Roy and I have been in the Army for a number of years (20 years for Roy and 15 for myself). I moved to San Antonio Texas in June of 2018 from West Chester, PA where I was previously stationed. For those who have served you know the life of a Service Member is full of challenges and constant changes. Roy is from Orange, Texas and had been with the 4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) since early 2015 when he was cross-leveled and deployed overseas. For those who know Roy, you know he is a man of confidence, loyalty, and a fierce work ethic. Roy values friendship and family above all else but does not extend it lightly. Roy and I knew each other as coworkers for about 8 months, having interacted in meetings and socially at lunch with other coworkers. Roy is a man of focus, overwhelming logic, and attention to detail. I am a woman who has big emotions, and passion, and I am guilty of over-analyzing at times, which is why I was surprised when Roy asked me to come out and celebrate one of his many accomplishments. To my surprise, Roy showed me a different side of himself and we clicked on a level that pleasantly surprised me. We started to dance and I felt like I was flooding in his arms. His eyes were the most beautiful light green eyes I have ever seen. His smile blinded me with energy and I thought- I like this feeling. Shortly, after that night Roy was sent out of state for training for almost a month. Over that month, we took the time to talk and get to know each other better. On the day of his return, we went on our first date and I have felt that I have found the one ever since.

I met Esther, on my current assignment with the 4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary). When I first met Esther (through mutual acquaintances) I thought, she is a loud, attractive, strong, woman who is a professional and master of her craft as a Soldier. We went to lunch one day as a group and I happen to go into the Post Commissary during Christmas and I got a $25 gift card from Santa. I mentioned it on my way out so Esther decided to go in and get one for herself but they were out. I gave her mine and well that was the start of what now is one of the most important events in my life. I invited Esther out to celebrate the completion my Masters in Business Administration (MBA). While we had only interacted in a work setting, I quickly found we had this connection while we danced that intrigued me. We continued to talk and get to know each other in depth over the next month and soon went on our first date at my favorite Sushi restaurant in San Antonio. The rest is history!! I can’t imagine my life without her. Esther is a beautiful, intelligent woman who supports me with her whole being. I am so blessed to have her in my life. I am grateful for Esther but more importantly and grateful for her two amazing children (Emmanuel and Gabriella). They have welcomed me into their lives and have such big hearts that always put their mother first. Emmanuel and I have bonded over sports and man vs man rivalry. Gabriella has become my precious little unicorn and my youngest son’s (Drake) best friend. Esther’s mother “Mama Chiba” immediately accepted me and treated me as her own son from the first day I met her. I am so blessed to be joining Esther’s family and am thankful to be sharing this special event with all who have been asked to witness our blessed union. I love Esther with all my heart and soul and thank God for blessing me with such an amazing woman, best friend, mother, lover, and confident.

You can easily find many differences between Roy and I, however, let’s focus on what we have in common. We share our love for our children, loyalty to our friends and an immense desire to make each other happy. At work, we are both passionate and critical thinkers, who are reliable and solution-focused. What others might see as a weakness is our other’s greatest strength. We balance each other out perfectly and desire nothing more than to overcome any obstacles together. Our differences make us grow stronger both as individuals and as a couple. Roy is a loyal, hardworking, and simple man who has old school values. He is a proud father of two boys and takes pride on his 20 years of service to this great country. We are overjoyed and look forward to sharing our special day with you. We are blessed that God has pulled us together and look forward to sharing many more memories with our newly blended family.