| In this feature, Association CEO John Hawkins introduces you to people you see every day, but you might not know who they are. The Club reminds you that we all have names and stories to tell. |
Meet Mark DeLon
Date of interview: Dec. 7, 2022.
Location of interview: Third and Spring Streets downtown.
Birthday: Nov. 11, 1954.
Birthplace: “Tampa, Fla.”
Religion: “Protestant.”
Education: “High school.”
Moved to LA: Less than a year ago.
Family: “One brother two years older than me, and no sisters.” His father died recently, he says killed by a drunk driver. His mother passed away in a nursing facility.
Military: “I was drafted into the Army right out of high school. I did two tours in Vietnam.”
Service expertise: “I was a demolitions expert and carried an M16 and Colt .45.” Most of his time was spent in South Vietnam – Saigon and Da Nang.
Married? “Yes, after the Army. After ten years, my wife died of cancer.”
His journey: After he got married, he moved to San Diego. After his wife died, he moved to Portland, Ore. When work there dried up, he moved to Seattle and worked as a truck driver and short-order cook. From there he came to Los Angeles.
Current location: In a tent near the LA Times building at Third and Spring Streets.
Favorite candy: “All kinds, but my favorite is the original M&Ms.”
Favorite food: “I look forward to the free meal at Olive Garden every Thanksgiving. My favorite is the
spaghetti and meatballs, and lasagna.”
Favorite book: “I used to read when I was younger. I like Westerns – Louis L’Amour and Zane Grey.”
Alcohol: “Just alcohol and marijuana, but only recreationally. I know my limits.”
Favorite place in America: “Here in Los Angeles. Lots of people, tongues, traditions and cultures.”
Make a wish: “I don’t make wishes.”
Association CEO John Hawkins and Mark DeLon.
The Club gave Mark toiletries, food, $20 and bottled water. He had just had his wallet stolen and was grateful for the gifts to help him buy food.
The interview was conducted by John Hawkins, CEO, Los Angeles City Employees Association.
