Oakdale, Conn., native, Spc. Kevin Hildreth (left),

Oakdale, Conn., native, Spc. Kevin Hildreth (left), an infantryman assigned to Company A of the 2nd “Stallion” Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, embraces his wife, Canyon Country, Calif., native, Sgt. Michelle Hildreth (right), a medic assigned to Company C, 115th “Muleskinner” Brigade Support Battalion of the Ironhorse Brigade, June 24, 2012, at Cooper Field on Fort Hood, Texas. Although the couple was deployed together during Operation New Dawn 2011 in Iraq, they were only able to see each other once. “It’s a common misconception when you are dual military and deployed together [that] it is easier because you are together,” Michelle explained. “But, actually it’s quite the opposite. We saw each other once and being military you better understand the risks your [spouse] may possibly face.” (Photo courtesy of Sgt. Michelle Hildreth, Company C, 115th, 1BCT, 1st Cav. Div.)