Photo By Spc. Michael Gault | Spc. Rafael Campos, a parachute rigger for the 421st Quartermaster detachment 4, and...... read more read more
SOUTHWEST ASIA — Cupid’s arrow found its mark Nov. 2 at the 421st Quartermaster Company Detachment 4 Riggers in Qatar, where Spc. Rafael Campos, a parachute rigger, proposed to his long-time girl friend in a unique way.
Spending tireless hours planning and coordinating on how he was going to propose to the love of his life back home thousands of miles away, Campos enlisted the aid of his fellow riggers.
“I wanted to propose in a very special way that was going to be memorable,” said Campos. “Since I can’t be there right now, I used the help of others in the detachment. My mom has also been a major source of help and support.”
Campos and his fellow riggers gathered together to set up for the momentous occasion. It was simple. With Campos kneeling, the riggers held wooden signs which spelled out the question, ‘Paola, will you marry me?’ for a photo.
It took some work to coordinate the Campos’ proposal in Qatar with the ring for his girl back home, as a surprise. His mother came into play, hand delivering a custom made engagement ring and the photo to Paola Guzaman at exactly the right time.
Guzaman of Santa Barbara, Calif., who is expecting the couple’s first child in June, joyously accepted the proposal.
"Rafael blew me away with his creativity for the proposal,” said Guzaman. “I liked how he included everyone from his unit to share this special day for us."
“It really was so romantic; I can’t even imagine her excitement,” said Spc. Rebecca Sirkel, a parachute rigger with the 421st QM Co. DET 4. “The unique way it was done, being on a deployment, while still creative is something that no girl in her right mind could resist.”
Spc. Campos and his new fiancé have decided to approach marriage in a different manner, initially while he is still deployed, by saying their vows more than 8000 miles apart by proxy. The couple agreed that this avenue of approach would be best for their expected child by setting up marriage and family benefits prior to their baby’s arrival.
“I really think it was a great idea to propose how he did, being that we are presently deployed,” said Sgt. Jack Arnold, a lane chief rigger. “I wish them both the best and think it is admirable that they are planning ahead and keeping family as the focus.”
“It is common knowledge that it is difficult beyond belief to say goodbye to a loved one for so many months of a tour,” said Spc. Elizabeth McPherson, a combat medic for the 421st. “So it is very inspiring to see when couples last and can even advance their relationship during those strenuous times.”
Campos and Guzaman met in high school and began dating when they both went to work for the Department of Homeland Security. Campos plans to continue his career with the Army Reserves and Department of Homeland Security, where he just recently received a promotion.
Congratulations Campos and the future Mrs. Campos.
| Date Taken: | 11.15.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 01.12.2013 00:59 |
| Story ID: | 100294 |
| Location: | QA |
| Hometown: | SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 165 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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