New love, new life: Hearts apart reunite

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Cary Smith
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  "I was tired, sore and my wife wasn't here to help me. Standing in the hotel lobby, I felt as if I had to conquer all of Italy by myself."

U.S. Air Force Airman Matthew Medina, 31st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load member, reflected on his first night in Italy, alone and unsure of what to make of his new surroundings. He was fresh out of technical school and his wife, Alexis, was unable to accompany him on the flight over the Atlantic.

They had to depend on the military and their past experiences to work through challenges their new life had in store.

Those experiences started when Matthew enlisted into the military while still in high school. Alexis attended college while Matthew went off to Basic Military Training, and so their long-distance relationship began.

"I received a letter every single day [at BMT] and got pictures every Friday," said Matthew. "I definitely give my wife all the credit. She kept me connected when I otherwise couldn't while in a little world called Lackland."

According to Alexis, when she visited Matthew at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, for his BMT graduation, she felt as if they weren't able to spend much time together. The weekend was short, and Matthew had to share his time with his friends, family and her.

"I wasn't sure how much I could hug or hold his hand," said Alexis. "It seemed like as soon as we were together, we had to go our separate ways again."

She said one last goodbye before she flew back to Arizona and he took a five-hour bus ride to Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, to begin technical school. She knew it would be months before she saw him again.

"He surprised me with a visit home during Christmas," said Alexis. "We quickly married because of how difficult it can be to plan a wedding around the military lifestyle."

Determined to not let distance hinder their new marriage, Alexis visited her husband off and on for the next three months. During that time, the Medinas worked to finalize Alexis' paperwork so she could join her husband for the upcoming move to Italy.

Unfortunately, Matthew was unable to bring her with him to their new home, because she did not get her passport in time.

"I was crushed. I looked forward to leaving with her, but now we were both alone," said Matthew. "I would've had a partner to help me handle everything here."

Although Matthew was rattled, he and Alexis didn't stop trying to secure her paperwork.

"The internet became my best friend," said Alexis. "I did everything I could to find out how to get to Italy as fast as possible."

Alexis finally flew to Sheppard AFB to speak with someone in the passport office face-to-face. Twenty minutes later, her application was done.

While Alexis continued with her efforts, Matthew worked through the trials of in-processing. In addition to the appointments, he was trying to settle into a new house.

"All I heard were echoes. I was in a house, but not a home," said Matthew. "The white walls felt lifeless because she was not with me."

Their bed stayed half-full in the three-story house for the next few months while Alexis waited for her documents. Once Alexis received her necessary paperwork, she flew out of Baltimore on the next available rotator.  

"When I arrived, the first thing I did to the house was put colorful gel flowers on the windows," said Alexis. "Then we walked through Sacile for an ideal Italian evening with pizza and gelato."

The next few months consisted of beach trips to Lignano, Italy, Piancavallo mini golf, and afternoons at Lake Barcis.

"I saw the lake once before she was here, but there wasn't much water," said Matthew. "I went again with her, and this time it was full of water and sunny outside. It was like her being here made it more beautiful." 

The couple soon fell into a routine of work weeks and weekend getaways to rekindle their bond.

"The whole experience from me leaving for BMT until her arriving here was one long roller coaster," said Matthew. "It felt as if we could finally breathe and start our life together."

With things settling down, Matthew no longer feels as if he needs to conquer Italy alone.

"I am ready for our life in this beautiful place," said Matthew.

If Airmen need to find peace of mind, the Airman and Family Readiness Center has multiple resources to help. For more information, call the AFRC at 632-5407.