How did your love story begin?

I joined the military to create a new life for myself. I grew up in poverty and needed a positive new start. I survived basic training, technical school and headed off to my first duty station. I got to Ellsworth AFB, SD, and moved into old WWII barracks in rough shape that we made the best of. Our dorm residents become family. My husband joined for similar reasons and we met in the dorms working in same squadron. As we lived in the dorms together, our friendship grew deeper and felt the love.

What is your favorite memory you've shared as a couple?

In our 40yrs together, we learned to go with the flow & turned challenges into adventures,back to our first anniversary! We saved a little extra aside for our first anniversary and took an adventure to Spearfish Canyon, loved our little place of quiet at the waterfall. We went to hotel full and exhausted. We laid down and loud music was blaring. We called the front desk thinking it was obnoxious kids, turned out to be a sheepherders’ convention. Old people can party! At least they invited us🤷

What would you do with $20,000?

Our grandchildren are our life! They keep us busy and exhausted and loved all in the safe breath. Our goal is to someday take an amazing vacation with all six grandbabes and our kids sharing some of the places where we were stationed. Our kids were too little to remember but we want share these experiences and memories with all of them.