Meet Mike & Kaylen from upstate New York.

Mike is currently serving in the Air Force in South Dakota. Mike is from a military family and has family members who have served or who are serving in every single military branch. He said, “Being in the military is a way of life for my family. I always knew I wanted to serve our country. When I was 21, after I graduated from college with my degree in business and marketing, I chose to enlist in the Air Force. I knew I would have a good quality of life and that I wouldn’t end up getting stuck on a boat.” Kaylen went to school for criminal justice and is currently working on becoming a New York State trooper. She is the eldest of eight siblings. She said, “When I was a child, my siblings and I had caregivers that set examples that I knew I didn’t want to follow. At a young age I made up my mind to be the change I wished to see in the world. My hope for becoming a state trooper is to help children that may be going through what I endured as a child.” The couple met only a few months ago on Veterans Day. Mike had come home on leave and went to grab a complimentary meal at Applebee’s where Kaylen was bartending. They began talking and the conversations flowed into the following days and then into a long distance relationship. They share the same goals, aspirations, and values and are looking forward to the future together. Mike’s favorite thing about Kaylen is that they are both very similar which makes everything as simple breathing. Kaylen’s favorite thing about Mike is that he just “gets” her and loves her for who she is. The one thing they want to tell the world is, “Cherish those that you keep close to you and live your life with absolutely no regrets.” Kaylen and Mike, we wish you both all the best in all of your future endeavors. Thank you for your service and thank so much for visiting!