Brag on my Husband! Army Commendation Medal Recipient (his 2nd one)

His supervisor giving a short speech about his hard work

The General pinning on his medal

His supervisor Raina, CSM Dean, Serg, Me and Major General Bednarek

His award!

This afternoon First Army (Serg's Unit) held a Hail and Farewell ceremony for new arrivals to the unit and people that will be leaving the unit. Serg was on the farewell list and also received the Army Commendation Medal. I am so proud of him! When the General was pinning on the medal, he told Serg he was proud of him too! Serg was recommended for the award by a Major in the unit. The Major sited these achievements for justification of the award:

(1) SGT Rangel conducted over 200 hours of PAO training, 40 hours of instruction and mentored over 25 soldiers to conduct PAO missions in support of OIF.

(2) SGT Rangel has served as the Division's PAO NCOIC (Non-Commission Officer in Charge) since December 2008

(3) SGT Rangel was the SME (Subject Matter Expert) for Advanced Video editing system, all operations of video and still photography, and 3-D animation and graphic design. SGT Rangel personally developed the Division's "Command" Video for the annual AUSA conference

(4) SGT Rangel is highly motivated and extremely physically fit, scoring a 297 (out of 300) on his most recent Army PFT.

**Side note...This Major did say that Sergio was sought out from the command for his calm demeanor and absolute dependability. While I totally agree with the dependability part...I'd like to know where the calm demeanor comes from! I wish I could meet that Sergio...I might like it! :)

The certificate states:
For exceptionally meritorious service while assigned as the Division's Public Affairs Non-Commissioned Officer. Sergeant Rangel's dedication to duty, motivation, ingenuity, and outstanding initiative contributed to the success of the Division's Public Affairs mission. Sergeant Rangel's commendable achievements reflect great credit upon him, First Army Division East and the United States Army.

I couldn't be more proud of him! He has worked so hard to get where he is today. He is doing so much work outside his MOS without complaint. He definitely deserves recognition and I'm glad he got it, even though he says "I shouldn't get a medal for doing my job."!

SGT Dykstra....

Just wanted to let you know that I'll be sending some treats with Serg on Tuesday! ;)

Batting Cages and Mini Golf

Tiger shot

Serg has baseball starting up in a few weeks and wanted to get a few cuts in at the batting cages. At the batting cages they also had a mini golf course. We ended up playing a game and had a really good time. Serg 55 - Kate 52. WOOT WOOT :) yay!

Saturday Hike

Kenzie loves the wind in her face!

On Saturday, Mom and Dad came up to our house and we went hiking. We had a really great time!! Kenzie got to go on a swim and when we got home she passed right out!!

Oh Serg.....

Serg and I went out to eat on Friday and then stopped by Michael's to pick up gifts for our nephews for getting straight A's. Serg got a little....well Sergish...haha!

Old School

Sergio and his brother Simon circa 1988
Simon had this picture in his wallet and just posted it to his Myspace. Thought you would enjoy seeing Sergio as a kid. Looks just like a regular Eddie Haskell....

Snow Day!!

The snow gets clumped in her fur and ends up like this.

Once we finally get inside I have to blow dry them off her!

Serg has the day off today and Kenzie has been crying to both of us to take her back outside. These were taken this morning when we went out to shovel. She was shaking she was so cold....and we still ended up dragging her inside to warm up.
Happy Snow Day to all our East Coast family! Sorry Texas! :)

Headed Home; Pitstop in Richmond

Cam and Brit at dinner

Sorry Brillz I had to put it up here! Love you! :)

Downtown Richmond

Almost home....

Cameron has off for a few days, so when Serg and I were headed home he decided he was going to drive to Richmond to visit his girlfriend. Since we were both headed the same way, I rode with Cam, and we got a chance to really talk. We had such a good time together. Once we got to Richmond we stopped by Brittani's house and then took them both to dinner. After dinner we headed home...in a snow storm. Only took 6 hours to get home! YIKES!

Fort Bragg: Part 2

Trying to climb upside down is REALLY hard!

Since it rained the ENTIRE time we were down there, I'm glad that I planned only indoor activities. I found this great indoor rock wall online before we left. Serg loves to rock climb and hasn't been since he left Colorado. It was nice to see him happy doing something he loves. Him and my brother had a great time!!

Thank you SGT. Dykstra! (Serg said Lenny)

I know you check the blog...just wanted to let you know I received the card you sent. Thank you so much! It really means a lot. Thank you for serving!

Katelyn Rangel