We were both located at the Marine Corps base in Twentynine Palms, California. I was a Private and she was a fourth-year optometry student rotating through the Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital. Although she had lived there since February, I met her only 19 days before departing to my next duty station. I developed an eye condition resulting in a referral to optometry. As I waited to be seen, thinking I was having a terrible day, she walked into the waiting room and asked, “Private Rodriguez?” At that moment, my life changed forever. After many visits, as she shadowed and learned from my doctor, I grew bold and asked her on a date. And so, due to our shared interest in coffee, we went to Starbucks. That day, we knew that this was the start of something special.

His next duty station was Cherry Point, North Carolina and I completed my rotation in Twentynine Palms. I knew it would be a while before I saw him again, but we made plans and he visited regularly. That following year, after months of waiting, we planned a trip to San Diego. I had a feeling, but did not know how or when he would do it. We had dinner on a cruise and a night filled with laughter and lots of dancing. He took me back to my room, and as I opened the door, I saw that the entire room was filled with rose petals and candles. Not knowing what was happening, I looked at him and he was on his knee, holding out a ring. He asked, “Debbie, will you marry me?” I responded, “Oh my goodness, YES!” And just like that, we were engaged.