You have greatly affected my future and I can not thank you enough. I urge everyone to take his class and listen. Thanks again. I look forward to the day that I call you and tell you I really want to retire that year:) - Hilary Tuttle, Fort Campbell Ky

ANTHONY AFONSO said:   April 1st, 2016 5:38 am

I'm with msc on the usns big horn.please contact me I would like to retire in 2017 with 40 years 12 navy 28 msc. I need your help I was referred by LESTER EVERHART from usns wally schirra.

Scott Pistoresi said:   January 11th, 2016 9:05 pm

Mark was very flexible and sailed with us onboard a Navy Auxiliary ship to Guam. The presentation was outstanding. He was able to work around everyone's schedule and was available almost 24 hours a day. He is perfect for presenting in a unique environment such as a ship that has odd work shifts and unexpected events. He is very personable and the presentations are very enjoyable. He has been a big help to me and the crew onboard the USNS AMELIA EARHART. Thank you Mark, we really appreciate the effort you put in to make sure everyone was able to get their FERS retirement information.

Mark Brown said:   December 9th, 2015 3:01 am

Mark Brown said: April 8th, 2015 9:21 pm PLEASE DO NOT MAKE INQUIRIES REQUESTING I CONTACT YOU ON THIS PAGE WITHOUT PROVIDING AN E-MAIL AND CONTACT NUMBER(S)

Mark Brown said:   December 9th, 2015 2:59 am

Again, this GUESTBOOK PAGE is for comments........ If you need information..... You need to e-mail me. Joe, I have no idea who you are or your e-mail address.

Joseph Scaglione said:   December 9th, 2015 1:37 am

Please email me the federal firefighter breakdown for home mortgages. The lender needs documentation to complete the loan process.

Gary Alvidrez said:   November 19th, 2015 8:12 am

Gary Alvidrez, Retired Fire Chief NAS Lemoore. We had Mark visit our installation in August time frame 2014. I had already submitted my paper work into OPM for my retirement. I gave a years notice. Mark reviewed all my pre-retiremnt package with the projected numbers. Mark made me feel so comfortabe that my choice to retire was (in his words, "why are you still working?") the correct action. Since then Mark has become a great friend that to this day continues to help me my my questions and concerns . Mark goes that extra mile which most people could learn from. Mark utilized his expertize to ensure all of us (less knowledgeable fire house counselors) that we are ready and what to expect in our retirement numbers. Thank you Mark for doing what you did for Monique and I. Retired at 50 years of age and living the dream!!!!

John & Desiree said:   October 29th, 2015 2:38 pm

From NAVFAC Marianas Counsel and Regional Energy Manager. What a treat to receive retirement training and practical financial advice from Mark! Mark is very generous with his wisdom and is funny and a pleasure to learn from. We walked away with some homework to position ourselves even better for life after the Federal government. Thank you, Mark!

Mark Parsons said:   August 8th, 2015 12:38 am

I am in Iwakuni Japan and Mark Brown's retirement presentation is the best I have ever experienced. In the past we've had civil service retirement specialist come to Iwakuni for retirement seminars, but Mark Brown's depth of knowledge and personal service far exceeded the previous presenters. His services are most highly recommended!!

Mark Brown said:   April 9th, 2015 11:21 am

PLEASE DO NOT MAKE INQUIRIES REQUESTING I CONTACT YOU ON THIS PAGE WITHOUT PROVIDING AN E-MAIL AND CONTACT NUMBER(S)

Marc Shaw said:   April 9th, 2015 6:44 am

Mark do you have contact info I have some retirement questions. Thanks Marc

Jerry P. Sack (Retired Fire Chief MCAS Miramar) said:   January 16th, 2015 3:56 pm

I forgot to mention... Buy your Military Time back as soon as possible. However, better late than never! Just a friendly reminder and poke... Four (4) years of Military time, equates for 8% added to your "High Three" toward your Retirement (on the backside of your Fire Service Career). Be SAFE and invest wisely!

Jerry P. Sack said:   January 16th, 2015 12:14 pm

What a sincere pleasure for me to be able to address the Fed Fire (Metro Area) San Diego Firefighters, regarding my LESSONS LEARNED from my 31 years in the Federal Fire Service (DoD). My simple and easy message to all DoD Firefighters is; carry the max A/L on the books, earn comp-time and use it in lieu of Sick Leave (it's leagal), put your S/L toward your Retirement and work "some' Comp-time instead all overtime (when You are being over taxed). Have fun in your job and live the American Dream of "Being a Firefighter!" Be SAFE...

