Tyler grew up in Texas and graduated from Boerne High School in 2004. From a young age, he was passionate about aviation and dreamed of becoming a pilot. Determined to reach that goal, he took advanced classes, joined JROTC, and earned his private pilot’s license before graduating. His dedication paid off when he received an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. He majored in aeronautical engineering and graduated in 2008.

After graduation, Tyler began pilot training at Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas. He excelled and earned his wings in 2010, also receiving an award for the highest check ride scores in his class. He was then stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington and assigned to the 93rd Air Refueling Squadron, flying KC-135 Stratotankers. In 2012, he was promoted to captain, and in 2013, he was certified as an aircraft commander. On May 3, 2013, during his sixth deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Tyler was on a combat aerial refueling mission when his aircraft suffered a flight control system failure. The resulting directional instability caused the plane to break apart. Tyler and his two crewmates lost their lives in the crash. Known for his exceptional aviation skills, leadership, and devotion to service, he was posthumously awarded his seventh Air Medal.

His legacy lives on in the hearts of his family, friends, and comrades, and in the young lives he continues to inspire through Capt. Mark Tyler Voss Middle School in Boerne, Texas, named in his honor.