Jackson and Emma met senior year at the Virginia Military Institute. One evening in barracks, Emma followed a few friends over to Jack's room to hang out. Jack was playing reggae music which is Emma's favorite genre and they quickly bonded. Both Emma, from California, and Jack, from New York, were quite far from home at VMI. Due to this, they were part of a few seniors who remained in Lexington on weekends. During rainy nights walking downtown and strolling barracks looking for fun, they quickly became friends. Emma started water polo and Jack was very supportive following her season. Spring brought COVID and the two never made it back to the Institute to finish senior year. In the season of COVID, Emma was home in Cedar Rapids and Jack was in Virginia Beach and they still continued to grow their relationship. The Navy sent Jack to Pensacola, FL for Naval Flight Officer training while Emma got a full time job in Cedar Rapids. On a spring day an enormous storm hit Cedar Rapids closing down the entire town. As Emma could not go to work, she decided to visit Jack to check out the fun he was having. Jack was waiting for her at baggage claim and love quickly blossomed. Fate and the Air Force sent Emma to Panama City, FL and love continued to grow. Their commitment to seeing each other every other weekend quickly changed to every week. Jack received his wings in June of 2022 and is now stationed in Lemoore, CA. With Emma still in Panama City, the challenge and their perseverance has only strengthed their relationship. Emma plans to separate from the Air Force and join Jack Fall of 2024. Emma and Jack are both very excited of the future of his Naval Career and a family of their own.