Back In The USA

David landed back in Texas on October of 2024

After my deployment, I drove eight hours to Wichita, and upon arrival I asked Bethany to be my girlfriend and she said, “Yes,” That simple, sweet moment felt like everything had come full circle.

A few weeks later, my family was visiting me in Texas, and during a calI she invited my mom and I to run a half marathon with her. We agreed right away, and immediately she signed us up—We all came to Kansas for the race. That weekend felt like a dream. Our families meshed together so effortlessly, and I knew deep down that we had something truly rare and special.

Before shipping out to Korea, I realized something important—I didn’t want a future without Bethany in it. I had always thought of her as my best friend, and as our relationship deepened, it became so clear to me that I wanted more than just friendship with her. When I imagined the rest of my life, she was in it, always. And so, the idea of marriage didn’t just feel like a distant hope; it felt like a natural next step. It wasn’t just about loving her—it was about building a life together. I asked her to be my girlfriend, and as I thought about the future, I knew it was only a matter of time before I would propose.