Pictures of Homecoming Ceremony

Welcome home MARKY!

Welcome HOME Mark sign hung on the front of our house. "Welcome Home Mark- Husband, Best friend, and Hero." First time we will both be permanent residents together there!

Together in formation waiting to be released. Complete with the soldiers who came home early due to injury.

Just seeing them put me in tears. I couldn't spot Mark in the sea of uniforms- but I knew he was somewhere in that room!

Our plan for me to wear a yellow dress for him to spot me was a success. He found me- and that first hug and kiss was quite possibly the best moment of my life thus far.

I can't even explain our smiles in this photo- so incredibly happy.

Since homecoming we have been enjoying our time together at home. I have someone to cook dinners for again (or someone rather to help me cook dinners and clean up!). We have laid pretty low the last few days- just enjoying the lazy company together.

Thank you family and friends for your love and support over the last year. It helped make the year more manageable and I know Mark and I both appreciated the continuous outpouring of encouragement and prayers. And with that- this will likely be the last blog post hopefully for at least a few years.

Much Love,

Angie

I'm Home!

Dear friends and family,

I’m home! Many thanks for all of your love and support over the last year. You made my deployment much easier. It was a busy last few weeks as we received and prepared the new unit to replace us. We gave them everything we had and worked hard until our very last day. The road home took me several days and I finally flew in late on the evening of the 16th and arrived at home very early on the morning of the 17th. Angie was there to welcome me home along with one of her friends who she recruited as the team photographer. It was great to see both of them.

I am absolutely in love with Washington. It has been right around 70 degrees. A great departure from the 119 degrees I heard reported in the weather report for Kandahar two days after we left. The grass is green here, the streets are clean, and most of all I have Angie here with me. It has been simply wonderful. I will have two weeks of reintegration, classes, and doctors/dental checkups and then will start some much awaited block leave (vacation)! We don’t have any big plans. Things will be mostly relaxed. We have a friend’s wedding to attend in Wisconsin and I will spend some time with the family there. Other than that we will do a few small trips around Washington and Oregon and hopefully one to the east coast. Thanks again for your support. It feels great to be home. I cannot wait until I can see you in person.

Regards, Mark

Second LAST blog post

Hello everyone,

SECOND LAST BLOG POST for this deployment! I couldn't be more thrilled to share that. My communication with Mark the last 3 weeks has been sparse to say the least. He has been extremely busy and has gotten very little sleep. I have gotten a few short e-mails here and there- but most of them say the same thing. I love you, I miss you, it's hot, and I'm tired. He has shared that he has been averaging 2-3 hours a sleep a night for the last 3 weeks or so. And while he has tried taking naps during the afternoon- the attempts are usually unsuccessful due to the tents being so hot from not having air conditioning in the summer heat.

However, with that being said as each of these 3 weeks has passed I can tell he is more and more tired- but the morale is getting higher and higher as he knows he will soon be home! That thought I'm sure has helped to keep him going.

He shared in an e-mail late last week the good news that their replacements have arrived! The long hours continue but "it's what has to be done to get out of here." We have gotten word of a 3 day window for their arrival home. I can't share exact details of that online for safety reasons- but do know the next post that will be on here is pictures of homecoming! I cannot be more thrilled and more excited. This year is almost over!

Love

Angie

Nearing End of Deployment/Graduation

Hello everyone! I hope everyone is doing well- we are nearing the end of deployment! I couldn't be more excited. It is starting to feel closer and closer with each week that passes.

Today, I got to Skype with Mark. First time in a LONG time that we got to see each other. Partially because he has been very busy, but also because I have been pretty busy as well. It was great. He is looking like a little skinny, but nothing some regular meals won't fix when he gets home with lots of fruits and vegetables. He left me a voicemail a few days ago, and I swear the highlight of his month was getting to eat some fruit--- green grapes! Fresh fruits and vegetables are rare for him- so we will be sure to have lots on hand and in meals when he does get home.

As for how he is doing- his days are long. He has been quite busy with trying to complete all the tasks that need to be done so him and his unit can get out of there soon, in addition to the normal daily tasks and patrols. While the end is in sight for me- I can tell that it doesn't seem quite as close to him yet. Morale overall is pretty low. It is quite evident that they are near the end of deployment. Everyone wants to be home. Patrols are getting incredibly hot and uncomfortable. Temperatures this week have been floating around 108 degrees. Mark even mentioned that after his high noon patrol his boots were soaked completely through with sweat. I can only imagine how the rest of him was!

