Army pilots Daniel and Tracy Gates have been married for less than a year, but for the past six months they have been half a world apart as Tracy has been stationed in Baghdad while Daniel remains at his home base of Fort Polk, La. They felt incredibly lucky this past week, as they were able to get a short leave and visit with each other in Daniel’s home town in the Kern Valley.
Growing up, Daniel was an active member of his school community and showed leadership skills from a young age. He showed steers with the Future Farmers of America (FFA), and won state creed speaking for them his freshman year of high school, before he went on to become President of the FFA for two years at Kern Valley High School, and then ASB President his senior year. 'Daniel was an excellent student and loving person, and he always wanted to fly,' said Daniel’s mother, Bonnie Gates, who has lived in the Kern Valley since 1969.
 Tracy and Daniel Gates enjoy time visiting Daniel’s home town for gatherings with friends and family. |
After enlisting in the Army, Daniel was sent to flight school in Fort Rucker, AL, where he met the love of his life. Tracy was born in Charleston, WV, and is the daughter of an Army Lieutenant Colonel. As a result, Tracy became used to the rigors of military life and attended seven different public schools while growing up, 'We moved around a lot,' she said. After high school, she enrolled in the Air Force Academy, from which she graduated in 1999.
Ten months ago, Daniel and Tracy were married in a small wedding in Louisiana with a group of Army pilots as witnesses. A short four months later, Tracy, a captain, was deployed to Iraq, where she flies Chinooks for the Third Infantry Division out of Savannah, GA; while Daniel, Chief Warrant 2, remains stateside at Fort Polk, LA, where he flies MEDEVAC for the US Army Air Ambulance Detachment (USAAAD).
The trip home for Daniel and Tracy was very long; Daniel spent the night in an air terminal in Houston while Tracy traveled for 48 hours, which included a 14-hour plane ride. They are thrilled to have the opportunity to spend a little time together before Tracy is sent back to Camp Striker in Iraq for the next nine months. 'I plan to relax and unwind from Baghdad while I’m here, and spend as much time with my husband as possible,' said Tracy.
Although Daniel and Tracy will not spend their first Christmas together, the newlyweds made the most of their time together by enjoying the special opportunities the Kern Valley has to offer, such as hiking, motorcycle riding, and visiting the giant sequoias. They also enjoyed a large gathering of Daniel’s family and friends, and stole some quiet moments to be alone together. 'It’s really nice to be in the Valley again; I miss the mountains and my parents,' said Daniel.
Both Daniel and Tracy are very family-oriented people, and cannot wait to have children as soon as they are able. After their service in the military is complete, Tracy wants to dedicate her time to being a mom, while Daniel plans to continue flying, but has yet to decide if he will do so commercially or with the Army. 'We still haven't decided what our career paths are going to be,' said the couple.
Whatever the future holds for Daniel and Tracy, they are proud to be doing a great service for their country. They encourage everyone to adopt a soldier in Iraq and write them letters of support to know that people do care and appreciate what they are doing. With Veterans Day just passed, now is the perfect time to begin such an endeavor. Daniel and Tracy wanted the people of the Kern Valley to know, 'We really appreciate everything this community has done for our fellow soldiers. It means a lot for¬Ýa stranger to take a soldier under their wing and provide support. Being deployed is very difficult and every little prayer, package and letter is a blessing. Thank you all very much.'
Thank you Daniel and Tracy!
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