SOUTHWEST ASIA –
Many deployed members take comfort in the adage “Distance makes the heart grow fonder.”
For most, that distance equates to being separated half way around the world from their loved ones. But for a select few couples, that distance may mean a couple of hundred feet and two tent rows over.
One such couple is Staff Sgt. Shaun Lyle and Senior Airman Jasmine Lyle assigned to the 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron. This is Jasmine’s first deployment and Shaun’s fifth, but it is their first deployment together as a couple in two years of marriage.
They laugh and joke that they’ve been apart more than they’ve been together.
“It is definitely unreal being here together. I am used to being the one who takes care of the house and sends care packages while Shaun is deployed,” says Airman Lyle.
But for Staff Sgts. John and Melissa Terry of the 386th Expeditionary Services Squadron, they are veterans with this being their fourth deployment.
“For us, we have to be careful not to take it for granted,” says Sergeant John Terry.
As far as the benefits of being deployed with a spouse, “I get to see his experiences firsthand instead of through pictures,” says Airman Jasmine Lyle. She added, “I think being deployed with your spouse gives you a better perspective of what goes on in a deployment than what a civilian spouse would have being at home with kids.”
“Being deployed together definitely helps you build a stronger relationship. How many people get to deploy with their best friend?” said Sergeant John Terry.
But both couples warn that it is not as easy as everyone thinks.
“One of the negative aspects in our situation is I’ve already been here two months, and when I leave, Jasmine will still have four months to go. So, it will seem like another deployment without her,” said Sergeant Lyle.
“For us, the only con is people’s perceptions,” says Sergeant Melissa Terry. “When we are off duty and always together, they see the wedding bands and know we are married, but they just don’t know we are married to each other and automatically think the worst.”
Both couples deployed to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing with a plan to ensure their marriage grew stronger.
“We reserve two hours each night just to sit and talk. We make sure we have as much time together as we do apart,” says Airman Lyle.
Sergeant John Terry added, “The best thing to do is set common goals of what you want to achieve while you are here and encourage each other to reach those goals.”
Both couples agree that the secret to being deployed together is trust.
Most members deploy with ways to improve themselves and their relationships.
Deploying with a spouse is no different.