Colton and Megan first met through St. Louis Military Officer Support Foundation (SLMOSF), now known as Patriot Training Foundation (PTF), a nonprofit organization that provides training and preparation for military candidates without cost.

Originally, SLMOSF allowed only officer candidates to join the program, but Colton was a special case due to his incredible leadership and hard work. Colton was preparing to enlist in the Marine Corps for reconnaissance, and Keath, the president of SLMOSF, became Colton's mentor. Megan, on the other hand, was one of the only ROTC candidates joining SLMOSF, and wanted to prepare as much as possible for Ole Miss Air Force ROTC. Megan understood and accepted the responsibility of what it meant to become an officer, and committed to becoming her best possible self through SLMOSF's training program.

Colton and Megan shared a lot in common, but one activity they differed on was pool day! Colton thrived in the water, while Megan obviously suffered...

But what Colton and Megan did share was love for God and country. They became good friends, admiring one another's patriotism and passion to serve.

At the end of summer 2017, Megan left for her freshman year of college at Ole Miss while Colton attended boot camp. They said their goodbyes as friends, knowing they would stay connected through PTF.

Colton absolutely crushed boot camp, receiving the honor graduate award, presented to the marine who has demonstrated the highest potential for future leadership and responsibility in the Marine Corps.

Meanwhile, Megan was at the top of her class at Ole Miss and received a scholarship with the Air Force, committing to at least four years of service after college.

The next time that Colton and Megan saw each other was at PTF's winter overnight, an exercise that allowed candidates to use land navigation and weapons training during night procedures. Megan and Colton flirted intermittently, and this was the night that sparks began to fly!

Megan promised Colton that if he made it through reconnaissance training, she would buy him ice cream - they both came through on that promise! Colton and Megan had their first date on July 30, 2018 at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, where they spent hours discussing their hopes and dreams. Megan shared her biggest bucket list item, skydiving, and Colton promised to make it happen.

A few days later, Colton took Megan skydiving for the first time, and they absolutely loved it. Colton had to make an impression before he left for a 2-year assignment in Okinawa Japan and Megan starting her sophomore year of college. Colton did just that, and they shared their first kiss before he left!

Megan felt that due to their conflicting career paths and the long distance between them, it was nearly impossible to have a relationship. More optimistic than Megan, Colton promised her that he would wait for her, and although they continued as friends, Colton and Megan stayed connected through letters, poems, and flowers.

Megan and Colton stayed friends, especially with the original candidates from PTF, an amazing group of people who also committed their lives to the military!

When COVID hit, Colton and Megan's FaceTimes from across the world didn't seem so far anymore, and they started to call each other almost everyday. Colton and Megan started watching church together as well, and grew in faith immensely.

Finally, Colton found out that he would be leaving Okinawa, Japan for Camp Lejuene, North Carolina, and Megan immediately booked a flight to see him. The weekend they spent together was magical, and it's where they realized they would spend the rest of their lives together.

Although Colton and Megan continued to be long distance, they always found a way to make it work. Colton surprised Megan at an Ole Miss baseball game before her graduation, and he sure was a good luck charm to help the Rebs win!

Megan went on active duty and officially commissioned into the U.S. Air Force in October and was blessed to have Colton give her first salute!

A few days later, Colton graduated from his latest training! Colton was surrounded by awesome family and friends that weekend, including Megan and Colton's mentor from PTF, Keath Hausher.

Colton and Megan continue to be close their PTF friends and love seeing everyone over the holidays every year!

Megan went through pilot training in Columbus, MS, and Colton got to be there for her first ever flight! She just recently graduated and is going to Charleston, SC to fly C-17s, only four hours away from Colton!

6 years of knowing each other and many beautiful memories later, Colton proposed to Megan after skydiving, and they can't be more happy to get married!

Thank you for reading our story, we are so excited to celebrate with you!!