Promotion!

It is officially Nov 23rd in Afghanistan! This means Mark is promoted today to a 1st Lieutenant! Hooah! (Please remember to update the address on his letters/packages to 1LT Mark Kloiber.) The ceremony will happen sometime in the near future when it works its way into the schedule. I'm just crossing my fingers that he can get someone to take a photo of him at the promotion! He has had a camera over there since he left and has failed to take a single photo. I guess I can't blame him completely- I wouldn't want to necessarily remember all of the stuff he is experiencing nor does he have the time to simply sit and shoot photos. That I understand. However, I am hoping to re-live his promotion ceremony (which should be a happy moment) through the photos.

His job will continue to remain the same, though Mark did mention to me that he has a hunch his job will yet again change after he returns to Afghanistan after his R&R. Some things just fail to surprise me anymore.

On a different note- I heard from Ms. B's fiance (a fellow classmate of mine) that the 3rd graders received the first few letters that Mark had wrote back to them on an individual basis. My classmate told me that she announced to the class that they had received mail from Lt. Mark and the whole classroom erupted with excitement. She said that the kids' reaction to the news was as if it was Christmas morning. She explained that only a few will be getting letters today, but he will continue to write on an individual response to each of them. Not even that bit of info put a damper on the kids' mood. They were absolutely loving it!

Last week the school held a supply drive for the unit and will be sending the gathered items over to Afghanistan in the upcoming weeks. It really has been wonderful to know that teachers are taking the opportunity to educate children about current history and the wars that are currently happening but also taking an active approach to show them how they can show their support to the military and its soldiers. The support is always appreciated- and I'm sure the soldiers love hearing from the kiddos as well.

And on my end- only 3 more weeks of classes! I will be done with finals on Dec 14 and on the 15th I start my road trip with one of my best friends B.K. to move my remaining belongings out to WA. After the 15th, I will have no more rent to pay in WI and will officially be becoming a WA resident. B.K. and I will both be flying back for the holidays. In the new year, I will begin my last semester of graduate school which consists of two clinical rotations- both out in WA. All of this brings me one step closer to finally being able to live with my husband- when he gets home from this deployment. In the meantime- I have the fast approaching holidays and R&R time to look forward to!

Love,

Angie

Veteran’s Day with a Whole New Understanding

It is Veteran's Day today. All day I have had an absolutely hightened understanding of the significance of Veteran's Day and all of the sacrifices that those veterans before me have made. I am grateful for their service, grateful to be able to serve myself, and I am grateful for my Angela who reminds me what is great about America and why sacrificing for her and my other loved ones is so worth it.

Angie wrote me the very sweet words below. I might have been compelled to keep them for myself, but she already shared them with the world on Facebook. Thank you for your sweet words. Reading about your pride in me reminds me of the value in the sacrifices that I make and the reasons why I serve... and it fills me with love.

Thank you, Angela. I love you!

Angie's Note:

Veteran’s Day with a Whole New Understanding

I was proud of you,
when you were so excited about applying to West Point.

I was proud of you,
when you were accepted and left early that first summer to train.

I was proud of you,
when you earned your first award- the German Proficiency Badge.

I was proud of you,
when I got to see you interact with your leaders at West Point functions.

I was proud of you,
when I got to see your face after receiving your diploma.

I was proud of you,
when I got to see you in your dress blues for the first time.

I was proud of you,
when I got to see you lead for the first time as a Lt to the saber arch soldiers.

I was proud of you,
when I saw you after you got pepper sprayed- simply to know what it feels like.

I was proud of you,
when you told me you earned a coin while training in Hawaii for your stellar work.

I was proud of you,
when you told me you got another award while training in Colorado again for your work.

I was proud of you all these times for your service, work, and dedication to the military.
But I am most proud of everything you have given up these last 5 months for the sake of the military. I have been proud of you every minute you have been deployed and every minute leading up to this deployment. You never gave into my moments of negativity about the situation. You never wished that you wouldn’t be in Afghanistan even though you have given up so much to do so.

