Love was in the air when PFCs Sean and Katherine Bennett descended upon Fryar Drop Zone June 8.
After training side by side in the same platoon for the previous two weeks at the U.S. Army Airborne School, the newlyweds exited an aircraft simultaneously - a historical coincidence, said the company first sergeant.
"It was purely by accident," said 1SG Christopher Goodrow, C Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 507th Infantry Regiment. "It wasn't until after we filled and realized they were in the same (platoon) that they said 'Hey. We're married.'"
The Ohio natives married Dec. 27, right after Sean completed basic training at Fort Sill, Okla. and during Katherine's basic training holiday break from Fort Jackson, S.C.
Katherine, a former receptionist, said she was influenced to explore the military by
friends who were serving. After sharing the idea with Sean, a former vending machine serviceman, the two went to see a recruiter.
"We decided to join together," she said, but said the separation was difficult.
They reunited at Airborne School.
"Pretty much since we've been together, we've been in the military and separated," Sean said. "Our communication has been letters and text messages and a couple phone calls every now and again. So, it's been really nice to see her every day."
The couple said Airborne School was challenging but they draw motivation and strength from one another.
"There would be times I was struggling, and I would look at him, and he'd remind me I could do it," Katherine said.
One of their instructors, SSG Stanley Roberson, said the couple remained professional throughout their training and both performed well.
"They didn't really struggle with anything," he said. "They were together the whole time, and they would say things to one another for motivation."
When it was time for the first jump, Katherine and Sean were in the same group.
"I love doing this with her," Sean said. "I'm always more calm around her and seeing her (train) every day puts a smile on my face."
Katherine said Sean has been her biggest fan, calling Airborne training "intense."
"It was a challenge like everything else I've done in the military," she said. "I was scared. But I did it, and I am fine."
After graduation June 11, Sean and Katherine have orders to report to Fort Bragg, N.C.
With a "joint deployment tag" on their records, Sean said the two are looking forward to facing the Army and life - together.
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