As for me, I have been holding up pretty well- staying busy for sure! For me, the last month has flown by. Mother's day (May 9th) I graduated with my clinical doctorate in physical therapy back home in WI from Carroll University. With that, I am happy to announce I am DONE (forever and ever) with school and am now technically Dr. Angela Kloiber (not that I will ever have anyone address me that way). Mark even pointed out to me that I will now "outrank" him until he is promoted to Colonel-- which is a LONG way down the road. So until then- it will be Dr. and Lt Mark Kloiber.

As for graduation, it was a bittersweet end. So glad to be done with formal classes, however, difficult to say goodbye to my fellow classmates- who have been a great part of my support group over the last three years. Thank you to my classmates, family, friends, and Mark for their endless and wonderful support over the last 6 years. I could not have done it without them.

This graduation I know was hard for Mark to miss- he has been through every step of my college experience with me (supporting and encouraging me every step of the way- even when I was doubting myself.) Unfortunately, he has missed both my undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremonies. However, he was there in spirit and thought. Even though he was unable to be present, he thoughtfully crafted a letter for me to read at my graduation party. He had sent it to his parents to give to me- it was a wonderful surprise and helped to fill the hole/gap that was missing from that day.

So for the next upcoming weeks I will be studying and preparing to take my National Boards Exam. I will begin working at Apple Physical Therapy on July 5th right here in Yelm (the town Mark and I live in- population 3,500). I am very blessed to be going into a profession that offers some great career opportunities right now. Mark and my paths will soon cross. We will soon (for the first time ever since we began dating) be living in the same state, let alone same house- while it all seems very real and soon to me- please pray that the time passes quickly for Mark. I know he is just as excited as I am for the next phase of our lives- but it just feels a bit far away.

With that- I think you are all up to date. I hope everyone is doing well.... and we are almost to the end! If anyone would like to personally welcome Mark home feel free to send cards to our home address: 10435 Brighton St SE, Yelm, WA 98597. I will be sure to have them out and ready for him to greet him when he walks in the door.

Love

Angie

Mark's Company Commander on NBC Nightly News

As we near the end of the deployment, I wanted to share with you all a story that was aired on NBC nightly news with Brian Williams on May 4th. It is a short story covering Army Captain Andy Sergent. Andy is Mark's Company Commander. What you see in the footage is some of what Mark is doing as well.  Erica, his wife, and I have been friends throughout the deployment so to see their story aired was truly touching and really hit home. Its not often you can point at the television and say- I know that person and I can relate first hand to all of that (minus having kids).

The segment shows Andy trying to call his middle child to wish her a happy birthday and being bummed to miss her. I know with my upcoming graduation on Sunday to receive my doctorate in physical therapy Mark is feeling the same way- very excited and happy for me, but bummed to be missing it.

Enjoy the links, keep sending prayers, they are almost home.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/42906536#42906536

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/42906536#42906113


Love
Angie

Mark's reaction

Last night will be a day I remember likely for my whole life. I can think back to September 11th and know exactly where I was and what I was doing. Yesterday night will likely be another one of those days that I remember all the details of for the remainder of my life.

Prior to Mark leaving for this deployment, I told him I needed to hear from him why exactly again he wanted to be in the military. His answer was quick and simple- I've always wanted to lead soldiers. Mark's love with West Point and the Army started before 9/11. He remembers the dream starting in 8th grade. He recognizes his grandfather as a significant influence in his life as well as his uncles for wanting to join the Army. So while the news of the death of Osama bin Laden was huge news last night to me- I knew this terrorist and his actions was not the only reason Mark joined the military.

Mark has been incredibly busy the last several weeks. In addition to the normal demands of his job duties, the guys are packing up their first round of stuff to ship back home, and the details of the end of deployment are quickly approaching. While I have heard minimally from him, I hear just enough to not worry too much additionally about him. I get short e-mails once every day or every other day- and that is more than enough to get me through.

Late last night I got a text from the wife of Mark's SFC that I am good friends with. It said 4 words "Bin Laden is Dead!!!!!" She knows that I avoid the news usually and have plead ignorance for the last 11 months due to the news usually worrying more than what is necessary. I immediately flipped on the news for maybe the 3rd time this deployment, and shot Mark an e-mail. In the subject line was "Bin Laden DEAD". A short message in the body of the e-mail stated:

Hi baby dear,
Just wanted to spread the good news!!! Osama bin laden has been killed and his body is in US custody. I can't explain how big my smile is. I'm curious your feelings. I love you.

Mark's response made my smile even larger. Not more than an hour later I got a response from him:

Hey Baby,
F***ing right! I just saw that news too. I'm glad that evil has been taken away from this earth. I love you! Your, Mark

Earlier in the week and over the last month you could tell morale had been on the decline. The end of deployment wearing on everyone, and this news only re-energized not only Mark, but I'm sure the rest of the guys over there. As I wrote on my Facebook wall- this kind of news is what makes having Mark deployed all worth while. I may not understand all the smaller details and reasons why Afghanistan is a better place because he and his guys are there- but this I can understand very well.