Ronald Waniewski said:   September 20th, 2014 2:49 am

Dear Mr. Brown, (Mark) Please contact me for info. My ret., date is Nov 2015. I am playing "catch up", I think. H.2526371911. C. 2522881352. Thank you!

Erique Bacon said:   July 12th, 2014 12:01 am

GS-0081, Fort Polk. Wow, thank you so much Mark and Sammy for your visit and presentation. In just a few short hours I learned more from this man about setting myself up for the best retirement than I have 12+ years from everyone else combined. The break down of the LES,the SF-50, and how those of us in the "Special Category" retirement is so much different. We got answers that no one in CPO has ever been able to answer correctly. Also we learned how to save money from paying into taxes and make that money work for us in our TSP. What he showed us is now the difference between retiring with maybe a quater million to retiring with a few million dollars. Also the importance of saving sick leave and how to buy your military time back for free. Thank You so much Mark and Sammy, I look forward to talking with you in the future.

tim simmons said:   January 18th, 2014 9:23 am

was forwarded to you from bob carr retired fire chief. M situation is I had 21 years of service,10years NAF (MWR) and 10.5 of FERS. I have been receiving my NAF since I turned 50.DOB7-7-1955. Over my Career I was at NAS Adak,ak, Yokosuka, japan, Sasebo ,Japan, and GS position in NAS Willow Grove, Pa.GS position from may 92 to 2002. Looking for assistance in starting my FERS retirement. Can you help. (portability)

Manny Alam, AC Ops Souda Bay Crete, Greece said:   January 12th, 2014 4:38 am

Souda Bay just enjoyed a visit from the High3Team- Mark Brown. I was fortunate enough to have sat with Mark 8 years ago. I utilized what I learned then and it has been very rewarding thus far. I am eagerly looking forward to see what the future holds with the new information we obtained. Mark provides unparalleled customer service, sheer dedication to helping Federal employees and is focused on having 100% satisfaction. He meticulously breaks down the information ensuring all personnel understand the process, he ensures everyone has more than enough one-on-one time, and he seamlessly becomes an irreplaceable asset. Thanks to this opportunity, all the employees are now better prepared for retirement, those closer to retirement are at ease about the process, and everyone has a POC to aid them in their transition. This should be a mandatory course for all federal employees. Thank you for everything Mark and always a pleasure! Looking forward to seeing you again and thank you for what you do! I highly recommend obtaining his services!

Kim R. Moore said:   December 12th, 2013 3:08 pm

Words cannot express the gratitude I have for Mark Brown. When it came to preparing my paperwork for retirement, I was afraid of making a serious and irreversible mistake that my wife, family and I would have to live with. He was there to explain things to me. Mark helped me in ways that you cannot imagine and also taught me so many things that i was unaware of in my retirement. Ultimately, my retirement went quickly and smoothly. He was there for me from the beginning to the end. My personal office recommended for me to contact my BEST retirement counselor. And that's what I did. Mark was the BEST retirement counselor I could have asked for. I do recommend, to those young in your career, to learn your retirement system and its benefits early. Learn about your investment system and build your portfolio early and do not procrastinate. Mark is the one to begin that path with! Thanks Mark for everything! Stay Safe! Kim Capt. Dover AFB FD (GS8)

John Sherrill said:   September 19th, 2013 9:46 am

Mark, I'd like to thank you for all that you do first and foremost. As convoluted as our retirement is you manage to cut through the bs and make it understandable thank you for that. I called you awhile back with a question about TSP and being penalized a 10% for early withdraw as this is what TSP people told me and with your assistance you steered me clear of bad information. Wit rule 72T this helped a lot. Again thanks. V/r John T

Jim Fremeau said:   December 26th, 2012 11:59 am

I had participated in your program in the past. Our Dept. has exspaned with several new employees that do not have prior govn't service. I would like to get you guys back . email me.

Shawn Welch Fairchild Fire Department, WA said:   November 7th, 2012 8:43 am

Mark, Thank you again for the information and education you have given to our department. Without your help I would have been struggling with retirement. The wrong retirement code " K vs M" would have been a disaster later in my career. Remember Mark "IT'S FREE" LOL

Kris M said:   November 6th, 2012 6:35 am

Mark, Thanks for investing your time into learning our system better than the our employer. I wish we could have done this at the beginning of our career, but you were outstanding and I am privileged to have met you. I never knew our retirement was better than CSRS. This by far was the best class I have received from the Air Force. Every department should invest into the High 3 Team!

