JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq - "When I first met her, I hated her," said Sgt. Michael B. Hasbun, a native of Miami, Fla., and noncommissioned officer in charge of stock control, 23rd Ordnance Company.
The Hasbuns met when Michael transferred into Staff Sgt. Judith M. Hasbun's platoon. They realized they had a lot in common, from being prior-service Marines to both going through a divorce.
Although they started off disliking each other, they quickly became best friends which led to marriage.
In November 2008, Michael and Judith celebrated their two-year wedding anniversary here after deploying together with the 23rd Ord. Co., from Grafenwoehr, Germany.
"Team Hasbun," known by their Soldiers, have a strong relationship with each other and helps them succeed in their mission.
"I get all the ammo (ammunition) ready when it comes in and she's in charge of getting the ammo ready to ship out to Soldiers all over Iraq and Afghanistan," said Michael. "Our relationship helps the mission run smoother because we know each other so well and we work well together."
They both agree that work is easier because they don't have to deal with a lot of the same stressful issues most Soldiers deal with while deployed.
"Most Soldiers are away from their loved ones, but by having her by my side, it barely feels like I left home," Michael said.
Judith, a native of Yocumtown, Pa., and NCOIC of movement, agreed adding, "The only difference from here and home is that it's hot and sandy instead of cold and snowy."
Not only do they have the comfort of being close while far from home, but they have each other to talk to after a tough day. Judith said having Michael to talk to means little things don't get to her as easily.
Although they both place the mission first and have a strong work ethic, they both agree they have very different leadership styles. He prefers to teach his Soldiers to learn the hard way. Whereas, Judith wants to catch them right before they fall, or the "mothering technique" as Michael refers to it.
If anything, they complement each other and contribute laughs and entertainment to their troops. Between the two of them, they feel they can handle anything that's thrown their way.
"If I don't know something, she probably does, and if she doesn't know something I probably do," Michael said. "We fill in the cracks for each other."
"We've always complimented each other when it comes to work," Judith added.
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