God bless America- Land of the free because of the Brave.

Love,

Angie

May 1st Deadline

Hello all,

Short and sweet this time. The deadline for sending mail and packages to Mark is May 1, 2011. After that date mail will not be delivered to their location and may (or may not) get returned to you. This is a TRUE sign the end is almost here!!!

Love

Angie

Hello APRIL!

Hello APRIL and hello everyone!

April is finally here and we are off to a decent start. It has been a while since I posted on the blog. We are in month 10 of deployment and by now Mark's job has stayed consistent enough that I find myself asking him a lot less questions about his job. I feel like I have a really good understanding of what he does day to day which has taken several months to learn but I think this is partially why I have less updating to do here on the blog.

Just a few things- the memorials of the two fallen soldiers that occurred in March were very moving and very personal. I was in attendance as were many wives and other soldiers. It was standing room only. Both soldier's families were in attendance, and many individuals spoke of each soldiers bravery, values, desires, and of fond memories. I hope it was touching to the families and aides them in their healing process. The other two severely injured soldiers that were in the same vehicle as one of the fallen when they hit a roadside IED were also present. They are looking amazing and are well into rehab. One is out of the hospital and back at home still taking part in intense rehab, and the other will be home soon. They were both in good spirits- but you could tell the pain they were going through to be at that memorial. I can only imagine some of the thoughts and emotions they had that day.

As for Mark, he wrote in an earlier e-mail the following:

"I have about 35 Soldiers in my platoon and they are amazing. Being a platoon leader is everything I had hoped for and more. That said, I am way ready to get back home. My Soldiers are still great. They continue to do outstanding work. They are dedicated and committed- especially to each other. There are some frustrations about the whole deployment and Afghanistan- they are all ready to go home. I can't blame them. I am ready to go too. I am indeed missing everyone- and it's starting to get hot here again. I just need them to stay focused until we land back home. We have two months and some change remaining on what will be a complete year long deployment (deployed last June) They need to keep their heads in the game- that's one of my greatest concerns."

Mark looking a little thinner these days-

but smiling and a spotted care package on the left!

As for other updates- the company commander (who's wife I am also good friends with) came and spoke to the wives and families on post over his R&R. It was an open question/answer session that was helpful to many. After the session, the commander sought me out to inform me that Mark is doing a really commendable job as a platoon leader. As the commander stated- he has one of the harder platoons but has been doing a really good job. It made me smile- but I wouldn't expect anything otherwise from Mark. That's just what he does and its the kind of person he is.

One more thing regarding Mark, with the middle of April quickly approaching if you would like to send a package/letter to Mark I would suggest doing so in the next month. After that space and time will be limited! The END is in sight!

As for me, I'm getting anxiously ready for graduation which is one month exactly from today! I am finishing up my last clinical affiliation which I have been loving (except for the hour commute each way to work). AND I have a potential job offer coming in the next week or two! All in all a very exciting time. Lots of things too look forward to in the very near future and then the ultimate thing - FINALLY having my husband home! It has been nearly 300 days since he initially left. I can't wait- this deployment is almost over!

With love,

Angie

170th MP Company- 1st Platoon- Rogue Platoon

Hello All,

Just a bit of an update after last weeks tragic events. The memorial for the two fallen soldiers will occur later this month at Fort Lewis and the company's injured soldiers are now all here stateside starting their long road to recovery. Thank you for the prayers and please continue to keep them, their families, and the soldiers of the 170th in your prayers. 

Attached below is a photo taken recently of Mark's platoon (1st Platoon) that he is leading. Mark truly loves these guys and calls them a part of his family. They are working hard and Mark states he is glad to be fortunate enough to work with such great people. (Mark is on the bottom right of the photo looking especially bald these days).

From the home front- we are getting down to the final three months of deployment. As the weather gets nicer here in WA I am reminded everyday of just how long it has been since this deployment has started. Yes, at times it seems that life is crawling- but overall the thought of being well over half way (and into double digits) is enlightening. The end is in sight. However, with the recent losses and injuries I am reminded that each day that passes with no news is still a good day and those days that I do get e-mails or phone calls are truly a blessing.

With Love,
Angie

More Prayers

What a hard and challenging week this has been for the 170th. The FRG (family readiness group) was notified yesterday evening of another fallen soldier this one from Mark's platoon, and two others who were injured. Please send your prayers to the family of these brave soldiers in addition to all of the families and soldiers of the 170th. It has been a very challenging week for everyone. I received an e-mail from Mark this afternoon and his message was very tough to read knowing that he is grieving as well but that he feels as though he is making a difference and doesn't regret joining the military even under these very challenging times. Mark writes that it is during times like these his leadership skills and qualities are needed most by his soldiers. Again- please keep all of our men and women of uniform and their families in your prayers. They are needed more than ever.

