It’s Valentine’s Day once again, and as usual within the military, thousands of service members and their spouses or special someones will be celebrating the day apart.  It may seem depressing to those outside our community, but those of us who've experienced the separations know a secret. Behind those tough, camouflaged exteriors, military guys and gals are some of the most romantic individuals around and deployments often let them use their full military training to create extravagant gestures of love.

Some of the sweetest Valentine memories I have are from the holidays spouse and I were apart. The old adage, ‘Absence make the heart grow fonder,’ never seemed truer on those February 14ths when we were miles and oceans apart. And he never failed to pull off some type of surprise while downrange.

He became adept at using his Rear Guard (friends and family around me) to assist his planning.

Relying on their helpful Reconnaissance, he could identify gift targets and arrange for their ‘capture’.

He strategically planned Remote Delivery of the gifts so that we’d be on the phone or Skyping to increase surprise attack impact.

He often had to employ Reinforcements (the kids) for diversion maneuvers to ensure I was in Ready Position for the surprise.

My spouse never failed to amaze and humble me with these elaborate efforts to show me how much I meant to him. It made the cards and care boxes I sent him seem so blasé, but then, I never had his military training. We are fortunate to be able to share Valentine’s Day together now, but I will always treasure the one’s we spent apart.

Here are a few fun videos of other military members using their stealth abilities to surprise their loved ones:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOWcFD_OSII

http://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=channel%3Aeacae012-5533-...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6-VlKLi5J8

How has your spouse surprised you on a holiday?