Re-enlistment of Spartan couples strengthens marriage bonds

Courtesy Photo | Army Spc. Jessica Alderson re-enlists with her husband Army Spc. Michael Alderson, both part of 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, on Forward Operating Base Shank, March 29. The couple was re-enlisted by Task Force Spartan commander, Army Col. David B. Haight.  

LOGAR PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

04.12.2009

Story by Sgt. Amber Robinson 

Combined Joint Task Force 101

LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - In a war zone, many Soldiers may begin to question their career decisions. As the dangers of war enter their lives and long work hours far outweigh their free time, it may be hard for a Soldier to embrace the concept of continuing this lifestyle for years to come.

For two Army couples with Task Force Spartan, the decision was made to continue the Army lifestyle and continue with this lifestyle together.

Army Staff Sgt. Valjean Berlack and Army Sgt. 1st Class Audra Berlack, both Soldiers with 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, TF Spartan, re-enlisted March 28 for indefinite service. The couple, who have been married for a year and a half, made the decision to stay Army after a little over three months deployed in Afghanistan.

The Berlacks count themselves lucky to be able to be together during this deployment. Audra is on her first deployment, whereas Valjean is currently on his fourth.

"It's so much better this time around," said Valjean. "I spent a lot less time on the phone this time because she is here with me. This deployment is much less stressful in comparison to my last three due to the fact that she is right here to give me support when I need it."

Both Berlacks have children from previous relationships, which they have had to leave behind.

"We have three kids back home," said Audra. "It's bad enough being away from them, but it's easier for me to bear that knowing my husband is here with me. We hold each other up and that makes it easier to get through those difficult times when we really miss our kids."

Valjean has deployed to Iraq and Bosnia and is on his second deployment to Afghanistan. His family is happy he has chosen a fellow Soldier for a wife, one who can be a support for him while he is deployed.

"Valjean is a quiet, private person," said his wife. "He seemed so distant after his first few deployments. His mom says maybe this time will be different when he comes back because of the fact we are together."

The couple has an entire Army career they will now share. Valjean, who had previously left the Army, returned to the service a few years ago and was unsure of re-enlistment.

"She [Audra] was my inspiration to stay in," he said. "She helped me to realize I am what I am ... and that's an American Soldier."

The Berlacks were not the only couple to re-enlist at the end of March.
Army Spc. Michael Alderson, a Soldier with Alpha Co., 3rd BSTB, and his newlywed wife, Army Spc. Jessica Alderson, re-enlisted together March 29. The couple was re-enlisted by TF Spartan commander, Army Col. David B. Haight. The Aldersons have been married six months and decided staying in the Army would be the best move for them.

The Aldersons, although deployed together, are not located on the same Forward Operating Base. Jessica is located at FOB Shank, with 3rd BSTB Headquarters and Headquarters Co., TF Spartan, as a communication operations team leader. She operates from Logar province, whereas Michael works at FOB Airborne in Wardak province as part of a route clearance team.

"Michael is combat engineer, which is a very dangerous job," said Jessica. "I worry about him, but I know I have to focus on my job. It still makes me feel better to know that he is here in the same country as me, working long hours and dealing with the rigors of deployment as well. We don't get to see each other or talk often, but when we do we have so much to say and we understand where each other are coming from."

The Aldersons re-enlisted for six years and an assignment to Germany.

"We are both young, adventurous and love to travel" said Jessica, 22. "We want to go ahead and get stationed in Germany so we can travel throughout Europe and just be free and have fun. We have a globe and we have little pins that we put into it whenever we go somewhere new."

For these two Spartan couples, the Army has been a defining part of their relationship and their future. Although deployment has been tough and many months remain, all are sustained by their spouses' support, love and the common ground which they share.

The Berlacks and Aldersons are two out of three couples who have re-enlisted together in the TF Spartan area of operations in the few months the task force has been in Logar and Wardak provinces.

For all the Soldiers who serve, deployment can be a pivotal time in deciding if they want to continue their military service. For these Spartan couples, their decision has not only been made, but has strengthened their bond.

• Date Taken: 04.12.2009
• Date Posted: 04.12.2009 05:45
• Story ID: 32294
• Location: LOGAR PROVINCE, AF