Love

Ang

Prayers

Dear Family and Friends,

This has been the hardest blog post to write. It is with this blog a plea for prayers. Early this week the 170th MP company suffered its first loss. It is first that I ask for prayers and support for this soldier's family, friends, and those left behind who loved him most. In addition to the loss two other soldiers were severely injured. I ask for prayers for them and their family as friends as well as they go through recovery and healing. The soldiers were conducting patrols through Kandahar in a convoy when the 2nd vehicle hit a very large IED. The three soldiers in the vehicle were all affected. I have heard briefly from Mark via e-mail which was a relief, but at the same time very difficult knowing that other families and wives did not receive similar news. Please keep Mark's unit in your prayers and all of the 170th MP company as we all grieve with the loss of one of our own Dragon Slayers. Please keep them in your hearts, ask God to protect them, and continue to send prayers for the families that have been shaken by the horrible events of the week.

Love

Angie

Operation Love

Some of you may have already seen via Facebook- but Mark and I got a wonderful opportunity to take part in a program called Operation Love Reunited (www.oplove.org) over his R&R. The program is made up of photographers all around the country who volunteer their time and donate a photo album from your photo session that they send downrange to the deployed soldier. Typically the album consists of twenty five 4x6 photos. The program is open to any military soldier who is deployed. Photos are typically taken either at departure, R&R, or homecoming. Here is how the website describes their program.

If you have ever been through a military deployment, there are no words to explain how hard it is to send the father or mother of your children off to some foreign, dangerous land, leaving you all behind…. Alone. It’s indescribable to watch their faces light up as their mother or father comes up the stairs of the airport after months, possibly a year or more, of not hugging each other. Emotions fly through the main lobby, it’s so very good to have them home. Your base’s Family Support Squadron will help you with your deployment. But the last thing on your mind when your wife or husband arrives home after a 4 to 18 month tour, is capturing all this love– on film. Most people are so overwhelmed with emotions they forget to simply point and shoot the camera they are grasping of their child’s first hug, or that single tear of relief from a mother being able to hold her twenty year old son again. With the help of Operation: Love ReUnited and local photographers near your base, you can.

The Operation helps those long months go by a little faster. It’s designed to capture moments that you will never remember. It’s art. It’s love. And it’s all made possible by artists wanting to give something back to those who make the United States what it is, and ask for nothing in return- but to come home.

Please if you know of any other deployed families forward them the program website. It was a wonderful and truly touching experience for both Mark and I. Below you can see some of the photos that were taken through this wonderful program by Jeffrey Ott (who was awesome!).

Enjoy- Love,

Angie

February Rolls on By

Hello All,

Well it has been a rather quiet February, which with a deployment on hand, is not a bad thing! Mark has been settling into his job and as of today has 2 and a half weeks under his belt as a platoon leader. He is absolutely loving his job. I can't even explain how the tone of his e-mails has changed. I can tell he is loving his job even if it means less sleep, less family talk time, and all the other sacrifices that this job brought. I think for him- the opportunities it has brought has been what has made the big difference- with the main opportunity to lead soldiers. He is absolutely loving that responsibility.

We have found out that mail is considerably slower at the new location. Mail gets delivered only once a week. So if you plan on sending any packages with perishable food items- Mark has informed me to try sending items on Fridays. Sending packages on Fridays will help to minimize the chance of your preishables getting some extra bake time sitting on a truck bed in the sun. My package that I sent on the 5th (a Saturday) still has yet to arrive- though I know that Maryellen's (Mark's Mom) package that she sent on the 4th (a Friday) has arrived.

Communication overall has exceeded my initial thoughts and concerns. Always a bit of relief! We do talk much less than before- but knowing that he is loving what he is doing makes it worth it. However with that being said, satellite phones have little to be desired- but they do get the job done. Before the phone cuts out after 2 minutes or less- I at least know he is okay and usually happy!

Though I would never wish a deployment upon anyone- this journey has helped me to realize many things about myself, Mark, and our relationship. For me- it has helped me realize just what a strong and independent woman that I have become. Mark continues to amaze me in his ability to make me feel so loved and taken care of from so far away. I have never felt so connected to him and amazingly with so little contact. Whoever thought that was possible!?

Love

Angie

An Army write up about the 504th

Troops see progress in training Afghan police - Army News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Army Times

Enjoy the read. It makes me nervous to know that summer is around the corner. When the temperature warms- historically Taliban activity also increases. Keep Mark and his men in your prayers.

