"Love at first sight was hardly the mantra for us. We met as college freshmen, three years before the thought of dating ever crossed my mind. We spent those years being friends, classmates, and coworkers. But I spent those years searching for a love like the one that we have now. As our friendship grew stronger, I knew I felt something different in him. He was, and continues to be, so thoughtful and curious. He made me look at life differently and I quickly grew to love him as a friend...or so I told myself. But, on a blizzarding weekend in the Rocky Mountains, everything changed. Looking back on it now, I see that our timing was nothing short of divine and I am so grateful for this life that we get to live together forever. I love you!" - Jackie

“Jacqueline and I really began kindling our friendship the spring of our Junior year at the Academy. Jackie had taken up the habit of stopping by my room to chat every day when she was on her way back from the gym. Our friendship blossomed in that season, and it led to working together over the summer during basic training. During that experience we were tied at the hip. When we were off duty, tied we remained. Late nights were spent discussing everything from the insignificant nuances of our jobs to our dreams for our futures. I distinctly recall one instance on a paddle boarding trip in Pueblo where Jackie described to me what she wanted in a husband. I had what she wanted and I knew it, but I was just her pal... her ‘Jackary’ as she called me. Yea… I never stood a chance. Our friendship stayed strong after that summer. Jacqueline’s daily visits were an hour or two of my day that I cherished deeply. She'd show up, and I'd procrastinate my homework until she left. I was locked in when I was with her. Why you might ask? I was hooked before I knew it. As winter rolled around, I had likely asked my roommate Benny "Bro should I tell her I have a crush on her?" about a million times. She'd show up to our room, we'd chat, then she'd leave. Not a single time after she left did I refrain from swiveling my chair to look at Ben and scream as I sunk in my chair. The turmoil brought on by my love for her was intolerable. Good news is, I didn't have to suffer for long. My escape from the friend zone plan was being revised daily. It eventually became a matter of just-doing-it. During a tense weekend at her folks house in Westcliffe, CO, I just knew that this feeling was mutual and I couldn’t stand it anymore; it was time to tell her how I felt. Upon returning to USAFA after that winter weekend in the mountains, I knocked on her dorm door, and said, ‘You already know this, but I am completely in love with you.’ And the rest is history.” - Jack