CAMP SHELBY, Miss. - Every year, thousands of married Soldiers are deployed around the world, away from their spouses and families. Though some may marry other service members, it is rare for a dual military couple to deploy together.
Husband and wife, Spc. Christopher Fields and Sgt. Chasidy Fields, are both assigned to the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team, Mississippi National Guard. The couple is ready to serve as they prepare for an upcoming deployment to the Middle East in support of Operation Spartan Shield.
The Fields are just one of many married couples deploying with the 155th ABCT, and like any married couple they will share the joys and pains of deployment.
“When we found out about the deployment, it didn’t really affect us that much initially,” said Spc. Christopher C. Fields, a cavalry scout assigned to Troop B, 1st Battalion, 98th Cavalry Regiment, 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team. “We joined the Guard knowing that we would possibly have to deploy.”
“We got to do what we got to do, that’s why we signed the papers,” said Sgt. Chasidy Fields, a human resource specialist assigned to Headquarters Company, 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team.
This is Chasidy’s second deployment but it’s still a new experience for her.
“Last time I deployed [in 2009] I wasn’t married, I didn’t have kids and I was in my twenties; so, last time I wasn’t leaving much behind and this time I am leaving a lot behind,” she said.
Chris also acknowledged the hardship.
“It doesn’t bother me that much knowing what I will have to do, what bothers me is knowing that we will be over there and not home with the kids, that’s what bothers me,” he said.
The initial credit for the newlywed couple’s relationship belongs to their unit.
“We met in the Guard actually. I used to be in brigade headquarters,” Chris said. “I was having problems with my computer and she was the person that came and helped me get it all set up.”
It was only a matter of time before the workplace friendship grew into something more.
“We started dating in 2015 and got married in May of 2017,” she said.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, the Soldiers have made plans to celebrate the best way they can.
“For Valentine’s Day, I am terrible at stuff like that; but you know my wife has actually made me a gift, made me pack it and said ‘don’t open it until Valentine’s Day,’” he explained with a smile. “I brought it here with me so I can open it.”
Though they are part of the same brigade, the Soldiers are assigned to different units; this creates a unique challenge for them.
“I’m with brigade and he is with the Cav, so we don’t know if we will be together overseas,” she said. “Being able to see him over there would be awesome, but we will do what we have to.”
Her husband explains, “we have 2 different missions, I hope we do get assigned together or at least get a chance to spend time with each other [over there], but we honestly don’t know yet. I hope so but I guess we will just have to see.”
The Fields have already prepared for the possibility that they might not be assigned to the same area.
“Anything I can do to keep in touch with my wife, I will do,” he said.
“We’ve got Facebook, and Skype, and while he is gone I have made little cards for specific times for him to open for Father’s Day, Christmas, Valentine’s, stuff like that so he will have a little something from home.”
The couple is hopeful and optimistic about the upcoming year.
“I love my wife and even though we may not be able to see each other while deployed, I want her to know I’m there for her,” he said. “It’s going to be a rough year but there is no one else in the world I’d rather spend it with”
“I just want to say Happy Valentine’s Day, and I love you,” she said. “The distance may be hard, but I know we can make it through and we will be stronger because of it.”