*I didn't write the basis of this, but I did tweak it a bit to fit my husband's career field*
Air Force Police Wedding Vows
Dear family and friends, we are gathered here today in the sight of God and the Department of the Air Force, to witness this exchange of vows, and see the love that these two dedicated, loving people have for one another.
"Wilt thou, __________, take ___________ (hereafter referred to as the "dependent", the "Delta Whiskey", or the "Off Duty Supervisor"), as your family member, to dwell together in so far as the Department of the Air Force will permit? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, via the postal service or over the phone, make sure she knows where the commissary, BX, and law enforcement desk are?"
"Wilt thou attempt to tell her more than 24 hours in advance that you will be leaving for six months, beginning the next morning? Wilt thou try to remember birthdays and anniversaries, no matter where in the world you are?"
"Wilt thou ____________, take this cop as thy wedded husband, knowing that he is depending upon you to be the perfect (well almost) Security Forces wife, running the household as you see fit, being nice to the commander's wife (even when it's really, really hard to), learning how to heavy starch and iron a BDU uniform in under half an hour and polish combat boots to a glassy shine? Wilt thou promise to understand that the dark blue beret is the only thing that sets your husband apart from the rest of the Air Force and is therefore an object that should be revered, not left laying around for the cat to poo in?"
"Wilt thou tolerate with good humor deployments, exercises, alarm activations and 14 hour shifts? Wilt thou understand that just because his duty day ends at 1800 you cannot and should not expect him home until much later? That incidents can and do happen at shift change because people are stupid no matter what time of day it is?"
" Furthermore, will you understand that your life with your husband (little that you may have together) will NOT be normal, that you may have to explain to your children, not once, but twice, and more often in the same day, that mothers do have husbands, and that children do have daddies, and that the picture of the man on the refrigerator is not the milkman, but the same individual who tucks them in at 2200 hours, long after they are asleep. This cop is their daddy, who loves them very, very much."
"Wilt thou love, respect and wait for him, preparing his favorite cookies and sending him pictures of yourself and the kids so he can remember what you look like? Wilt thou put on the outside of your door his 'Welcome home' sign when he's due to arrive? Wilt thou understand that delays are common, that planes break down, and that you don't know for sure that he's coming home until you see him strolling up the concourse towards you?"
"I, ____, take thee ____, as my independent wife, from 1900 to 2200 hours or as long as allowed by my Commanding Officer (subject to change without notice), for better or worse, earlier or later, near or far, and I promise to look at the pictures you send me, maybe not when they get to me in the field, but before I turn the lights out. I will also send a letter, if time permits, and if not, to somehow, some way, make the time."
"I, _________, take thee _________ as my live-in/live-out husband, realizing that your comings and goings and 0330 guardmounts are normal (although absurd to me) and part of your life as a military cop. I promise not to be shocked or taken by surprise when you inform me that, although we've just arrived at our new duty station, we will be leaving within the month. Yes, I'll have you as my husband as long as while your are away, my allotment comes through regularly, and that you leave me a current power of attorney and the checkbook at all times. I am a family member and proud of it, dependent upon myself and my resources. Although I miss you when you are away, I know I can handle whatever comes across my path."
"Now then, let no man or woman put asunder what God and the Department of the Air Force have brought together. The Air Force hereby issues you this lovely, dedicated, independent woman, knowing that she'll be an asset not only to your marriage, but also to the mission of the United States Air Force Security Forces, which is, as you all know, to remain in a state of 'Readiness' and to 'Defend The Force'. By the authority vested in the Bible, elaborated in the regulation and subject to current directives concerning the aspects of marriage in the Air Force, you are now a Security Forces member with an Off Duty Supervisor. Best Wishes and good Luck."
