Our love story began at Fort Lee, Virginia, now known as Fort Gregg-Adams. In April 1998, I arrived there as an Army Reservist to attend the Army’s Advanced Individual Training (AIT) Petroleum Course. About a month into my training, I saw her—the most beautiful and captivating woman I had ever laid eyes on. Her name was Tara, and her radiant smile stole my heart every time I saw her. From the moment I first laid eyes on her, I was smitten, but I had no idea how to approach her – well, at least not at first.

As was standard back then, my first six weeks of training were on lockdown, restricting my movement. Meanwhile, Tara, who had been at Fort Gregg-Adams longer, had more freedom. Despite the barriers, I couldn’t stop thinking about her. By mid-May, I finally mustered the courage to speak to her. I started by cracking jokes, and when she laughed, it felt like I was on top of the world. Once she laughed, I knew I had her in the palm of my hands. Within days, we were inseparable. On weekends, when I was allowed to leave base, we went on dates or simply walked around together. Each moment with Tara was magical.

Eventually, my training ended, and I returned to Nashville, TN. Despite the distance, we stayed in touch through letters and phone calls. That summer, we reunited in Mobile, AL and I met her family. It was a pivotal moment in our young relationship. Around the same time, I enlisted in the Active Army and was stationed at Fort Hood, now Fort Cavazos. Tara left the Army and stayed in Virginia. Although I visited her periodically, the demands of my military career made it harder to maintain our connection. Over time, our visits and communications waned, and by the summer of 2001, we had lost touch.

Fast forward to 2013. I was on a hardship tour in South Korea when fate stepped in. While at the dining facility, I met an NCO named Robinson. His name seemed familiar, and as we talked, I asked if he was Tara’s brother. To my surprise, he was. I asked him how his family was and to tell his mother I said hello. After our time in Korea, Rob (Rowe) and I were both reassigned to Fort Cavazos, where I occasionally ran into him. Each time, I would ask him to pass along my regards to his mother.

On July 17, 2022, fate intervened again. I stopped by a car wash in Copperas Cove, TX, and there was Rob (Rowe). As we chatted, I asked him once more to say hello to Ms. Theresa. This time, he took a picture of us and sent it to his mother, Ms. Theresa. Minutes later, Rob (Rowe) called me back, saying Tara wanted me to call her. That evening, I called Tara, and from that moment, we picked up right where we left off over 20 years ago. It was as if no time had passed.

The challenge of distance arose again—Tara was in Virginia, and I was in Texas. But this time, we were determined not to let it keep us apart. Our calls became more frequent, and by the end of 2022, we were talking every day. By December, it was clear where our relationship was heading. So, in April 2023, I began job hunting in Virginia, and by the end of May, I accepted an offer with a start date of July 17, 2023.

We then made plans to meet in Mobile, AL for the 4th of July, and Tara had the wonderful idea of keeping our renewed relationship a surprise until then. On July 2nd, I left Texas to visit my dad in Mississippi, and on the 4th, I drove to Mobile, AL, to reunite with Tara. Her family was completely surprised. Seeing Tara again, after 24 years, was everything I had imagined it would be. We spent three days in Mobile, then visited her close friend, Shawnda, in Columbia, SC, before heading to Richmond, VA.

As the months went by, our bond grew stronger with each passing day. The distance that once separated us became a mere challenge we overcame together. Every conversation, every visit, and every moment we shared deepened our connection. In the years since we reunited, we’ve built a life filled with laughter, understanding, and unwavering support.

Sometimes, it feels like fate had a hand in bringing us back together. All those years apart seemed like the universe’s way of preparing us for the love we share today. We’ve traveled together, celebrated milestones, and faced life’s challenges side by side. Through it all, we’ve learned that love isn’t just about proximity—it’s about never giving up on each other, no matter the odds.

Today, we are no longer separated by miles or time. Every day feels like a gift, one I will never take for granted. The journey that began at Fort Gregg-Adams so many years ago, has led me to the greatest love of my life. As we continue to write our story, I know that no matter what life brings, we will face it together, with hearts full of love, and a bond stronger than ever.

This is just the beginning of our forever.