Husband, wife: united even in battle

Photo By Master Sgt. Opal Vaughn | Sgt. Danielle Stephens with 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, 98th Chemical, and husband, Cpl. Clayton Stephens with Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, raise their right hands while reciting the Oath of Enlistment during a reenlistment ceremony at Forward Operating Base Mozul, located in Ninuea, Iraq, Dec. 10.  

IRAQ

12.20.2008

Story by Spc. Opal Vaughn  

14th Public Affairs Detachment

By Spc. Opal Vaughn
14th Public Affairs Detachment

Despite already having served a combined service of 17 years to their country, husband and wife team, Sgt. Danielle Stephens with 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, 98th Chemical, and Cpl. Clayton Stephens with Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, re-enlisted together to be closer to each other.

With their hands raised, standing side by side, the Stephens' began to recite the Oath of Enlistment during a re-enlistment ceremony at Forward Operating Base Mosul, located in Ninuea, Iraq, Dec. 10.

According to Clayton, he and his wife met on their first deployment to Baghdad in September 2005. The following year, they married in August. Unfortunately, Danielle already had orders set for Fort Hood, Texas and Clayton was being sent to Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

"It really sucks," Clayton said, adding, "Its hard being away from each other, so hopefully this reenlistment will put us really close," said Clayton.

Many single Soldiers find it is easier to date within the military because of common interests and responsibilities, according to Sgt. Robert Fontenot, a platoon sergeant with Bravo Company, 3-21 Inf., 1st SBCT, 25th Inf. Div. "I've known Clayton for a couple years now," said Fontenot. "I've only met his wife briefly but I understand why he would prefer to reenlist under the Army's married spouses program. I'm dual military myself."

In order to counteract the stresses of dual military spouses taking care of two households and being separated for long periods of time, the Army offers the married spouses program which allows dual military to serve together in the same location. The location of the spouses is determined by rank and job priority but it still allows Soldiers to be closer to their loved ones.

Currently, Clayton resides at FOB Warhorse and Danielle resides at Logistics Support Area Diamondback.

"With the reenlistment, it's finally our chance to get together since being married," said Stephens. "The married spouses program is supposed to help keep you and your spouse together or at least within a good distance."

For this auspicious occasion, re-enlisting with his wife for an additional four years was very important for Stephens.

"My leadership helped me out by making it possible for me to meet her in Mosul so we could reenlist together," Stephens smiled. "Her schedule has been busier than my own, plus my schedule is a little more flexible than her schedule. I go out on patrol, eat, sleep and pretty much do it all over again."

Looking toward the future, the Stephens' anticipate staying Army strong until they either hit their twenty year mark or maybe even longer. "I see what she wants to do," Stephens grinned. "This reenlistment will put her right around 10 years and it will put me right at seven years. I told her I will do whatever she wants," Clayton said. "I really wouldn't mind staying in just to keep a steady paycheck. And I love her so much."

"The Army needs Soldiers like the Stephens," Fontenot stated. "Plus, tax free bonuses don't hurt either. Reenlisting is alright."

• Date Taken: 12.20.2008
• Date Posted: 12.23.2008 08:44
• Story ID: 28049
• Location: IQ