After half a century, 'I do' again

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Amber Ashcraft
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  More than half a century ago, an Air Force couple exchanged marital vows in a small ceremony at a small chapel. The young bride wore a small, white veil and the groom wore an eager smile. The deal was sealed with a kiss and their new life began August 29, 1959.

Fifty-one years later, Kenneth and Nancy Scott traveled from Florida to Barksdale, the new home to Air Force Global Strike Command, to renew their vows in that very same chapel with Nancy wearing the very same veil and Kenneth that very same eager smile.

"We were going to do something different, go to Niagara Falls, but that got canceled," said Mr. Scott, a retired Senior Master Sergeant. "We tried for Las Vegas, but wouldn't you know, that got canceled too. And then we remembered our first base, the chapel we got married in and the calls began."

That trip was not canceled and the Barksdale Chapel was happy to accommodate their unique reunion.

"Witnessing a military marriage that is 51 years old and going strong warmed our hearts," said Chaplain (1Lt) Molly Lawlor, who presided over the renewal of vows.

Kenneth and Nancy met at Barksdale in 1958 while they were both attached to the 2nd Air Force Command Post. Nancy was the very first WAF, Women in the Air Force, at the command post and her soon-to-be husband noticed. Though she was from the north and he from the south, they learned to adapt to each other's different ways.

"I think I courted her quite well, even with my short crew cut," said Mr. Scott. "And here we are, after all these years."

Due to regulations at the time, Nancy had to separate from the Air Force at the rank of Airman Third Class after getting married, but that didn't stop her from travelling with her husband overseas, where they stayed for about 32 years.

"I was a part of the Joint Service Southern Command in Panama," said Mr. Scott. "Though I retired after 28 years, Panama was our home and where we raised our four boys."

As Nancy settled into the Army Civil Service in a probation and parole office in Panama, Kenneth was on temporary duty assignments to Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador and even a 15-month tour to North Africa throughout their time there.

"Sure, he was gone a lot, but I trusted and loved him," said Mrs. Scott. "You can't get through a marriage without trust and you just don't give up."

Being with their family in another country helped them overcome certain battles together and learn the culture as a family. With trust and patience, the Scotts made their marriage a lasting journey .

"Marriage for our military families are under constant strain," said Chaplain Lawlor. "Highlighting a long, healthy, military marriage just goes to show that they can and do work and there are many programs on base that can help couples and families along the way."

The base chaplains offer counseling for all issues, like pre-marital counseling, mediation and family counseling. Meetings with chaplains are always confidential.

The Chapel also has marriage retreats through the year, to help strengthen and focus on the union.

"Our mission at the 2 BW Chapel is to empower Airmen and families, cultivate spiritual fitness and build resiliency," said Chaplain Lawlor. "Military marriages have a direct impact on military readiness as well as a member's individual quality of life and they are both worth putting effort into."

"It may not be the easiest at times, but when you keep trust, love and fun in your marriage, it'll keep going," said Mrs. Scott. "Everyone has trials, but you stick together and don't give up."

For more information about couples retreats, contact Chaplain Richard Holmes at richard.holmes@barksdale.af.mil. For more information about counseling or to find out who your unit chaplain is, contact the Chapel at 456-2111.