Love

Angie

Address change & an e-mail from Mark!

Hello all,
Since Marks' job has changed he also has a change in is address. In case you would like to send any mail or packages please use the following address.

1LT Kloiber, Mark

KAF

1st Platoon, 170 MP Co

504 BN

APO AE 09355

 Please help me spread the word so that others (who may not check the blog regularly) know that his address has changed. I also got an e-mail from Mark telling me a bit about his new location! The e-mail is a bit of a sigh of relief knowing that his living conditions are good and that he sounds to be very happy  with the unit he will be working with. Enjoy the e-mail below!

Things are going well but I am super busy- all the time! It's really crazy, but I love it. It is so great to be working with Soldiers and not other officers. I am loving the new job- just really tired. I am going about six hours a night. I think I will get a bit more once I get my routine down and learn the job. Right now a lot of my time is spent learning things that won't be so bad once I know the job. I'm not even in charge yet and I already love the platoon and look forward to working with them. I can't wait to be their leader. Tomorrow the old PL and I will be doing an inventory and property book signing (over to me). I will be signing for about $22 million dollars worth of equipment. I find that pretty crazy and it makes me grin just thinking about it.

Other than that, the ANP at my station need some work. They have a lot of new ANP who still need to go to basic training. It's fun working with them though and I look forward to making them better and the communities that we are responsible for safer. The guy I'm replacing and I drank tea (chi, always chi), with the ANP commander at the Provincial Reserve (again, which is where I live). We were in his office/room for just over an hour. It was a long time, but we shared some good laughs and it was a good bonding opportunity for me and him so that is good. Those two have a good relationship and I hope that we can continue to build on that.

That's about it. My room is awesome- more space than at PHQ and more than I had at CNS. We have showers and hot chow for breakfast and dinner which is also better than the 3 hot dinners we got at PHQ. I am happy here. It is much better living conditions than I expected.

 Love Mark

Hope all is well with everyone! Love Angie

 

Job change- Platoon Leader

Hello All,

Mark sent an e-mail a few days ago.

Hey Guys,

I hope you are doing well. I've got some good news! I am going to be taking a platoon here in just a short while. I will be going to the 170th Military Police Company, our company out of Fort Lewis. At first I was a little upset because one of my buddies outranks me by a few months and he needs a platoon too. And so while I don't agree with the decision, he was pegged for another assignment (not a platoon). After a day of some prayer and focus, I have accepted the decision and I am now very grateful for the incredible opportunity to lead some great American Soldiers in combat. It is a huge honor and I cannot wait to lead them to the end of our deployment and back home. I am well prepared to take this platoon, I am excited that the platoon sergeant that I will be working with is another really good leader and will have a lot to teach me and take good care of me. Please wish me luck. Talk to you all soon.

Love, Mark

His job has changed (yes again), and he will likely have this job for the remainder of the deployment. He will now be the Platoon Leader for the 170th MP company. It is another company stationed within the city of Kandahar. He will be working in an area known as the Provincial Reserve. I don't know much about the area and Mark has not been able to share much with me about it. From what I understand, Mark will be mentoring the commander of the Afghan National Police station in this particular part of Kandahar. In addition to mentoring the commander, Mark will be overseeing and taking care of 40(ish) American soldiers that make up the 170th.

The battalion attempts to send out a newsletter regularly. The last one I received was in November. With that being said each company writes an update about what they have been doing. The 170th's November update highlighted this:

Local villagers stated that they were happy and grateful for the presence of U.S. Soldiers of the 170th. Primarily, due to the fact that they were unable to maintain their crops based on the overwhelming Taliban forces threatening their families. The presence of the 170th provided security and safety for the Local Nationals to conduct normal, daily routines without the constant fear and threat of the Taliban, which greatly improved their way of life.

I hope and pray that Mark and the men and women he will be leading of the 170th can continue to make a difference in the Afghan peoples lives. And that they continue to help make the Afghan National Police self sufficient and successful at protecting their own country.

Being a platoon leader has been a dream job of Mark's since 8th grade. He has always wanted to lead soldiers. That has been the answer I have gotten every time I asked over the last 7 years why he joined the military and went to West Point. I am glad he has finally getting his turn to lead soldiers and I know that he will do an amazing job. In the meantime, Mark and I will be adjusting to a new communication schedule. I know he will have longer and busier days ahead of him and will communicate back home when he can. We are hoping for at least an e-mail once a week. Fingers crossed. As always, please keep him in your prayers as he makes this transition into a new job.

