I almost titled this post If Nicholas Sparks Wrote a Military Romance Novel, but even Mr. Sparks can't come up with the way God works. In 1989, Robert MacKenzie enlisted in the Army while he was still in high school in Florida. He left for basic training on his father's birthday, August 8th, and completed basic training on his mother's birthday, October 4th. He was promised a tour in Hawaii, but ended up in Fort Hood, Texas instead. I'm sure he was disappointed, but little did he know he was right where he needed to be.
In 1990, Michelle enlisted in the Army. After her basic training, her goal was to get Airborne qualified at Fort Benning, Georgia. Just one week in, an injury forced her to relocate to Fort Hood, Texas. I can imagine her disappointment as well, but as you can probably guess, she was right where she needed to be.
Rob and Michelle finally met on April 6, 1991 after they were both assigned the same unit at Fort Hood. They were married on July 26 the same year. The new Mr. and Mrs. MacKenzie began their family and after eight years serving in the reserves, Rob took an Active Guard Reserve position on September 9, 2001.
Since then, he has served assignments in Louisville, St. Louis, Fort Knox, Harrison, and Jeffersonville. Finally, on April 30, 2024, he will retire after 35 years of service. I know careers aren't everything, but it sure is crazy to think what the MacKenzie's life would be today if it weren't for the choices they made so many years ago. I thank you both for your service and Godly example. Also thank you for letting me help you celebrate! How incredibly fun is this session?! Congratulations, Rob! If I know you at all, you won't slow down a bit in "retirement", but we're all proud nonetheless.
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