This was the first hospital wedding for Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo. Along with a wall of camouflage, the hospital staff gathered in the halls eager to witness the ceremony. Caeli’s parents were also on hand to witness an act of unconditional love and watch her military family grow by plus one.
After the wedding vows, they sipped apple cider, nibbled on cookies and gave hugs of congratulations. Within the hour, she was wheeled into surgery to remove one of the three masses in her body.
Caeli will soon PCS back to Nellis AFB in Las Vegas, where she will have continued medical treatment and chemotherapy. She will also continue to fight this beast of a diagnosis. Although she’ll be closer to Nate, there will be further distance between her and her children. However, she believes they will have better quality time together when they visit her in Las Vegas.
“It feels unfinished.” Caeli says about leaving command of the 315 TRS. This has become her military family, where many have sworn to shave their heads in support of her.
Goodfellow AFB, the entire 17 Training Group and especially 315 TRS are a family who will support each other – whether they adorn one stripe or oak leaves. I know this to be true. I have been a witness and a participant to the strong military family at that base – military family is family, no matter what the rank or position.
The Air Force has a true family at Goodfellow AFB – quite a large family to marry into.
Welcome to the family, Nate!
Writer’s note: My family and I consider the 315 TRS Airmen and their families at Goodfellow AFB to be a part of our family. My husband preceded Lt. Col. Caeli Black as commander of the 315 TRS last year. We wish Caeli a quick and victorious win in her battle against cancer and a beautiful new life with Nate as newlyweds. Godspeed.
Photo Credit: Laura Childs, Southern Perspective Photography