With love,

Angie

15 Days of complete bliss

Why do all good things have to come to an end? Sadly, Mark's R&R time back in the states is over. Neither of us really had words to even describe the feelings and emotions of how wonderful it was because there really are no words to describe it. It was just perfect.

Mark's flight in to Milwaukee on the 2nd couldn't have gone any smoother. Both our parents drove down to the airport with me and as a big group we went out for dinner at a wonderful Italian Restaurant in Milwaukee. After that, the parents headed back to Sheboygan and Mark and I off to Waukesha. There, I had 3.5 days of classes and Mark and I were living in a nearby hotel for the few days. The first couple days were rough on him- sleeping wise. He definitely had some jet lag which really didn't fully resolve until Friday night. While in Waukesha, however, he did have the chance to meet up with the 3rd graders writing to him from Brown Deer. He loved every minute of the visit and brought in some Afghan money for the kids to see.

On Thursday afternoon, Mark and I met with my brother, Steve, for lunch in Milwaukee since my brother was in town on a job interview. It was nice to be able to see him and we enjoyed the bit of time together. After lunch, Mark and I made our way back home to Sheboygan for "Christmas" after picking up Mark's oldest brother Nate, and his wife and child (Lindsay and Riley) from the airport. Mark's second oldest brother, Dale, and his girl friend Sarah also arrived into Sheboygan later that evening. Almost everyone was home for the holiday- but Mark's youngest brother, Brian, couldn't get away from West Point. If any one understands that, though, it is Mark. Brian was definitely in our thoughts throughout the weekend. We exchanged presents, had a big holiday meal, and just enjoyed the weekend together with everyone home. It was a full house to say the least, but it was wonderful! So great to have all of the family around.

Saturday afternoon we snuck away some time to the beach where it was FREEZING, but we both were having Lake Michigan withdrawal and wanted to snap a few photos in hopes of getting a good one for the house. I think we were pretty successful!

Later that day we headed over to my parents house for Christmas there as well. Dinner, gift exchanges, and in the evening GAME NIGHT with both Kloibers and Lambs (which always brings lots of laughs).

On Sunday, we went to church, enjoyed the Packer game, and that evening caught a flight back to WA. We made it home to Yelm and it sure did feel awesome to have both each other and all our belongings in one house! That has been a long awaited dream between Mark and I. In June we will finally get the even LONGER awaited dream of finally being able to live together in the same house for longer than 1.5 months together. We enjoyed our time together out here. Mark was a great cooking helper and he definitely got some good food while he was home. He also got his fix of seeing rain, rain, and more rain! Something that in the beginning of the week he was super happy to see, but by the end of the week he was happy to see the sun peak its head out for a few hours.

Last Tuesday, I also had a job interview with Apple Physical Therapy. It is a privately owned outpatient orthopedic clinic in WA with roughly 22 locations- their newest opening up this summer in Yelm! It was wonderful to come home and share the excitement with Mark that the interview went well- extremely LONG (9:30 AM-4PM ), but well. I received a phone call back the following day from the CEO and it sounded like if I could start tomorrow I would have a job- no problem at any clinic they had openings at. However, since I can't start until after May when I take my boards exam- the CEO and I will be in contact monthly and see what locations are available as graduation approaches. It is definitely a wonderful situation to be in and I was so glad I got to share my excitement with Mark first hand.

We also took a little mini vacation to a rented cabin/house near Mt. Rainier National Park in hopes of being able to doing some snowshoeing. The cabin was absolutely beautiful and so peaceful, but sadly the avalanche risk was a bit too high for the National Park to even open up the road up to the Mt. Rainier snow shoe area. So, unfortunately we didn't get in the hiking/snowshoeing that we were hoping for. However, it was a beautiful cabin, and we got to just spend some quality time together away from all distractions.

We met up with friends to watch the Packer game and had them over earlier in the week for a dinner date. Both were very fun and it was great to introduce Mark to the one of two friends that I have out here in WA. They got along great and Mark said he is looking forward to getting to spend some of the time this summer with them. I can't wait! On Sunday we got to go to our new church together- Unity of Olympia and I am very grateful to have a Unity church nearby. We also got to take part in something called Operation Love or "Op Love." Basically, it is a loosely formed group of photographers nationwide that donate their time and twenty five 4x6 prints put into a little album for free to deployed military families. Our photographer, Jeffery Ott, took our photos on Sunday. He was absolutely wonderful to work with and took some fabulous photos of us. The album will get sent to Mark in Afghanistan.

Then of course, Monday had to come. The day was very bittersweet. It was a wonderful last day together, but we both knew at 8pm that night we would have to make the drive back to the airport and say a tearful goodbye again.

