Soldier takes the plunge before deployment

Photo By Master Sgt. Nathan Hutchison | Army Spc. Barry K. Dalrymple, a driver for 3rd Platoon, Company D, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, stands next to his truck that is being preped for the next mission, Sept. 14, at Forward Operating Base Warrior.  

KIRKUK, IRAQ

09.21.2007

Story by Spc. Nathan Hutchison 

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

Spc. Nathan W. Hutchison
22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment


FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, Afghanistan – Deployment is something that affects a whole family, so why do so many people get married right before they go overseas? Commitment is nothing new to Soldiers, but marriage is a serious step for anyone.

For people who have already decided on marriage, taking the leap before deployment can be a wise choice financially, due to the benefits provided to Military families.

Army Spc. Barry K. Dalrymple, a driver for 3rd Platoon, Company D, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, has been with his wife for almost five years, but got married just a few weeks before his deployment.

Dalrymple said he and his wife met in high school in Ashburn, Ga., in 2003.

"We went to prom together that year, and we've been together ever since," said Dalrymple.

Since meeting his wife, Dalrymple has joined the Army as an infantryman, completed airborne school and is now deployed to Afghanistan, where he has been since February.

"She wasn't excited about me joining the Army, but she said it was my decision," Dalrymple explained. "She said she would support me however she needed to."

Dalrymple and his wife, Amber, were engaged in August 2005, just a few months after he was stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C.

"He went home just about every chance he could," said Army Staff Sgt Joel M. Koppinger, 3rd Plt. non-commissioned officer in charge, Co. D, 2nd Bn., 508th PIR. "It is a pretty long drive to Ashburn, but he tried to see his family and fiancée as much as possible."

Dalrymple wanted a solid financial start to his marriage and tying the knot before deployment was a monetarily sound decision.

"We were planning on getting married anyway," said Dalrymple. "A big reason I pushed getting married before deployment was because I could make more money.

"Since I'm getting out of the Army soon after redeployment, it would help us get a better footing for our future with a little more money."

This does not discount his love for his wife, but reveals a desire for a better future for his family.

"I hear a lot about newlyweds having financial problems in their first year or two," Dalrymple added. "We may still have that problem, but it won't as big of an issue because of the money I'm able to save up from deployment."

Dalrymple feels that leaving the Army and working on his education is the best choice for his future, but his leadership is not as enthusiastic about his decision.

"One side isn't right or wrong," said Army 1st Lt. Paul Lukehart, 3rd Platoon Leader, Company D, 2-508th PIR. "Dalrymple has decided that the Army doesn't fit his life or goals, so he's deciding to get out.

"He works hard and has a good head on his shoulders, and the Army will miss him when he decides to leave."

When Dalrymple gets back home to Georgia, he plans on taking a vacation to the Bahamas with his wife, and start working on his degree in lumber management.

"He's matured in the Army; in professional knowledge and willingness to mentor younger Soldiers," said Lukehart. "His military experience will help with learning new skills, self management and coping with various situations to get the job done."

Dalrymple said there is much he enjoys and will miss about the Army, but doesn't want to burden his family with life as an infantry Soldier.

"I couldn't have asked for a better person to be with," said Dalrymple, speaking of his wife. "She's supported me in every way, and I'm looking forward to spending my life with her."

• Date Taken: 09.21.2007
• Date Posted: 09.21.2007 08:33
• Story ID: 12479
• Location: KIRKUK, IQ