'Battle buddies' for better or for worse

While attending her first monthly drill, Pfc. Jessica Smith listens to a briefing and starts her new career as one of Missouri's newest Citizen-Soldiers. (Photo by Jennifer Archdekin)

By Jennifer Archdekin
Ngmo.pao@US.ARMY.MIL

KANSAS CITY - The day her husband brought home his new uniform just after joining the Missouri Army National Guard, Jessica Smith knew she too had to have one.

"I was a little jealous," said Smith. "I thought, 'I want one of those. That's what I want to do.'"

On Dec. 8, Smith did just that. She said that joining the military was something she's always thought of doing.

"What really made we want to join is my husband," said Smith. "He thought about doing it and I was all for it. He was also encouraging me to join."

Smith's husband, Jonathan, is currently attending his basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C. and has been there since October. In April, she too will head to Fort Jackson for her training.

"I look forward to just the experience," Smith. "I can't wait until basic."

The young couple has been married just over three years. Smith admits it's hard to be apart for so long, but recognizes that their perseverance will pay off down range.

"It's the longest we've been apart," said Smith. "I keep thinking about the future. It's going to be positive in the end. If we work hard now and sacrifice, it will pay off."

For the last two months the Smiths have only been able to communicate via letters. Fortunately the couple will be reunited briefly for Christmas.

In the Army, the term "battle buddy" is commonly used. Soldiers are paired up with another Soldier, each looking out for the other and to offer encouragement. The Smiths are learning to appreciate the value of having a battle buddy on the hypothetical battlefield and at home.

After basic training and additional specialty training to become a multichannel transmission systems operator, Smith will serve with Company C, 35th Infantry Division in St. Joseph.

The Smiths reside in Independence. Jessica is an EMT at the Isle of Capri Casino in Kansas City. Jonathan plans to attend officer candidate school this summer.

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please call 1-800-GoGuard or visit www.moguard.com