You are my hero, my veteran, my husband. Words cannot describe how grateful I am for people like you. You have said before that I have the harder job of deployment because I am not around people in a similar situation. But YOU, dear, have the hardest job. You are the one in harms way, you are the one eating pre-packaged food, you are the one who doesn’t have the leisure of sleeping in a little longer if you choose, you are the one who has endured 113 degree weather, you are the one who deals with the most monotone environment, you are the one a long way from ALL of your family and friends. You, Marky, are the soldier who does everything that is asked of him, to the best of his ability, no matter what it takes. You are the soldier I am most proud of. You are the soldier I am fortunate enough to call my husband. You, dear, are my own personal hero.

On this Veteran’s Day, thank you- for your sacrifice, your love for your country, and your bravery to serve.

I love you- and I am so proud.

Forever and Always,
Angela

Battalion Newsletter

Some of you may not know this, but Mark’s current job is to track and document where all of the companies in the battalion are, what they are doing, what they plan on doing, and what they need to be doing. He relays information up and down the chain of command and gets all this information to where it needs to be. NO simple task! Every month the battalion sends out a newsletter to family updating us on what they can share about what is happening in Afghanistan. Sometimes I welcome the newsletter openly to try and understand and relate to what Mark is experiencing and doing since he can release very little information to me about his day and what he does. Other times I dread opening the newsletter e-mail for fear that it will make me worry even more than I already do.

This month’s newsletter (which is based on the happenings of mid September to mid October I believe) were more than anything optimistic to me. It sounds like the soldiers are making a true difference in the lives of the Afghan people. This also seems evident from the pictures that were in the battalion newsletter (sorry I can't post them in the blog!). When I read each company in the battalions update I can not help but think it is Mark’s job to help track each companies busy schedule. Each company has multiple missions and tasks it is undertaking so Mark’s job is no easy task. While reading the newsletter, I also couldn't help but think what a difference Mark and the other deployed soldiers are making in the lives of the Afghan people that they are affecting. One of my last posts on the blog was about school kids here in the US that were sending letters to Mark. Both me and Mark's mom's commented on how Mark may inspire one of those Brown Deer 3rd graders. I couldn't help but think- I wonder how Mark and the other soldiers are inspiring the Afghan people they are so deeply affecting. Here are some segments of the newsletter from companies within Mark’s battalion. (Mark’s battalion’s name is the Dragon Fighters). 

Coalition Forces, particularly the 504th MP BN, were responsible for mentoring the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) in their security plan leading up to the elections. Our military police directly partner with the Afghan National Police (ANP) and planned a combination of traffic control points, polling site security and roving patrols. All of our efforts had to have an Afghan face on it. “We put a tremendous amount of effort towards making sure that the we weren‘t solving the security problems for the Afghans, that the Afghans were solving Afgan security problems,” stated one soldier. Soldiers and leaders alike seem to be pleased with the way the Election Day concluded. There were over a hundred less SIGACTs‘ this year compared to last year. Not a single person was even killed this year. “The Taliban obviously tried to scare the people with violence but they failed,” remarked another.

170th MP company: “Dragon- slayer elements befriended local villagers who stated that they were happy and grateful for the presence of U.S. Soldiers. 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 U.S. Soldiers 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.”

202 MP Company: “The Soldiers have been busy assisting with the elections, mentoring the Afghan Police and various other missions.The Platoons have started building a good rapport with the Afghan National Police and they are working well together. The Soldiers are doing well and are still very motivated. I would like to thank the families and the FRG for the support that you have provided the Soldiers here. Please keep sending the care packages. The Soldiers truly love them.”

552nd MP Company: “As the weeks go by, Soldiers have begun to find a routine in their daily schedules and occasionally you can hear the question, ―what day is it today? Each Platoon has effectively and professionally created a relationship with each Police Chief and has partnered with the Afghan National Police on several mounted and dismounted patrols.”

Special Investigation Unit: 504 MP BN‘s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) partners with Investi-

gators from the Provincial Headquarters (PHQ) of Security to teach Afghan security officials how to use forensics and build a case-file to get criminals prosecuted.

