Best Military Bases Around the World: A Love Story

This story is not just about some of the best military bases around the world, but a story that can be life-changing for a young soldier. It's a tale of love, adventure, and personal growth. When I enlisted in the US Army and completed my Advanced Individual Training (AIT), I found myself in an unusual situation. While my fellow soldiers were receiving their orders, I was not. Instead of going through the typical channels, my choice was driven by a simple yet profound question - could I make any place a great place to be?

The Unconventional Path

My journey began at a US Army barracks in Missouri, where I found myself in a place called "casual" holding area, a temporary station awaiting further assignment. The barracks were filled with men and women from all branches of the military, each awaiting their posting. However, I found myself with abundant time on my hands. I utilized this time to join the volleyball team and spend most evenings with a woman who would eventually become my wife. It was through this chance meeting that I discovered a way to secure a posting that suited me.

The Unexpected NCO

One evening, while playing volleyball, a senior non-commissioned officer (NCO) in charge of personnel asked me what my job was. When he learned that I was a "casual" and not awaiting a clearance like many others, he offered to get me orders. Initially, I wanted to be posted to Hawaii, but after attempting to secure the orders, I was unsuccessful. This led me to accept the NCO's offer to be posted to Germany, more specifically, Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) 3/1st Infantry Division in Würzburg, Germany.

Advice from the NCO

Upon arriving at my new posting, the NCO shared some valuable advice with me. He explained that for the most part, as long as I was in the military, I would be assigned to units based on the needs of the Army. He went on to say that there would be two types of people at every post: those who couldn't wait to get out and those who enjoyed everything offered by the post and its surroundings. I took his advice to heart and decided to align myself with those who loved where they were.

My first experience at the post reinforced the NCO's words. I soon encountered a couple in the same housing area who always complained about being in Germany and were eager to return to the United States. Their attitude contrasted sharply with mine, and I was determined to enjoy my time in Germany.

Fast-forward a year, and those two were indeed posted back to the United States. Their housing lease ended a few months later, and they moved back home. When I called them a few months after their departure, they lamented that they hated where they were and wished they were back in Germany. Their experience reinforced the truth of the NCO's advice: it is a choice to make any place a great place to be.

A Love Story Begins

Making Germany my home not only enriched my military career but also brought me to my future wife. We met during my time there and her passion for life and adventure led her to stop her college education to marry me. Despite the challenges of our long-distance relationship, including the move to Germany and the eventual relocation to the United States, our love flourished. Together, we embarked on many adventures, including our unique engagement on the All Saints Bridge in Würzburg.

The Proposal

One evening, we went for a stroll along the river Main. I took her to the All Saints Bridge, where my proposal took a memorable turn. As we stood on the bridge, surrounded by the vibrant city of Würzburg, I got down on one knee and showed her a ring I had purchased on credit at the post exchange (PX). She said yes, and the crowd of German people who had gathered around us cheered. We decided to get married in the city hall of Kitzingen, with my unit in attendance.

Life's Choices and Military Life

Our short-term stay in Germany ended, and we returned to the United States. Despite the bittersweet mix of nostalgia and excitement for our new life, we both made the choice to embrace our new surroundings and make it our home. This experience taught me that wherever the Army sends you, you have a choice to make a place great for you, and this story is a testament to the power of personal choice and the enduring spirit of love.

In conclusion, the best military bases are not just about the facilities or the location. They are about the people you meet and the experiences you can choose to have. For me, Würzburg and the bridge where I proposed were not just a place, but a memory that has shaped my life and love.

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