How were you able to survive the military life?

Kem: He was in the guard for those years and I was active duty. By the grace of God, I was sent back to South Carolina after basic training and tech school. So we were only about eighty-five miles apart while we were still dating. Then when we got married, he transferred his job to where I was located. I had to go on an assignment in Turkey for four months that was supposed to be a year, and it really gave me a deeper appreciation for him. For some people, being in the military weakens their relationship. But for us, it actually strengthened it. We both understood what our commitments were. Had I not been in the military and he had been active duty, it may have been a challenge for me. It was hard to be away sometimes but it definitely made our relationship stronger.

Greg: That’s exactly it. It was about understanding the sacrifices that both of us had to make, and the unconditional love we have for each other created a bond that was unbreakable. I was blessed with that.

What is the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome in your marriage?

Kem: I think initially it was communication because I talk a lot and he didn’t talk a lot at all. I would express exactly how I was feeling, and he would keep that to himself. But now after twenty years, we’ve pretty much mastered that. It really was a challenge to overcome the difference in the communication styles.

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