Air Force and Navy Collide!

Once upon a time, there was a young lady whose daddy was retired from the United States Air Force. She was proud to be a military brat. Since this was the only life she'd ever known. So, she was seriously considering joining the Air Force herself. After all, her brother was in the Air Force too. Then, she met this young man whose father was retired from the United States Navy. This young man was determined to follow in his fathers footsteps as well.

So, the story begins...

One day in February 1992, the young man went to pick up his best friend from work at Chick-fil-A in Westlakes Mall in San Antonio, Texas. The best friend had gotten off work early and had went to the game room to play some games. So, the young man decided to grab something to eat at Chick-fil-A while he waited for his best friend to finish up. While ordering his food, the young man struck up a conversation with the young lady that had gotten his food. They both had recognized each other because they were rivals in their JROTC programs at their high schools. He, in Navy JROTC and she, in Air Force JROTC. Plus, their paths had crossed at the church the young lady went to when the young man would visit on occasion. Yet, they had never been introduced. So, he introduced himself as Russell Willis and she, Jenny Rhoades. After chatting for awhile Russell decided to ask Jenny out on a date. Jenny said yes. So, they went on their first date to see Curly Sue. They enjoyed each others company and after a couple of weeks they agreed to see each other exclusively. So, they spent the next couple of months getting to know each other. They both graduated from high school within those months. Russell in May and Jenny in June. Well, Russell was in the delayed entry program for the Navy. Which meant, that after graduating he would be enlisting in the United States Navy. Jenny was considering joining the United states Air Force.

Russell did enlist and was scheduled to leave for boot camp on July 7, 1992. Jenny was still deciding. Before leaving, Russell and Jenny agreed that they would remain friends and be open to see other people. The day came for Russell to leave. Jenny met Russell at the airport to say good-bye. They said their farewells and agreed to stay in touch. They wrote back and forth (a lot) for the next 8 weeks and Russell called when possible. Their hearts were intertwined and they began to talk of a life spent together. Russell asked Jenny to marry him and she said yes! So, Jenny flew to Orlando, Florida to be there to witness Russell graduate from boot camp and for Russell to place the engagement ring on Jenny's finger. At first, they planned on waiting to get married until after Russell had finished A school (training for his job) and received his first assignment. But, after talking more about it they decided to go ahead and get married while Russell was home on leave before going to A school. It meant more pay and Jenny could go ahead and start receiving his benefit's.

On September 14, 1992 they were joined together- forever. They enjoyed a small but beautiful ceremony at the church where Russell was a member. With his pastor performing the ceremony. Russell wore his white military jumper and Jenny wore a lovely white T length dress. They were quite the happy couple. They spent the week in San Antonio, Texas on their honeymoon before Russell had to leave for A school. They had a great time going to the zoo, Fiesta Texas, ice skating, and so on. The day came that Russell had to leave for A school and they had to say good-bye, AGAIN!

Russell went back to Orlando, Florida for his A school. Where he would train for his job as a torpedo man until January 1993. Jenny continued to live with her parents in Texas because the military wouldn't allow Russell to stay off base with his wife. It might distract him. Ya think! ;-) Russell received special permission to stay OFF base during the Thanksgiving weekend so Jenny could visit him. So, Jenny flew to Orlando and they enjoyed a fabulous weekend together. A second honeymoon only 2 months after they married. Jenny left to go back to San Antonio but, not for long. Russell flew home in December while on break so they could spend their first Christmas together. Then, he had to go right back to Orlando to finish his A school. After graduating from A school he would return to Texas to pick up his bride. They would leave- TOGETHER- to drive across country to Norfolk, Virginia where Russell's first assignment was- aboard the USS Enterprise. So began, Jenny's journey from an Air Force Brat to a Navy Wife. :-)