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Today's Featured Biography

Mark Gilbert

Sorry to make this short. My family and I reside in South Carolina just outside of Charleston. About 20 miles from the ocean. And I work overseas in Iraq. As I have been over the past 3 plus years. I have enjoyed being in Iraq helping in some small way. My first year here, I was a convoy driver. I have driven all over this country. And been thru hundreds of villages and towns.

I went downunder to Perth, Australia. In 2006 for 2 weeks. And I went on an outback safari. Slept on the beach on the Indian ocean beach with the safari group. As we had Aussie lager beer and Australian rum. We also were able to pet a dolphin in 2-3 ft of water. And also slept in the outback and had gourmet food. And we went whale watching on an oversized Catamaran. I went on this safari group it was small but worth every minute of it. The name of it was Outback Safari's. The monkey mia tour. I tried kangaroo. It was good and strong just like deer. I was in Perth, Australia for St. Patricks day 2006. It was awesome.


Let me tell you about my family. My wife's name is karina we met in 1995 on Isle of Palms, SC. And we married there in 1996. And we had our first son in 1997 in Frederick, Md.. Our daughter and youngest son were born in SC. And Jon-Jon was born in Syracuse, Ny. . My wife and I have been married for almost 11 years. And it's been a really good marriage. I Love her for everything she is, does and will be. And our kids are really awesome kids. I miss them all very much being this far away. But it's for a good cause and the pay in very well. And the travel is awesome also.

I have been over the Atlantic 37 times and the Indian Ocean twice. While I have been over here I have lost almost 20 friends, most of them Convoy truck drivers. And now I work in Bagdad helping support the State Dept. , and The US Embassy. Thats all I can say. Cannot say what I do but it's pretty cool.

I do miss Wirt County and having all that land to roam on. And the nice people, and friends that I knew when I was there. Everyone is great. And I really learned alot living on the small farm we had. Being in the FFA, 4-H, ect. was also a learning experience. And I also learned how not to skip school and was in in-school on the first day of the following year. That was also a learning experience.

Everyone take care and get ahold of me if you want to. I'm still working in Iraq. It's been kinda quite with the morters and rockets, knock on wood. I've had many close but dont want to make it into bad luck. But have fun and good luck in everything you do, Mark

Well I'm getting ready for my 3 week vacation in a couple of days. It'll take me 3 days to get home from the middle east. But it's worth every minute of it. To see my Family. They are the most important people in my life. Family first. it's been about 5 months since I've been home. And will have alot of quality time with my wife and kids. I have flown on a blackhawk this will make 6 times since I've been over here. And a c-130 once. What an experience. Awesome. I have to thank all the military out there. they do an awesome job and My family and I are extremely thankful. we know freedom is not free. And over here it's alot different for women than in the US. Just the other day it was annouced the Iraqi police women have to turn in there guns. Or not get paid. Pretty bad hugh. Thats only part of it. Bu tlike in Saudi they are forbidden(means against the law) to drive. And must wear the cover over there body from head to toe. And women in Iran get arrested for wearing western style clothing. And I believe in the most extreme they cannot talk in some places unless talked to.

And I recently had a photo opportunity with General Petraeus and that was awesome. And a Honor to meet with him.

Anyway everyone have a wonderful day and life, Mark Gilbert

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