Young couple proud to be serving in Afghanistan; happy to be serving together

Photo By Capt. Jered Stokes | SPC Karina Vazquez, FSC 20th EN BN, departs on a logistical convoy serving as a M240B machine gunner.  

FORT HOOD, TX, UNITED STATES

11.20.2012

Story by 1st Lt. Jered Stokes 

20th Engineer Battalion

KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – A married couple from the Forward Support Company, 20th Engineer Battalion is serving together in Kandahar, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Specialists Karina Vazquez, 20, and Luis Vazquez, 21, joined the Lumberjack battalion in July of 2012. They were born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, both to Mexican immigrants. In high school they were best friends. Luis graduated in June of 2009 and worked odd jobs for a year, just trying to make ends meet and struggling to find a job he was passionate about.

In November of 2009, Karina went to the recruiter and expressed interest in joining the Army. Six months later, Luis did the same. After Karina graduated, they started dating, and a couple months later Luis went off to basic training in Fort Jackson. Karina followed not too long after, and during winter exodus leave the two went to the court house to get married. When asked about his parents’ reaction, Luis responded, “There was nothing they could do. We were young and in love.” That was almost two years ago. Now, after a year in Korea, the young couple is deployed with the Forward Support Company of the 20th Engineer Battalion within the 36th Engineer Brigade.

Although the Vazquez couple is split into different platoons, they see much more of each other during the day then they did in Korea. In Korea they were in different companies in the same battalion. It doesn’t seem to have any adverse effect on their relationship, however. They have different missions, Karina being a heavy vehicle driver and Luis being a heavy vehicle mechanic, and therefore have things to talk about when they get back to base.

Now that they are deployed for the first time, the couple is optimistic about the new experience. Since they have never been overseas before, they rely on the experiences of their battle buddies in the company for guidance. During pre-deployment block leave they spent time with loved ones, answering questions and enjoying time with their families. Luis expressed that his parents are worried but proud. His mom prays for them daily and has requested that a service be dedicated in their honor at their church. Karina’s father was an Infantryman in the Mexican marines for four years and can relate to the day to day struggles and concerns surrounding the military lifestyle. She said that it’s more difficult for her mom to understand what she goes through.

The Vazquez’s are not sure what the future holds. They are focused on getting through the deployment before they make any decisions about reenlistment. They plan on studying for the promotion boards together down range and they are planning on taking college classes towards a bachelor’s degree. In Korea, Karina went to the Soldier of the Quarter board and won at the Battalion level. That victory sparked a competition between the Vazquez’s; their competitive nature is motivation for improvement and career progression. They are proud of their service and are proud to be serving their country throughout their time in Afghanistan together.

• Date Taken: 11.20.2012
• Date Posted: 11.29.2012 09:37
• Story ID: 98496
• Location: FORT HOOD, TX, US