Military Love Story

In honor of Valentine's Day, OHFL has asked military couples to share their love stories with us. We chose to share the stories on our blog for everyone to enjoy. 

It takes a strong couple to make it in the military. Hearing the stories of how they met or how they're love overcame an obstacle reminds us of the sacrifices our military takes to protect our freedom.  

The contest ends February 24th and the winner should be announced within the following week. The lucky winner will receive a necklace and matching earrings donated by Lisa Buben of Lia Sophia Jewelry.

"My husband Michael and I met and fell in love at the very young ages of 17 and 18 and just graduating from high school. He asked me to marry him right after telling me that he had decided to join the Army so he could support us. He served 9 years and then decided to change his career and left the military. Little did we know that many years later our country would be at war and Michael wanted to do his part and serve again. He joined the FLNG in 2006. I have always loved being a military wife and being a part of that community. Being seperated in 2008-2009 while he served in Iraq was a test of our relationship (as it is for everyone). The seperation makes everyday of our time together so precious. He has now been in school for the last 7 months and I've only seen him a few times during that timeframe. As always it's been trying, but also as always, the distance makes our love grow stronger.


"My husband and I meet June 1998 in Germany, we were dual military. I still remember the first time that I saw him. Ever since then the man has always made me laugh! Gerald and I had been dating for 17 months; he received orders to Ft. Bragg. During a phone conversation Gerald asked me to marry him and I told him not to ask me over the phone. After that, I obtain approved leave, flew to Ft. Bragg, bought a ring, proposed to him on one knee, got married, and then flew back to Germany. Since then I have given birth to two wonderful children, ended my career in the military in 2003, completed my four year degree (while working full time and being a single parent, during deployments), Gerald has completed 53 months deployed and scheduled to go to Afghanistan this year, and I currently work full time as a FRSA for the Army's Special Forces Command helping those family members that go through the same predicament as I do (for that is my way of finding peace and knowing that I'm not alone)."


"My military love story involves me and my wife after every deployment I have. A lot of us have been there but if not just imagine you have been away from the one you love with all your heart for 6, 9, or 12 months what ever the case may be. For the last year you have been dreaming about how that day will be when you see each other again. So now after an 18 hour plus trip you finally landed in the states. You are in such a hurry to get off the plane you dont care if you leave something behind. Once through the gates you go running like a little kid to your love and you guys imbrace for what seems like hours but is just minutes. Crying, hugging, and kissing like you haven't done before. Once embraced the true feeling of love is felt. That is my love story between me and my wife. Every time I get back from a deployment which has been eight times already we just embrace and never let go because we love each other so much."

"My husband and I started talking through Match.com when he was stationed in Baghdad for his second tour. For 6 weeks we wrote back and forth. Two days after he got back, he took me on the best first day of my life.
Three months later we were engaged, and within one more month we went to the courthouse in Tampa to elope. We kept it a secret from everyone for four months.
Our families and friends were shocked, when asked why we didn’t wait to have a real ceremony we openly reply that we knew from our first date together we would never be the same. As crazy as it sounds to the rest of the world, we couldn’t wait to be married and start our lives together.
Two years later, he is still the only person who can brighten my day in a simple sentence, make my heart flutter when he enters the room, and truly knows me more intimately than I know myself. I love that man!"

"Serving as a Marine Security Guard at our nation's embassy in Tunis, Tunisia was an honor and a privilege. But it was pretty lonely duty. Two secretaries, one from the American Embassy and one from the Canadian Embassy arranged a dinner party where Stella and I can meet for the first time. Stella was serving as a Foreign Service secretary for the Canadian Department of External Affairs. I don't recall what we had for dinner or how many guests were there. I do remember standing on a balcony with a glass or red wine when I stole my first kiss. Four short months later, on Canadian Independence Day (July 1st) I proposed and she accepted. Within a couple of months I receive orders to Capetown, South Africa. The following year of separation was difficult. A year later we reconnected and were married in a simple ceremony in Southern California. We meet in 1977, 35 years ago and our journey continues."

"My husband, Thomas, and I met in a very different way. I was on vacation in Dec. 2008 with my now ex-boyfriend in Texas & For New Years Eve, we decided to go out with some of his friends, who had consequently brought along one of their single friends to be their designated driver, whose name was Thomas. We all hung out and a few words were exchanged between myself and Thomas. We went out separate ways and things ended up going sour with my boyfriend and I and eventually ended on Valentine's Day 2009. Later that year in August, I had received a facebook message from a stranger. So, I checked out his profile and realize who he was. It was Thomas! We talked online for about 2 weeks before we moved to conversing via the phone. We just felt an instant connection and everything felt right. We ended up getting engaged 9-15-2009 & were married at the Courthouse 10-15-2009. We have been married for almost 2 and a half years & have never been happier! It was the best decision of my life."

"Eric and I met in High School when he was 16 and I was 15, we dated off and on over the years and he joined the military at age 17. We fell in love and were married at the court house in 2000, its been 18 years since we first met, 4 daughters later, & our love is even stronger. During his first deployment to Afghanistan in 05, we almost didnt make it. Things were rough everywhere and divorce was a real possibility. Financial issues mixed with the fact that I believed he would not make it back home safely to be with us caused serious issues. When he finally did come home in 06, he made me remember who I fell in love with. With time and patience, we worked on our marriage and made it better. In those last 5 years, I finally realized that I am married to my best friend and wouldnt change a minute because it brought us to where we are today ~ happily celebrating 12yrs of marriage in September."

"I met my husband while we were both stationed in Alaska. We were friends first, but 4 months prior to his next assignment, we decided to date. For the next 4 months, we were inseparable. It was the most wonderful and exciting time of my life. He then moved to California, and I stayed in Alaska. When he left, we had no plans for the future, but it wasn’t long before we knew that we wanted to give a long distance relationship a try. It was one of the hardest times of my life. Six months later he asked me to marry him. We were to be married on 4 February, 2009 in Hawaii. I had designed my wedding dress, and the plans were all set. I had taken my dress to be altered 1 week prior to the wedding, but when I went to pick it up, the shop had burnt to the ground! I was shocked, but determined that I was going to marry this man and I did! It has been 8 years and counting, through a burnt wedding dress, multiple deployments, and so much more! But I wouldn't change a thing!"

"We met on Match.com. He found me and messaged me. I was a bit hesitant at first, but then I saw his picture. I knew right then and there that I had to meet him in person. So, I drove 2 hours to meet him. (he lived on base in China Lake, CA) When I got there he was wearing a tie and looked so handsome. I knew he was the one, my Sailor Prince. We dated for a while and then he popped the question! I said yes and a month later he left for Japan... That was hard, being apart for 3 years! We only saw each other a few times, but that is the Navy life! Near the end of his time in Japan, he came home we got married and a week later he returned to Japan for 5 weeks. It was love at 1st sight and we have been in love ever since. We now have a beautiful baby boy and could not be happier! I LOVE MY SAILOR PRINCE!!"

The contest is still open! If you would like to share your military love story with us for a chance to win a necklace and earring set, please click here.