Love, marriage and deployment

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Tim Horton
  • 916th Communication Squadron
BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq --  Deployment: a common household word in many homes across America. Seldom can you view a nightly news program without discussing the topic. Over the last few years, deployments were analyzed in many ways--how it affects the deployers, issues the family faces and for Guard and Reserve members, the effects on the employer. How about the household where both are military members? That's been discussed too. A more unique situation is both members are deployed at the same time to the same location!

More than 45 years of combined experience; two totally different work arenas, medical and communications; and assigned to geographically separated work areas--true descriptive terms for Lt. Col. Tim and Master Sgt. Angela Horton. What makes this couple of 22 years different than any other? They are currently deployed to the same location in Iraq. The Horton's aren't one-of-a-kind, but are definitely in the minority.

After experiencing solitaire adventures in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, they are performing a joint assignment. "We will have some alone time, but most of our deployment will be together," said Master Sgt. Horton.

She arrived in-theater in January as the non-commissioned officer in charge of the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group's Nutritional Medicine Clinic. Her Air Force career began as a diet technician and she's deployed to Balad Air Base twice in that capacity. "It's nice to have the chance to do what I love not only in civilian but military life," said Sergeant Horton.

On the flip side on the relationship is the higher ranking Horton. The Army uses an entity known as the Mayor's Cell, performing many duties like a hometown mayor. Lt. Col. Horton had the opportunity to step outside his normal Air Force communications role and direct operations, force protection, plans, intelligence and safety for the mayor. "It's been a very educational experience. Very different than anything I've done before," he said.

Deployed to the same location at the same time is a different experience for these vets. Being deployed produces different emotions, but one is stress for the well being of the one deployed. Deployed together, they share the day's experiences first hand and have a crucial support system. A familiar face is always a blessing. Asked if they planned another joint deployment they said, "We don't know about that, but we'll make it fine as long as we have each other for support."