FORT JACKSON, S.C. –
Staff Sgt. Joshua Mitchell is used to talking with various people about military careers and the benefits that are offered to those who choose to wear the uniform and serve their country as a Soldier. As a recruiter in the Malden, Massachusetts area, he is constantly talking to strangers, even off-duty, according to his wife Eunjee.
"The first year after I moved to America, I knew I needed a car," Eunjee said. "We went to the car dealership and he recruited the car dealer."
The couple met in Korea while Staff Sgt. Mitchell was stationed there. Originally meeting online and then they met face-to-face for the first time on New Year's Day. They married shortly after and Eunjee Mitchell immigrated to the U.S. where her husband became a recruiter. She often would hear the conversations her husband had about joining the military. After two years of listening to her husband, she decided enlisting was the right choice for her.
"He was interviewing other recruiters and one was Korean like me. She told me how the Army helps her a lot to speak (better) English and get her involved in the community," said Eunjee Mitchell. "The conversation with her gave me the thought that I could try."
She enlisted as a 92A -- Automated Logistical Specialist in the Army Reserves.
"I knew hanging around with me she would be interested in the Army but I didn't think she would (join)," said Staff Sgt. Mitchell. "I definitely wrote her contract."
After 10-weeks of South Carolina's famously hot summer weather, Eunjee Mitchell walked across Fort Jackson's Hilton Field with the rest of her company as they graduate Basic Combat Training. With three bachelor degrees, she graduated with the rank of specialist.
While she knew her husband would be attending her ceremony, Staff Sgt. Mitchell was able to arrive to the installation early and surprise his wife during the Family Day dress rehearsal.
"While I was waiting behind the trees, I was trying to stay calm. I was very emotional," said Spc. Mitchell. She instantly recognized her husband on the parade field and knew "my recruiter is here. I saw him and he was in uniform so I recognized him because he's so tall," she said.
Standing at six-feet, five-inches, Staff Sgt. Mitchell is not easily missed. Since immigrating to a new country and culture, Spc. Mitchell has never been separated from her husband, until attending Basic Combat Training.
"I didn't see her until she was walking out," said Staff Sgt. Mitchell. "She's a tough little lady. I'm crazy proud of her."
The couple were allowed to speak for a short time before Spc. Mitchell had to return to her daily duties. The following day they were reunited for Family Day where they were able to spend an entire day together visiting various parts of the installation and get lunch together.
After the graduation ceremony, Spc. Mitchell traveled back to her home state with her husband. Once there, Spc. Mitchell will rejoin her Reserve unit and attend Advanced Individual Training in the coming months.
When asked what her future might look like now that BCT is complete, Spc. Mitchell said she is excited to begin her new career and possibly a family. She also explained how her experience on Fort Jackson has helped her to understand her husband and brings them closer as a couple.
"The first year we were married I didn't understand the little things like why he didn't want to take his boots off in the house," said Spc. Mitchell. "I understand him more now."