First Command Financial Advisor - Mark Dierlam

Mark Dierlam joined First Command Financial Services as a Financial Advisor in May 1988, following a 26-year career in the United States Air Force, where he attained the rank of Colonel and Wing Commander. Mark understands the challenges and opportunities associated with life in the military and is committed to helping service members and their families get their financial lives squared away.

Mark has a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University and a Master’s degree in Management (Harvard MBA curriculum) from the School of Systems and Logistics Management at Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio. He holds Series 6, 63, 65, & 24 securities licenses plus life and health insurance licenses in Alabama.

Understanding that the biggest obstacle to financial security for most people is their own behavior, Mark serves as a personal financial coach to clients, continually reinforcing positive financial behaviors. His thorough knowledge of military pay and benefits enables him to advise clients on how to navigate the Blended Retirement System, properly allocate their contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and take full advantage of other benefits. Mark will work with you to establish specific, meaningful goals that are consistent with your values and then develop a personalized financial plan to guide your pursuit of those goals.

Active in his community, Mark is a board member of the Air University Foundation and is a founding member of the Wright Flyers. He has supported the Gathering of Eagles program and was past President of the Montgomery Chapter of the Air and Space Forces Association, President of Alabama State and Regional AFA and AFA National Finance Committee.

Mark's wife, Kay, is from Tyler, Texas and has worked for over 30 years as an executive assistant in the Alabama State Senate and currently works for a State Senator. They have three children; all USAF Academy graduates and retired Colonels. Mark and Kay are active members of Frazer Free Methodist Church. In his spare time, Mark is a Corvette enthusiast and collects Lionel trains.

First Command Financial Services was founded in 1958 by a retired Air Force officer for the specific purpose of improving the financial well-being of military professionals and their families. Today, more than 500 First Command Financial Advisors across the country and abroad, many of whom also served, are committed to the company’s Mission of
“Coaching those who serve in their pursuit of financial security.”