Message from the Chaplain
“Let me ask you a couple of questions. First, who speaks words of life into your heart? When the going gets tough, beyond tough, who is in your corner telling you to keep going? I pray that you find people like that. People who share your good values, and encourage you to keep fight- ing the good fight. They may be in your worship community, the FRG, and working in places like ACS, CYSS, and the numerous organizations whose sole purpose is to serve those who serve.

The second question is this: whose heart are you speaking words of life into? Daily we cross paths with people and have the opportunity to lift someone‘s spirits. Simply thanking someone for doing something well is a good start. Try it out the next time someone takes your groceries out at the commissary. After you tip them, look them in the eye and thank them for helping you. If your kids are in daycare, the next time you pick them up, look the person in the eye behind the counter and thank them for taking good care of your child.

Know this, your soldiers here in Kandahar, whether they are your spouses, children, siblings, or friends, need you to speak words of life into their hearts. While there are a thousand things to be thankful for here, this place can also be discouraging at times. When the days are dark, a good word from someone who matters makes all the difference in encouraging the heart of the Soldier. Take the time to drop your Soldier a card with something positive written inside. It could be a quote from a movie or a song, but intentionally speak words of life to them. In fact, it might be a good idea to find a way to speak words of life into the heart of someone every day. You may find that it is contagious.”

From looking at the photos (which I unfortunately cannot post), I am so glad and fortunate to live and be a citizen of the United States. On this election Tuesday, I couldn't imagine or fathom the outside of the voting booth looking like the photo in the newsletter taken from Sept 18th (Afghanistan Election Day). The picture shows children, Afghan Security forces, and US soldiers all intermingling outside a building. US soldiers have guns in hand and ready, and the children do not seem phased at all. I know how I would feel in that situation and it doesn't match the faces of those Afghan children. I am so grateful for my freedom, protection, and for all those deployed soldiers trying to bring that small taste of safety to the Afghan people. 

I hope you enjoyed the update and that all is well. 

Love

Angie

E-mail from Mark: "It's been a great 24 hours!"

Hey All!

Well it has been a great 24 hours! Thanks so much for making it so. I got an update from Mom and Dad, Mom and Dad Lamb, Mama and Papa Klapproth, Nate, Dale, Brian, Wulf, and Angie. Dale sent me his second email in the last 4.5 months, the German half of my family sent me a birthday present (Haribo macht Kinder und MARK froh!), I received Halloween presents from mom and dad and Lamb mom and dad last night as well. I even got an update on Brian (although probably from Tuttles) and Riley (thanks mom). The only reason I leave Angie out is because I am still working on her birthday, halloween, and in between packages. (I think she's obsessed with me.) Anyways, it was great to hear from everyone. It sounds like everyone is doing well, which is great. I continue to be awesome and amazing in all that I do (that should come as little surprise). I am getting super pumped to come home for R&R (Urlaub). I cannot believe that it is already November!  Oh, and on top of everything else, the Packers won and the Bears still suck.

As of right now things are looking promising for me to be home for about two weeks in January. I hope things don't change. It's still pretty hot around here- upper 70s, low 80s every now and again. It drops to mid 50s during the night. Quite beautiful. It rained one night a week or so ago for the first time in 4.5 months. That was kind of cool. I slept through it, but it was neat to see water in the morning. I suppose it will be another month or two now before it rains again.

That's about it from here. I am slowly writing letters to those little third grade buggers who wrote me from Brown Deer (the teacher is a friend of Angie's). I have 3 done and probably 20 to go. I am hoping to have them done before Christmas. We'll see. I hope I didn't miss anyone or anything. Oh, and happy election day, all. I hope you got your vote in. I beat the rush and voted 3 weeks ago. Have a great day (like me).

