Courtesy Photo | Lynchburg, Va., native Sgt. Michael Waller (left), an ammunition specialist, and his...... read more read more
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By Spc. Nathan Hoskins
1st ACB, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The Wallers seem to do everything together. They are on the same page in their lives and often finishing each other's sentences.
It only makes sense that these 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division Soldiers would re-enlist together.
Sgt. Michael Waller, an ammunition specialist for Company A, 615th Aviation Support Battalion, a native of Lynchburg, Va., and his wife, Spc. Alexis Waller, a unit supply specialist of the same unit have tied the metaphorical knot with the Army for another six years.
Although they discuss every major issue concerning their family, which includes two boys: Jordan, 7 and Michael Jr., 2, they decided to make a pact that neither one would sway the other to re-enlist or not re-enlist, said Alexis a New Orleans Westbank native.
This isn't to say they didn't diligently discuss the topic of each other re-enlisting, she said.
"We talked about it together, but in the end it's an individual choice," Alexis said.
Having both re-enlisted before, but at different times, Alexis said it was nice to have a ceremony where they were doing it together.
The Army couple has been married for three years, but have not yet spent an anniversary together – one of the pitfalls of being an Army couple, said Alexis.
"This would be our first anniversary together whether we're at home or not ... we would prefer to spend it in the states if at all possible," Alexis said with a laugh.
Both husband and wife re-enlisting is a major decision, and the Wallers know that it isn't for everyone.
"I would tell anybody to look at it, weigh the options and if it works for you then do it. Make sure you're getting what you want to get out of the deal," Alexis said.
"Everything has to be laid out on the table and planned through carefully and precisely ... that's when you make a decision. That's how we work as a team," Michael said.
This re-enlistment puts Michael a lot closer to fulfilling a 20-year career with the Army.
"I might as well go ahead and finish up a career, but anything can happen. The Army benefits me as much as I benefit them," he said.
Alexis is still weighing her options as to her future in the Army.
"It depends on how the next two or three years go, whether or not I stay. I do plan on putting in a warrant officer packet, so depending on how that goes ... we'll see," she said.
Alexis and Michael are both taking advantage of the 1st Cav. Div.'s college option where they will take a semester of classes at a college of their choice located within a 100-mile radius of Fort Hood, Texas.
Michael will be just beginning his college career with some general studies, but Alexis will be continuing her education on her way to a bachelor's degree in business administration.
"To be a technical warrant officer (non-flight), (the candidate) must have at least an associate degree, but I'm going for a bachelor's just for my own personal benefit," she said.
They also came out of the deal with a combined total bonus of $30,000 – tax free, said Michael.
"They offered me a good, healthy bonus to stay in," he said with a big smile.
The Waller's have a lot planned out in their career in the Army, but definitely feel it is not a decision to take lightly, they agreed. Not only couples, but Soldiers in general should consult their career counselor before making their decision.
"My only advice is to weigh your options," said Alexis.
| Date Taken: | 06.25.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 06.25.2007 14:44 |
| Story ID: | 10974 |
| Location: | TAJI, IQ |
| Web Views: | 397 |
| Downloads: | 362 |
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