Airica Moore, girlfriend of Robert Hunter
| Photo credit: Airica Moore
In observance of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, many citizens honored military veterans that have served or currently serve in the Armed Forces. Jasmine Hunt, Isabelle Mars, and Airica Moore all share one thing in common, their significant others serve in the Armed Forces.
These military girlfriends strive to give support to their boyfriends in the Armed Forces, but concerns like distance, uncertainty and safety are an ongoing issue.
“To support him, I just give him the space that he needs, when he needs it. Most importantly, I pray, pray, pray,” said Moore, a third-year business student.
These military girlfriends endure sporadic bouts of nervousness. Moore said her progressing concern for her boyfriend, Robert Hunter, who serves in the Army Reserve, is his overall state-of-being.
“I honestly worry sick about him all the time,” Moore said. “Tons of different scenarios run through my head of what can happen to him.”
Jasmine Hunt, a senior health management student, said she is in a constant state of worry when it comes to her boyfriend Rontavious Jones.
“I constantly worry about his wellbeing, but I just pray and leave it in God’s hands,” Hunt explained.
“I do my best by always being there in every way, emotionally and physically. He knows if he needs me, I'll drop everything and come running.”
In addition to the unpredictability of the safety of their significant others, these girlfriends have occasional lapses in communication.
They explained that depending on where their spouse is stationed at the time, and whether he is in training or not, plays a big part in how often communication is achieved within the relationship.
“At first, it was hard to communicate, especially while he was in basic training because he wasn’t allowed to have his phone, and the only means of communication was through letters,” Hunt explained.
“…Now since he’s at his duty station, it’s much easier since I can travel to see him and have constant communication,” Hunt said.
Mars, a senior physical therapy student, claimed that her relationship was stronger than ever because of how hard she and her boyfriend, Chris Placide, who serves for the Army National Guard, have worked to build a strong foundation through communication.
“The cons of dating someone in the military is that he always has to leave, however, the pros include him having more value toward our relationship,” Mars said.
The three military girlfriends also said they noticed the genuine changes within their boyfriends.
“As far as tidiness and punctuality, he has improved,” Mars said. “He is very protective so I always feel safe around him,” Moore added.
Nevertheless, these military girlfriends are pleased to say that their significant other serves the country. Despite the negatives, the positives outweigh what may be perceived as a nuisance.
“Since joining, he’s no longer a procrastinator and hates being late,” Hunt said. “He gained more skills to make him greater than what he already is, and most importantly I have the opportunity to say that my heart belongs to a U.S. soldier.”