The countdown is back on until June when he gets home for good and this goodbye was just another one of those milestones that had to be completed until he can be home for good. The time together couldn't have been any more perfect, but then again maybe its because I couldn't have a more perfect husband to share my life with.

Love,

Angie

R&R time has finally arrived!

He's HOME!!!!! We made it to R&R (Mark's 2 weeks of leave from Afghanistan). It's been 197 days since we have last been in each others arms and it feels awesome! We have both been on cloud nine since he arrived in Milwaukee this morning at 10:30AM. As you read this, you may ask why on Earth I'm writing a blog--- but I had to do something while he is catching up on some sleep. He had a long trip.

First Embrace and Kiss

He started his journey from Kandahar airfield on the 31st, flew to Kuwait, then to Shannon Ireland, onto GA this morning, and into Milwaukee. The journey took 50 hours- but he said it was all worth it. I was expecting him to be pretty stinky when he got in, but he actually wasn't too bad. He said he found some showers at the base in Kuwait which he thinks definitely helped.

Both of our families were at the airport for the reuniting. We weren't expecting him in until 2:20 today, but I was woken up this morning at 7:22 to a phone call from Marky saying he was getting on a plane home to MKE from Atlanta. From that moment, I was busy trying to get a hold of Mark's parents (who were already at the airport early that morning to drop Brian off for his flight back to West Point). Unfortunately, they didn't hear their cell phone ring the several times I tried and got the news back in Sheboygan. Which means they made the hour drive back and forth from the airport back to back. Luckily I caught my parents before they went to church. I was grateful I didn't have to find them in the middle of mass to get them to the airport with me. Halfway down to Milwaukee we got a phone call from Mark saying their plane was going to be an hour delayed in its arrival due to some problems with the plane. It took the time crunch off and we had a more leisurely drive to the airport.

Us with the sign I had made

After he arrived in there were hugs, kisses, tears, and photos. I don't know how many times I uttered to Mark when he arrived that "I don't think it has hit me yet that you are really here and home." We then went to Buca di Beppos with the families for some lunch. There, sadly, the waitress accidentally dropped 2 LARGE glasses of ice water on Tom, Mark's dad. It was like it happened in slow motion and all the waitress could say was "I'm so sorry, I have no idea how that happened." Meanwhile- the rest of us just had to hold back our smirks and laughs. We ate a wonderful lunch, enjoyed catching up, and then Mark and I were on our way to Waukesha while our parents headed back to Sheboygan.

On the way to Waukesha, we had to stop at Zales so I could get my wedding band inspected for its annual 6 month check and Mark decided he wanted to stay in the car. When I got back he had a surprise for me. A card that he wrote that was absolutely wonderful. It was then that the waterworks turned on full force and I said to him "Ok-- its hit me- you really are home!" It was a wonderful moment.

We will now have 15 days together. It will be absolutely wonderful I"m sure. Until Thursday we will be in Waukesha (I have a 3.5 day class at Carroll). Mark is hoping to stop in and see Ms. B's 3rd grade class in uniform in Brown Deer over this time and to catch up on some much needed sleep. Thursday afternoon we are picking up Mark's brother Nate, his wife Lindsay, and Mark's 2.5 year old niece Riley from the airport and will be driving back to Sheboygan for a wonderful family weekend together. We have some more Christmas to celebrate- but are mainly looking forward to some family time together. On the 9th Mark and I will be flying out to our house in WA and we will see if we can fit in some skiing and snow shoeing.

Thats all for the update! Its been a wonderful day--- the best day I've had since summer and it feels great to get hugs and kisses again from the wonderful man I am so fortunate to call my husband.

Love

Angie

Merry Christmas From Kandahar City

Hello all,

It is now official, Mark and I only have ONE address and it is in Washington State! Feels great to have all of our belongings finally in one house. A friend (B.K.) and I left on the 15th and made the drive in my car (with the remainder of my belongings) out to WA. We stopped in South Dakota to visit an old friend that we met while studying abroad in Ireland for a day and then continued on our trip.

B.K. and Chip in South Dakota

Chip and I at Mt. Rushmore

We made it out to WA in 3 days which was pretty good! We had a small delay in our trip due to a snowstorm at one of the mountain passes, but at least the town we got stuck in- Coeur D'Alene, ID, had some fun stuff to do for a day to keep us busy. Once we made it home to Yelm, WA, that was when the troubles of the trip occurred. I went to do a load of laundry in the morning and we went to the grocery store to get some food for the day and when we got home, the wash machine had flooded on the second floor and thus we came home to water pouring out of the dining room chandelier on the first floor and and inch of standing water on the second floor. I called the landlord, placed a garbage can under the chandelier (which was 1/3-1/2 full by the time it stopped raining in the dining room) and soaked up pails of water off the second floor. A man came by later with a shop vac and hopefully there will be no water damage when we return back in January and the carpets are all dried out.