Rosita A. Mahony said:   October 31st, 2012 1:58 pm

Hafa Adai Mark! We have never met yet you have assisted me with strategizing for a more effective retirement. Your kindness, patience and efforts do not go unnoticed. Despite your hectic schedule you manage to make time to provide me information that truly is vital to retirement planning. DANGKULO NA SI YU'OS MA'ASE! (Tremendous thank you!)

Sean Villagomez said:   April 3rd, 2012 1:14 am

Mark...Thank you for the knowledge and tools that will help make more money for my wife...lol...I may just find a way to make a small cut for myself =) I really appreciate the help figuring out how to manage TSP, I'm glad I have this info early in my career. Hope you had a great trip back to Guam. Take care!

Captain Merle Davis - NSA Crane, Indiana said:   March 7th, 2012 10:59 pm

Mark, I wanted to tell you thanks for coming to the fire station and shedding some light on the TSP system and the Firefighter retirement. The information that you provided for us was a great help which will help us to be able to provide for our families much better down the road. After your visit in July of 2011 I have personally been able to harvest over $5,000 for my TSP account, My balance has gone from $XXXXXX to $XXXXXX in just 8 months. Others have been able to harvest double that amount in the same time frame. This is money I am sure, would have been lost had I taken the "LET IT RIDE!!" approach and had I not came to the workshop. Thanks again, Captain Merle D. Davis NSA Crane Fire Department 

Gary Stirzinger said:   October 25th, 2011 10:38 am

Mark... i was once at Ft sill Oklahoma now i'm at selfridge AFNG base and went to your class and learned so much that has benefited me in my long career and i'm so thankful for your knowledge. I'm just excited for the next time our path cross so i can get all the new updates oo how things have changed and if im on the right path for the future. Thank for everything Gary

Jeff Danielson said:   October 23rd, 2011 4:15 am

Thanks for the education you shared with the firefighters at Fort Leonard Wood. It has been eight months now since your visit and your class is still the discussion of many conversations. I want to thank you for what you shared with us and thanks to Local F-108 for getting this brought to us.

Dan Bilbo said:   September 12th, 2011 10:14 am

Yo, what can I say that these guys haven't. Thanks for everything!

Jason Greene - Ft Knox Fire Dept said:   September 12th, 2011 10:12 am

Thanks for all your help explaining how circus freaks retirement works. Hopefully I will be able to build on this info and expand what I have. Thanks Again!

Guy Turpen WS6652 Homestead ARB, FL said:   September 1st, 2011 3:25 am

Great seminar with valuable information. This would be a great introduction to new employee's to set their careers on the right path to success. Thanks Mark 

Kenny Gray said:   August 2nd, 2011 9:21 am

Great web site thanks for the imformation

Bryan Frayser said:   July 30th, 2011 4:18 am

Mark, thanks for all help. Looking forward to seeing you at the conference. stay safe. Bryan

Mike Keating said:   July 9th, 2011 12:07 am

Mark - Great Site!!! Keep up the great work you are doing for all of us!! -Mike

Rick Gilleland, Retired 0081-GS-13, Fort Sill, OK said:   June 2nd, 2011 4:06 pm

Hi Mark, I am sending you a question from a retired DoD F/F doing contract work in Afghanistan. 

Rosendo Ortiz said:   April 20th, 2011 3:49 pm

I have been a member of Defense Logistics Agency San Joaquin In CA, for three years. I have meet Mr Brown back in 2008 and have found his info invaluable. My oranginzation has brougt him out twice and many members of my organization have benifited from his knowledge of TSP and federal system. I highly encourage anyone how has the opportunity to seat and listen to him. He is meticulous when he seats with you to explaine your retirement. He has cought numerous errors in retirement codes for members of my orginization. HR was not as versed as he was and his info has made understanding TSP a hole lot less intimidating. I'm honored to be a part of a department that cares enough about it's members to invest in bringing him out for use. I wish all of you a great and safe carrear and listen carefully to him, it's your retirement you deserve the best. Sincere wishes to all how read this. God Bless America and those how protect it.