Alex was stationed in Saratoga Springs, New York to train students at Nuclear Power Training Unit, Ballston Spa (NPTU). Jackie volunteered to travel to New York to participate in the plant’s refueling project. They began working there together and became good friends.

A few months later they went to a Chris Stapleton concert together with friends. During the concert they both felt a spark and decided to go on their first date to the famous Travers Day at the Saratoga Springs Racetrack. After that day, they were inseparable. From running errands and cooking to traveling all over New England, Jackie continued to keep Alex busy.

When it was inevitably time for Jackie to return to Hawaii, they decided to see where things would go and continued their relationship long distance. They would constantly travel across the US to see each other. She volunteered for two more three-month rotations at NPTU, and he would come visit her in Hawaii. Though the time apart was hard, they had many adventures to look forward to, such as watching Formula 1 races in Montreal, getting wine drunk in the finger lakes, exploring the Hawaiian Islands. They always made the most of their time together.

Alex came to visit Jackie in Hawaii in February 2024. They decided to do an overnight trip to Kona on Big Island to see the Manta Rays. Since snorkeling with the Mantas is a night activity, they decided to go watch the sunset. While watching the sunset, Alex dropped down on one knee and asked Jackie to marry him. She said yes and the rest is history.