Onto the news and pictures from Mark! His R&R time (2 weeks of leave) is coming up quick! We are both getting quite excited. It will be great to have him home for a little while! He has been under the weather a bit the last few days with a runny nose, fever, and congestion. It has been going on for several days now and yesterday the Battalion Commander finally made him go get checked out at one of the medical centers at a different post. There, he had a 100.1 fever and was told it probably was a virus. He was happy to get to sleep at that post for the night where it was a bit warmer and said he is feeling a bit better today. He also sent some photos of him in Afghanistan for the holidays.

Mark is 4th from the right in the front row and looking very bald these days!

He stated that they have a Christmas tree at their post that is all decorated. Our family support group had sent holiday ornaments with a family picture in them to each soldier and I also know that the 3rd graders of Ms. B sent some holiday decorations as well that Mark put up. Enjoy the photos and have a blessed holiday season!

Love,

Angie

Christmas Packages

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Well it is that time of year. Snow and ice is here to stay in WI, college finals, getting ready to drive/move out to our house in Washington, and of course the hustle and bustle of Christmas time. I have two more final exams to take, the LAST two I will ever take in my life (which feels awesome) and a kitchen to pack up before Wednesday morning. Both my mom and Mark's mom will be coming down on Tuesday to help me figure out how to fit everything in the car. That should be a fun little game to play (not), especially considering the high temperature on the forecast is 14 degrees and a low of 0. I'm just grateful for the extra help! On Wednesday, me and B.K. (a wonderful friend), will be starting our road trip out to Washington in my car, with car top carrier and a bike- going through the mountains in the dead of winter. Got to love it. Please keep your fingers crossed that the interstate stays open and that we don't have to use our tire chains through any of the mountain passes.

Now onto Mark...

He sent me a photo from this September when the Afghan elections were being conducted. He was working with the ANP at one of the election stations at the time. They kept a pretty crazy sleep schedule he said. Below is the photo someone took of him sleeping in the truck. Not too comfortable looking!

I don't even want to know how his neck and body were feeling after a few days sleeping like this.

I also have some pictures to share from the wonderful Brown Deer 3rd graders Holiday Supply Drive. What a wonderful turnout they had! Ms. B's class did a wonderful job and the soldiers in Mark's unit will love it! They collected enough items to fill FOURTEEN huge care boxes!

Ms. B and the 14 boxes gathered from the supply drive

Below is a picture of some of the items that were gathered in her classroom before they were put into the boxes. Not only was I amazed at all of the items they gathered and were really touched by all of the generosity that was shown, I LOVED the bulletin board she put up in the classroom.

The sign above Mark's picture says "Getting to know LT Mark." The two maps point out where the students are and another map pointing to where Afghanistan where Mark is. Below the map of the US is the letter Mark wrote to the class. It truly has been a wonderful experience for Mark and hopefully it has been for the students as well.

Mark also sent a picture of him SMILING! Can you believe that! They somehow got him to wipe off his serious, stern face and exchanged it for the smile that I fell in love with back in high school! Mark said it was a wonderful night that they all got to laugh, share, and relax with some good company. They even shared their wonderful night (and photo) with one of the Afghan ANP (in the middle of the photo to the right of Mark).

On totally different note, I was blessed to chat (typing style) a little bit back and forth with Mark this afternoon. He is doing well and is getting excited for his upcoming leave. That seems to be something he brings up every time he writes or we are able to talk. I can certainly tell how much he is looking forward to it. In addition to that, he shared a little bit about getting to try some Afghan food. He said it was absolutely delicious and described eating some Afghan rice, some amazing bread, and some really good chicken which he thinks was some kind of rotisserie style chicken.

He also said that he got to talk with one of the Afghan interpreters for nearly an hour just on a personal level. He even shared with him one of the many brownies I sent- which the interpreter did enjoy. They each shared a bit about their family, thoughts, and work. The man has been an interpreter off and on since 2001 and originated from eastern Afghanistan. Mark said that the interpreter expressed to Mark his gratitude for him and the other soldiers being there and Mark expressed his gratitude for the interpreter's work. Mark realized that though they are from two different cultures and parts of the world, they had lots of similarities. Mark reiterated to the interpreter his belief that he thinks the majority of the world is interested in safety, peace, and a good future for their children. The interpreter certainly agreed that he shared that same interest as well.

Hearing that helped me to feel and understand how blessed and fortunate we are to live in this great country and how proud I am of Mark for trying to bring those same blessings and fortunes to the people of Afghanistan by training their police force to be able to provide public safety.

Love,

Angie