AL ASAD AIRBASE, Iraq - Sgt. Jamie Raulston and Staff Sgt. Shilo Raulston met in 2003 during their first deployment to Camp Atterbury, Ind., where they provided transportation support for mobilizing Soldiers.
He was the driver and she was the assistant driver for the 138th Quartermaster Support Company of the Indiana Army National Guard. "She stole my blanket, changed the radio station, and has made decisions for me ever since," said Staff Sgt. Raulston.
Their relationship grew regardless of the teasing and warnings of fellow Guardsmen, and by 2004, they were engaged and preparing to marry.
The Indiana Guard's current deployment is the Raulston's third deployment together, and they aren't the only married couple in the unit.
In fact, there are 10 married couples that serve together in this unit. And of these 10 married couples, seven of the couples met while serving together in the Indiana Army Guard.
Many long days during pre-deployment training gave Spcs. Ira and Rebecca Fisk an opportunity to get to know one another. Coming from two different units and merging as one in the 138th, a military relationship is all they have ever known.
Spc. Rebecca Fisk is the paralegal for the unit, and she sees how being apart from one's spouse can take a toll on marriages. "It's better to deploy together, unless children are involved, then it may be more beneficial for one parent to stay home," she said.
Spcs. Brian and Jamie Michael agree that deploying together has made their marriage stronger. They met during the pre-Soldier Readiness Program, while at Camp Atterbury and were married just prior to the pre-mobilization training.
Even though the first few months were stressful, the Michaels said they enjoy being deployed together, "because it makes the time go faster being with the one you love."
Prior to the pre-mobilization training, the 138th assisted with flood relief during Operation Noah's Ark in June 2008. And that's when Sgt. Shannan McGee and Spc. Travis McGee as well as Sgts. Brandy and Nick Brunett all met their future spouses.
Finding that special someone during drill weekend was the case for Spc. Cari Williams and Sgt. David Williams. Even though they have four sons between them, the Williams' decided to deploy together "to give our family a good financial start," said Spc. Williams.
Although it is hard for this couple to be away from their sons, they are glad to deploy together and are thankful for the strong family support back home.
Appreciating home and what you have is one of the things Spcs. Jennifer and Richard Benton have learned as a deployed married couple. They have found that while living in a small space it is best to "learn when to take a step back when things get stressful."
While nine out of 10 of the 138th married couples decided to deploy together, fate was decided for two of the couples. Both had planned to deploy together, but discovered they were expecting.
Just previous to SRP, Spcs. Chelsea and Bradley Singleton discovered they were pregnant with their first child, Adele. Fortunately, Spc. Chelsea Singleton was able to continue her military duties as an administrative assistant throughout our training. The couple has a great family support system and plans to deploy together in 2011.
Spc. Christine Holmes and Spc. Jason Holmes decided only one of them would travel on this deployment.
Spc. Christine Holmes received the call that the unit was deploying and that they had the option for both or one Soldier to deploy. It wasn't a hard decision for her. Christine promptly called Jason and let him know of his travel plans. She is currently at their home taking care of their son, Shane, and the household.
Regardless of geographical proximity, the best advice that Spc. Jason Holmes can give to other married couples is to "trust one another."
Having 10 married couples in the same National Guard unit may seem to be a high percentage to the outsider. But the people of Brazil, Ind., and Wabash Valley have a rich history of staying close to home, supporting their community, and investing in relationships.
"It is only natural that spouses would serve their country together," said Sgt. Raulston.