Video

Video by Chuck Gill

Air Assault Battle Buddies

Defense Media Activity - Pacific

Sept. 24, 2014 | 1:41

The bonds of matrimony are strengthened with rope burns. Specialist Rod Evans helps tie the knot.
Suggested tag:
Sergeants Jeremy and Ciara Oakes met while stationed at Fort Bragg, got married, and have two kids.

Reporter:
This years Second Infantry Division Air Assault course brings a unique story. For two sergeants, they’re more than just battle buddies going through the course together, they’re married. Going through together has its benefits.
Sb: (Sgt. Oakes, 1-7-2 Armored Regiment)
“for the most part, there’s really not many negatives. We were able to accomplish everything together. Study, take the test, you know, able to double check each other, so there’s a big advantage being able to do this as a couple.”
How did their relationship begin?
Sb: (Sgt. Oakes, 1-7-2 armored regiment)
“we we’re both stationed at Fort Bragg, and she had just gotten back from Afghanistan, and we kind of started talking, and we went on a date and that’s basically how we met when we we’re stationed at Fort Bragg together.”
After completing the course, teamwork never felt so good.
Sb: (Sgt. Ciara Oakes, 6-5-2 air defense artillery)
“it definitely makes me proud of the team that we are. I am proud of him for accomplishing it, though i expected him to accomplish it, because he’s infantry.”
(sgt. Oakes, 1-7-2 armored regiment)
“i am extremely proud of my wife and i had no doubt in my mind that she could do it, but doing it together, it’s overwhelming.”
Reporter:
What’s next for the happy couple?
Sb: (Sgt. Ciara Oakes, 6-5-2 air defense artillery)
“i just want to get as much done for both of our careers while were here, and then go back to the kids. I love you Gabriel and Dana and i miss you very much and I cant wait to get back, so we can go to the beach together”.
Specialist rod Evans, camp Hovey, Korea.
Soundbites from: Rt: 01;34;00;00
Font info:
00;06;00;00 spc rod evans (reporting)
00;37;00;00 sgt jeremy oakes (172nd armored regiment)
01;15;00;00 sgt ciara oakes (652nd air defense artillery).