Wichita Veteran’s Unexpected Romance Meeting Her Future Husband In Alaska

Christina Annen, a native of Wichita, Kansas, embarked on a remarkable journey of military service that led her to meet her future husband, Mark Annen, in the most unexpected of places—Galena, Alaska.​

A Calling to Serve

  • Background: Graduated from East High School in 1985, Christina felt a deep-seated desire to serve her country.​
  • Decision to Join the Air Force: Coming from a family with a rich military tradition, she viewed the military as a gateway to explore the world and be part of a community.​
  • Branch Selection: Opting for the Air Force was influenced by practical considerations, including the physical requirements of basic training and her affinity for the color blue.​

Breaking Barriers in Avionics

  • Training and Role: After basic training, Christina trained as an avionics guidance and control systems technician, working on critical flight instruments.​
  • Assignments: Her career took her to Oklahoma, maintaining AWACS aircraft, and later to the Philippines, working on F-4 fighter jets.​
  • Challenges: She faced significant sexism in a male-dominated field, where being average could lead to negative stereotypes.​

A New Path in Alaska

  • Transition: Seeking a change from the challenging work environment, Christina transferred to the postal unit, leading to a posting in Galena, Alaska.​
  • First Impressions: Arriving at 10 p.m. to perpetual daylight, she was struck by the unique environment of the remote outpost.​

Meeting Mark Annen

  • Serendipitous Encounter: In Galena, Christina met Mark Annen, a fellow Air Force member. Their shared faith and immediate connection were profound.​
  • Intuitive Connection: Christina sensed a deep bond, feeling an inner voice tell her that Mark was the person she was meant to marry.​

Christina Annen’s journey from Wichita to Alaska highlights the profound ways in which military service can shape lives, forge unexpected connections, and lead to enduring partnerships.

Her story serves as a testament to resilience, faith, and the serendipitous paths life often presents.

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