Army couple re-enlists in combat zone

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (February 25, 2009) – Two Army Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Co., Task Force Spartan, 10th Mountain Division, took a step toward an Army life together during a re-enlistment ceremony earlier this month.
 
Army Sgt. Ladondra Lyons, supply non-commissioned officer, HHC, TF Spartan and Army Spc. Marvin Pearson, resource specialist, HHC, TF Spartan, recently re-enlisted for four more years at Fort Hood, Texas, once their combat tour is over. 

The couple, who are on the Military Army Couples Program, are looking forward to their joint life together in Fort Hood, which they chose to be near Lyons’ family, who live in Terrell, Texas.
 
The couple also re-enlisted to maintain economic stability during the first years of their marriage.
 
“This is a steady job right now,” said Lyons. “The economy is so bad right now. At this rate, I may end up staying in for an entire 20 years.”

Currently, the couple share what many Soldiers’ must do without during a deployment, and that is time with each other. Although deployment is stressful and the hours are long, Lyons and Pearson make the time to spend with each other.

“We at least try and eat chow together,” said Pearson.
“We write each other letters when we don’t get to talk to each other,” said Lyons.

“If I need to talk to her and she’s busy I just write her a letter about what’s on my mind,” said Pearson. “I also like to leave her little gifts to let her know that I’m thinking of her.”

Both Soldiers feel lucky to have the time that they have during the day. Their future looks bright and both are positive about where their decision will take them.

“In my last unit at Fort Sill, our commander would let us take a four day weekend prior to making the decision to re-enlist,” said Lyons. “But I had a real positive mind about this from the beginning; I like my job and feel good about this.”