Andale, KS is where Nolan grew up the first 12 years of his life. His father and most of his dad's family still live there. When he moved to Benton with his mother and sister he connected with the town and the wonderful people that live there. It's Benton that Nolan calls home no matter where he is. He has a strong network of friends and family there. At the age of 23 Nolan entered boot camp at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California. He had wanted to join the Marines for several years. Like most after the first couple of weeks he thought he must have been nuts, but Nolan persevered. He received the Rifle Expert medal of which he is very proud. On December 15, 2003 Nolan graduated with his platoon 3039 from boot camp a much slimmer, stronger and proud Marine. The next step in Nolan's journey was the USMC Military Police Boot Camp. I guess he didn't get enough of the push ups in the first boot camp. He graduated class 08-04 from Fort Leonard Wood, MO. in April of 2004. Nolan was then stationed at Miramar in California. The news arrived in June that he would leave for Iraq the 1st of September. Family and friends were grateful to have him home for a well deserved visit (aka parties)before he departed to Iraq. As strange as it may sound Nolan likes what he's doing over in Iraq. I am proud that he is playing such an important role in the history of Iraq. As I watch the Iraqi people on TV lining up to vote and then celebrating, my heart swells up with pride, and my eyes with tears of joy for the Iraqi people. I'm proud of the United States for doing what needed to be done.

   Nolan arrived back home on April 16th 2005. He was greeted at the airport by a limo full of his friends and family that escorted him home to a huge Welcome Home party. We were able to have him home for a month. What a gift! Nolan looked wonderful! 

   On September 10, 2005 Nolan married Katie Gull of El Dorado, KS. They were married at Katie's parents home in a beautiful outdoor wedding. Nolan and Katie are living in San Diego where Katie is working in a Insurance Agency and Nolan is a MP at Miramar.

   Nolan and Katie will be back home Dec. 30th for one week. Yep, he worked it to be home for New Years. Surprise, surprise. It doesn't matter, we're always thrilled to get them home. Pam (Katie's mom) went out to San Diego for a visit in December.

   Time will tell if Nolan will go back to Iraq. He is suppose to go for another seven month tour of duty, but you never know.