Support, dedication, and trust

By Sgt. Melissa LessardMay 7, 2019

Family photo
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Father son promotion
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

By: Sgt. Melissa N. Lessard 504th Military Intelligence Brigade Public Affairs

(FORT HOOD, Texas, May 5, 2019)- Sgt. 1st Class Michael Bernquist, operations noncommissioned officer in charge, with the 303rd Military Intelligence Battalion, and his wife Brandi; through dedication, trust, and support, have made their marriage work for them while in the military.

"You have to have trust when you spend most of your married time separated," said Brandi Bernquist. "When he's gone, I know he still has our best interest. We are both dedicated to each other, even though he is far away sometimes. I know that what he is doing is for us."

Both said they met while stationed in Germany, married May 13, 2005, and have four children. They have endured six deployments combined with two duty station moves.

Brandi said that it is difficult to move as a spouse. Because even if she has a degree or license, wherever they go she must start over. To have licenses change from state to state takes several months.

Michael said when his wife Brandi got out of the military it was one of those 'well, what do you want to do?' moments. At the time Brandi did not know, but eventually she went back to night school. During that time, Michael would work during the day then hurry home to help with the household so she could go to school.

"He understands how difficult it is," said Brandi.

Brandi said she is the type that will say, "what do you want to do and what do we have to do to make it happen?"

Not only does Michael support Brandi's wants and desires for her career, Brandi also works to support Michael's military career choices.

"She has been there," said Michael. "She has been able to take control of the household when I am not there. Between deployments, school, and field exercises. I don't have to worry about those phone calls like 'hey we need this fixed and you are the only one with the password'. She has been there to support me the whole time."

Michael said Brandi also pushes him to do more, especially when it comes to schooling that will help him progress.

Brandi said when Michael leaves, they do their best to communicate and give each other's view on any situation that may arise.

While schedules may be hectic with Brandi and Michael both working and taking care of their children, they still make the best of their time together.

"When we are together, we make that time very special," said Brandi.

"You have the birth of your kids and getting married, but because of how things are, if we don't enjoy the moment we are in, we may not get it. Anything we do, any time we are together, whether it is having a family dinner, or a drive to a location, we try to have a good time because he may leave tomorrow."

Michael said military couples are a little more resilient because of the different issues they face.

"Uprooting families, moving them around, going to other countries, being a military child you have to be able to roll with the punches. They are definitely more resilient because of everything that goes on."