Love you and miss you all.
Your, Mark

Letters: 3rd graders at Dean Elementary School in Browndeer, WI

The fiance of a classmate of mine is a elementary school teacher at Dean Elementary School in Browndeer, WI. My friend came up to me one day after class and asked if his fiance could contact me about a possible project for her 3rd grade class. So I passed my information along and started talking with his fiance. She was looking for some soldiers or a unit that was deployed for her class to write to and send a package to. I thought the idea was very cute and thought it would help teach kids about war/soldiers but also I thought Mark would enjoy hearing from the kiddos. 

Mark received a letter from each kid in the class in a package late last week. He has decided to take on writing back to each one of them individually, but also wrote a letter back to the teacher to share with the class. I can't even explain how much Mark was gleaming writing the letter. I could tell he loved hearing from the kids and he even shared with me his favorite comment from one of the kids, "Try to stay undead." I love it- you can always count on kids to tell you how it is. He said it made him laugh and shared it with a couple of other guys he works with and they too laughed. Below is the letter he wrote to the class. Enjoy! Love, Angie

October 24, 2010
Dear Ms. B's class,

Thank you so much for all of your letters! It was so nice to hear from you. My wife told me that the letters were mailed earlier this month and I finally received them yesterday. The country of Afghanistan is pretty far from Wisconsin. I have read through each one and enjoyed them all. I also shared them with some of my soldier friends who also enjoyed learning about your class. I intend to write a letter back to each of you, but it is going to take a while because there are quite a few of you and I have to work some pretty long days. Please understand that I will be writing back to you in no specific order, but in the order that Ms. B had your letters stacked in my envelope. In the mean time, I would like to tell you a little about myself so you aren't left wondering until my letters start arriving. They will be private letters just for you, but if you want to share those letters with each other, that is fine with me.

As you know, my name is Lieutenant Mark. I am 24 years old. I have blue eyes and brown hair. I am 5' 9" tall. You can ask Ms. B how tall she is to get a better idea of how tall I am. I am from just north of you in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. If you haven't been there, it is on Lake Michigan about an hour drive north of Milwaukee. I enjoy running, hiking, dancing, playing baseball and basketball, playing my bassoon (a large woodwind instrument), and spending time with my family. I also like watching the good sports teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and Brewers, the Green Bay Packers, and the Wisconsin Badgers. We can take a poll to see who likes my teams and who doesn't.

I would also like to answer a few questions that several people asked. First, there were a lot of questions about bad people in Afghanitsan. I understand this since there are bad people in war. But you should know that most of the Afghan people are very nice. Like most Americans, they are interested in good health, safety, and a promising future for themselves and their children. Second, many of you wanted to know what the temperature is like. Well, it can be pretty hot in Afghanistan, especially in summer. During much of the summer it was over 110 degrees! It is still in the upper 80s and lower 90s, but compared to 110, it really feels great. Third, quite a few of you wanted to know why I joined the Army. I joined the Army for two main reasons. One, I wanted to help keep Americans safe and free for my fellow and future citizens like my Grandpa, and probably some of your relatives too, did for us back in World War II. And two, I wanted to take care of soldiers and make sure that they had good leadership. Finally, some people asked whether it is difficult or hard being in Afghanistan. I will tell you that we have gone through a lot of good training and we are well prepared in the Army. Sometimes there are some long and hard days when you have to work and live outside while wearing a lot of equipment. However, my fellow soldiers that are with me are my friends and we tell jokes to make each other laugh and are there for each other when ever it is needed. One of the best things though is getting to hear from back home in a phone call or letter, like you sent me. That reminds me that what I do is important. It reminds me that even though it is sad to be away from my family for a few months, I can make many American families happy because they can be together and safe.

I know you are all very busy with third grade, but if you have some time, I would love to hear what you are learning and working on in class. Ms. B told me that you were a really good class. Keep up all the hard work. I hope to hear from you soon.

Your Army friend,
LT Mark

Touched Lives

I had to wait to post this story since I didn’t know if Mark knew about this package or not, but now that he already knew/knows about it I can share this story. It is written from something I witnessed 2 months after Mark left for Afghanistan. 

