Connect How did your love story begin?

Our love story began in 2009 when Ryan was deployed in Iraq. He found me on Facebook, poked me, and we started talking every day for six months. We fell in love before ever meeting in person. By the time he came home, I had my wedding dress picked out and was already wearing the engagement ring he bought me. When you know, you know,and we knew. Fifteen years later, we’re still laughing, loving, & choosing eachother daily.

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

One of our favorite memories (of many) is reuniting at the homecoming after Ryan returned from Iraq. We knew so much about each other before ever meeting in person, he sent shirts with his cologne, and I sent weekly care packages with little pieces of me and things he needed in the combat zone. That first hug was everything. It wasn’t just love, it was the start of forever, built on connection, faith, and six months of falling in love across the world.

What would you do with $20,000?

We’d use the $20,000 toward purchasing land for our nonprofit, Medal of Honor Horses, which will offer faith-based equine therapy to veterans, first responders, military families, and children with special needs. As a military family raising a child with autism, we see the need firsthand. Our vision is big, the need is great, and this would be a huge step toward creating a place of healing and hope for others.