During his first tour to Iraq in 2008 Slatic's company came away virtually unscathed. Not so in Helmand Province in south western Afghanistan, the world largest opium producing region.
"So we've also had casualties. So this go round you on a higher tension level," Kim Slatic said.
Here at home the kids are doing ok says their mom, coping by supporting each other.
"I think I have the strength because I'm the one who thinks about it the least. 'Cause if you take too much time to think about it I just break down," Regan Slatic said.
"A couple of times when he was gone I'd just break down and cry but she'd help me feel better," Patrick Slatic said.
"This one has been harder personally for me 'cause so many more of gotten hurt or died," Quinn Slatic said.
Tommy, the youngest, agrees but proudly adds, his dad is the very best there is.
"Strong, tall, cool... (draws out the three words then oldest boy continues) I think he's a hero for doing this."
Their mother thinks all those serving in uniform are heroes, including her husband. She knows the transition from war to his home will be a little more difficult than the last tour.
"He's had men that deployed with him to Iraq injured, men from his old unit who've been killed," Kim Slatic said.
But e-mails help keep the family connected. Each child has their own email address for private 'daddy' talk.
They are counting the days until he's home when they are once again a family. A family looking for continued support from all of us, and for all of them.
