Connect How did your love story begin?

I was deployed to the Pentagon following the 9/11 attacks to fill one of the positions of the Marines killed in the attack. I did not know anyone in the D.C. area and started dating using online dating apps. I met Kathryn online. She had no pictures attached to her profile, so I had no idea what she looked liked. When we scheduled our first date, she informed me that she had shorter hair than I. I was a Marine with a high & tight flattop haircut. But, she was correct, her hair was shorter

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

I have many: running half-marathons, serving as the Mayor and 1st Lady; performing in the theatre together; and our travels; but my favorite memory is still our wedding. We got married June 23rd, 2006 on the beach in Kill Devil Hills, NC. This follows me moving back to Texas in 2003 because my boys and my Firefighting job were in Austin; me being deployed to Fallujah, Iraq in 04-05; and neither of us seeing each other for about 6 months prior to our wedding. But, my hair was shorter this time.

What would you do with $20,000?

We would take that dream cruise! We love cruising but have only taken short cruises due to the cost. This would be the perfect anniversary gift. Perhaps we could book a cruise to the South Pacific and visit the Tahitian islands where we honeymooned 20 years ago. Or, we load the grandkids up and travel across the US, seeing as many of the sights as we can (Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore, Pikes Peak, Mount Saint Helens, Niagara Falls, who knows what!)