Barksdale Reservists benefit from wartime honeymoon

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston
  • 506th Air Expeditionary Public Affairs
KIRKUK REGIONAL AIR BASE, Iraq --  Traditionally speaking, the first few months of a marriage can set the tone for a lifetime.

For two reservists deployed to Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq, spending their honeymoon in a war zone has proven to be building blocks for a future together.

When Senior Airman Nickole Daigle Rhodes was tasked to deploy with members of the 917th Security Forces Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Staff Sgt. Kentrill Rhodes, her husband, volunteered to go along.

"This is my first deployment and Kentrill's second tour to Kirkuk. He was here last year from February to August," said Airman Rhodes. "He volunteered (this time) so we could stay together, especially after just getting married."

The two Airmen met in 2005, while assigned to the 926th Fighter Wing, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, New Orleans, La., and were married on April 12, 2008.

According to Sergeant Rhodes, the couple works the same shift and has the same day off, allowing them to interact with each other every day, which is building the relationship during the deployment.

"We spend (our time off) together watching movies, doing laundry, playing ping-pong and other games," Airman Rhodes said. "Oh yeah ... and how could I forget the working out together?"

Grueling workouts set aside; there are some advantages to deploying with your spouse.

"It's a lot easier for me this time around, having Nickole here," Sergeant Rhodes said. "I save time on the phone and money on phone cards."

On the other hand, having your spouse with you in a warzone brings to the forefront situations and fears that wouldn't exist if they were safe back at home.

"Nickole was on the way back to her room after seeing me when a rocket hit and shook the Mod's. All I could do was gasp for air; my heart skipped a beat and starting racing," Sergeant Rhodes said. "I ran outside to see if she was still out there, and make sure the rocket hadn't hit the Mod's.

"It's different when you're here by yourself. But, when you're with your spouse and that alarm goes off; all you can do is wonder if she is ok," he said. "I now realize how much I cherish my wife; I realize at any minute or any second I could lose her.

"The experience here is one that you will try to forget, but will always remember," he said.

It hasn't been a trouble free deployment, but they have made the best of a situation that keeps the newlyweds at arm's length.

Being her first deployment, she doubted herself in the beginning, which creating a few issues between her and her husband, Airman Rhodes explained.

"(Kentrill) makes me believe in myself, and being here has made me realize that. So everything that has happened here can be amazing depending on how you look at it," Airman Rhodes said. "It makes me happy for every moment we spend together. We have become closer because of being here together."

As their deployment continues, the Rhodes look forward to getting home and what their experiences at KRAB will bring to their marriage and careers.

"The simplest things here can make you appreciate everything. Everything that has happened here has taught me to be grateful for what I have," Airman Rhodes said.

For now, the newlyweds do their job, enjoy the time they have together and look forward to going home to family and friends when their deployment is over.

"I am so ready (to get back home). This place can take a toll on you," Airman Rhodes said. "I'll be happy once I can take a shower without shower shoes, sleep in on a comfortable bed, and not have to worry about anything waking me up.

"But, everything I do (here) is additional experience for my job. I'll take it home with me and on future deployments."