Mark Thomas Ahles

Mark Thomas Ahles of Fairborn/Beavercreek, Ohio. “I have fought the good fight to the end; I have run the race to the finish; I have kept the faith; all there is to come for me now is the crown of uprightness which the Lord, the upright judge, will give to me on that day: and not only to me but to all those who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Mark was born March 14, 1963 in Mansfield Ohio to Ronald and Elaine Ahles ( originally from Cresson, PA.) He was later joined by and is survived by siblings Laurie (Ahles) Loparo (Summerville, SC) with husband Jeff Loparo and Jon Ahles (Lexington, OH) with wife Wanda Ahles (of Lexington, OH).

Although Mark always held a job since he was 13, he was uninspired academically until 1982 when he was introduced to Deborah (Wolf) Ahles who gave him the inspiration to set goals in life! Their life-long-love was formalized when they were married on Sept. 5, 1987, continued through the joy of raising children and enjoying grand-children. His beloved Deborah survives him along with five children, three children-in-law, and six grand children – children Elizabeth (Ahles) and Greg Bieler of Alexandria, Virginia, Rachel (Ahles) and Josiah Tritle, of Fort Wainright Alaska, Sarah (Ahles) Thiel and Chad Thiel of Columbus, Ohio, Aaron Ahles of Billings, MT, and their surprise 5th child (21 years after Aaron!) Rose Ahles; grandchildren Mahlia Ahles (MT), Charlotte, Reinhardt, and Ezekiel Bieler (VA), and Kennedy and Flint (AK) Tritle .

Mark graduated Lexington (Ohio) High School in 1981, and later received A.A., History, The Ohio State University; B.A., Computer and Information Science, The Ohio State University; M.S., Computer Science, The Ohio State University; M.S., Strategic Studies, U.S. Army War College; Ph.D., Computer and Information Science in the field of Political Science, The Union Institute and University.

Most important to Mark (and Deborah) was grounding their children in their Catholic Christian faith – Mark looks forward to all of them joining him with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and all of their family for all eternity. He is so proud of all of them!

His love of learning extended to travel. He and Deborah took their first four children to all 50 states and numerous foreign countries. Rose has started the travel journey with Dad – and will continue travels with Mom. In addition, Mark travelled to 42 countries for military service and civilian teaching.

Mark’s civilian “career” started as an analyst for the National Security Agency, and later led to work for the Air Force and then a succession of Defense schools teaching international security affairs (security cooperation) culminating in positions as a Professor and multiple Deanships at the Defense Security Cooperation University. He received many awards for civilian service – most proudly the Civilian Global War on Terrorism for almost a year as a civilian serving in “hostile fire” zones.

A military reservist (primarily Ohio Army National Guard) for over 30 years, Colonel Ahles (proudly Sergeant Ahles first) commanded at the company and battalion level in addition to numerous Ohio and joint positions. His service resulted in numerous ribbons and medals to include the Legion of Merit, Ohio Distinguished Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. He was fortunate to serve with some of this country’s best – our citizen-soldiers.