First we have to go way back to December 2019 when I slid into Marcus's DMs to ask him on date. We spent everyday of the next 10 days together. That is when we found out that Marcus would be stationed overseas in Japan. So for two very long years we went on video call dates, shipped each other presents, and spent hours on the phone all times of day due to the 14 hour time difference. After two years Marcus finally came home for Christmas 2021 before heading to Twentynine Palms, CA for his next duty station. Though to most of you reading this would think California is far away to us it was just down the road. I spent every chance I got in California. Over summer break 2022 I visited for three weeks. This is when Marcus finally popped the question in front of a waterfall in Kings Canyon National Park.

My fiancé and I met in 2019 while I was in training to be an infantryman. Something I hated at the time because as some of my buddies I’ve served with might know I wanted to be a military police officer. Which is something that is equivalent to a cardinal sin when you’re in that gun club.

Bailey and I met and spent 2 years long distance. I was stationed in Okinawa, Japan and she was fighting the good fight in college. First at Roane State Community College and later East Tennessee State University. I don’t know how she put up with me while doing school but she’s a hard working woman. I on the other hand was simply living a very college frat style life with my, now, groomsmen. Drinking on the weekends with Zaccheaus Chambers and staying up just to spend a couple more minutes with them, going to the gym with Thomas Bratcher, or arguing with Cameron Adkins about something I knew I was wrong about just so I could get him irate about it and call his Mom to tell me how wrong I was.

I finally returned home for 2 months in the best town ever, good ole’ Rockwood. I spent some time with family and friends, and most importantly Bailey. I was there long enough because I had to go back to living the dream in 29 Palms, CA. A desert. This is where me and Bailey were able to spend time together usually a week to a month at a time. It was better than Japan because well now we were able to visit each other. Me and Bailey decided to create a goal together to see every national park in the USA. The first 3 were Joshua Tree, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon. I had 3 options of where I could propose. Now I for sure wasn’t going to pick Joshua Tree, that’s the quickest way to make it on Terminal Lance. We eventually went to Sequoia and don’t get me wrong it was beautiful, but as Bailey and I can agree Kings Canyon over Sequoia every time. It was the perfect place for me to be super nervous, scared, and happy all at the same time. I proposed there. And it was the best decision of my entire life. From there the story of two people who are in love develop into mature, passionate, dedicated, and happy couple.