On August 15, 2010 I went to Unity Church in Sheboygan. I was unfortunately by myself since my in-laws were out at West Point visiting Brian (their youngest son who is a freshman at the academy and survived the worst of West Point- the first summer). I’ve gone a few times before to church alone- and each time I go a few more people recognize who I am (the newest addition to the Kloiber Family). Today was a special day at church. I knew the church was planning to put together a care package for Mark. Maryellen had e-mailed me for ideas for a package. However, today at church- they had all the children take a type of snack that they thought a soldier might like and place it in the box. It was so touching and moving to see the church reminding the children that one of its members was in a war zone and what they could do to help.

As I sat in my chair, I just looked on with tears filling my eyes. I know God wanted me to be at that service. I know He wanted me to see and know that there are many people thinking about my husband and they are all sending prayers, thoughts, and even goodies his way. 

I just wanted to thank each and everyone of you- for all the prayers, thoughts, and support. Seeing how many people care about him is truly a touching thing to know. I know he has touched each of these individuals in a certain way- sometimes I know how but many times I do not. Thank you again to everyone for being with us and supporting us through this difficult time. God has sent Mark to Afghanistan for a reason (for some reason that I’m still praying and trying to figure out), but I will continue to faithfully follow the journey set before me with the most optimism possible- knowing that this was God’s plan for us.

Love always,

Angie

Picture of Kandahar

Thank you to J.S. (another soldier from Mark's unit) for the picture. This is the area where Mark is working, Kandahar City. I am pretty sure Mark said this picture was taken from a helicopter- though I"m not positive. I found the photo quite interesting. It wasn't exactly what I pictured. I have a better understanding to as why Mark wanted me to point the webcam outside when he said he misses seeing grass- not to mention the fall colors!

Love,
Angie

24 years old!

Mark's birthday was on 6 Oct. Yes, he still had to work- but he was happy that it was a relatively slow day at work. Everyone sang to him at shift change that evening when a fellow soldier/friend of Mark's, J.S., shared that it was Mark's birthday and the S3 (boss) started singing. Everyone else joined in. He stated that he enjoyed reading all of the Facebook birthday wishes and enjoyed opening birthday cards and packages. Thank you everyone who tried to make his day special- from so far away!

I sent Mark a care package complete with birthday cake, candles, forks, and a stuffed monkey with a voice message recorded in his paw. I made the monkey at the Build- A- Bear workshop. If any of you have been to the store, you can appreciate the rest of the story. I went to the store where you pick out the animal you would like to make (which comes "unstuffed". You then go to a machine that stuffs the animal to your desired softness. Of course, there were two little girls in front of me in line ages 5 and 6, then me, then a little boy and girl behind me ages 7 and 3. I'm sure I looked absolutely ridiculous in line. To make the situation even more mortifying, the man stuffing the animals had you insert a little heart into the inside of the animal. But it couldn't be that simple. I was to first rub the heart on my stomach so that it would never get hungry, blow on it so it would have the breath of life, rub it on my ear so it would always listen to me, rub it over my heart so it would have a heart beat, and finally kiss it so it may always feel loved. The man started his instructions and I politely interrupted and asked if we could just skip it. He wasn't too fond of that idea because of the kids behind me. So I had to go through the whole process. I felt so stupid and thought was this all really worth it? After the monkey was stuffed and my voice message was put inside (which had to be recorded in the bathroom because there were so many screaming kids in the store) I headed over to the cash register. The clerk asked me then if I had made a birth certificate! I looked at her in disbelief and said "No (in a slightly shocked voice)" Seriously a birth certificate for a stuffed animal?! Wow- amazing how things have changed since I was a kid!

Mark may have been underwhelmed when he saw the monkey in the box when he opened it, but when he heard the story behind it and the embarrassment I went through to have it made- he had a good laugh out of it all. I fully realize the monkey will probably never leave his trunk- but hopefully he enjoyed the voice message and the thought! The cake on the other hand was a HUGE success! He loved it! All in all- I think the birthday boodle was a success. (photos of the box are below)

Hope everyone is doing well! Classes are going well for me and the countdown until the big move out to WA in December has begun! 65 days to go!

Love,

Angie