My Deployment Story

One of the greatest challenges for a military spouse is deployments. You are concerned about the safety of your spouse, and you don’t know when they will return. As a dual-military couple, it can be even more challenging because you both face the possibility of being deployed.

My husband and I were a dual-military couple deployed during Desert Storm. We saw one another occasionally until his unit relocated. One day, I learned a Scud missile was launched near his location. I wouldn’t rest until I found out if he was okay. I had to find a way to see him. My unit sent a vehicle to his location every week, so I requested to ride up and check on him. My request would probably be denied, but I was a military spouse on a mission!

My request was forwarded to the Colonel. The next day, I received word that the Colonel wanted to see me

ASAP! I expected the worst. When I entered his tent, he said, “I received your request, but all vehicles have been grounded, and no one is supposed to be driving at this time.” Then he said, “But... we have a helicopter headed that way. If you can get there before it takes off, you can go, but you must contact your husband’s unit and inform them you are coming. “And you BETTER be on that helicopter when it returns,” I informed my supervisor and my husband’s unit and ran to the helicopter.

When I arrived, I was relieved to see that my husband was safe and sound. We enjoyed a short visit, and then I headed back to the helicopter; I knew I could not miss it!

I thank God for protecting us and keeping our love alive despite being deployed.

Kimberly Joyner