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WASHINGTON D.C. (January 24, 2008) - Simply communicating while
deployed to Iraq can be challenging for servicemembers, but one
airman discovered that trying to plan a surprise marriage proposal
was nearly impossible. For decades, mothers and wives who lost a
loved one in combat had a community of others who faced similar
feelings to turn to for support.
But help from several sources led to Air Force Senior Airman
Robert Blackburn popping the question to his girlfriend, D'Ann
Campbell, Jan. 18.
"It was really hard for me to even get on the Internet over
there," said Blackburn, 22, who recently returned to his duty
station at Hill Air Force Base, in Utah.
But Blackburn's moving request and a friend's testimony
submitted to "Dallas is Love," a Texas-based organization that
provides servicemembers with Army and Air Force Exchange Service
gift cards, earned the airman the opportunity to relax and let
others make the arrangements for him.
Robbins Bros. jewelers, which helped coordinate a soldier's
surprise proposal in December, presented Blackburn with a gift
certificate toward the purchase of engagement and wedding rings for
Campbell. Company officials also coordinated details of the
proposal.
Blackburn wanted to propose to Campbell at the Adolphus Hotel in
downtown Dallas and follow it with a nice dinner.
Getting Campbell, a senior at Dallas Baptist University, on the
scene was no problem. She thought she was attending a party at the
hotel with a friend. Instead of going to a party, however, she was
met in the lobby by former Dallas Cowboys tight end Billy Jo
DuPree, who escorted her to where Blackburn was waiting.
"Billy Jo heard that Robert was a huge Dallas Cowboys fan and
couldn't resist becoming his wingman," said Tanya Stafford, general
manager for Robbins Bros.' Dallas location.
"I was thankful that Robbins Bros. was there to help me with the
ring selection and with the proposal," Blackburn, originally of
Rowlett, Texas, said. "It's hard to say in words how much I
appreciate everyone's help in making this happen for me and
D'Ann."
Robbins Bros., which bills itself as the "world's biggest
engagement ring store," was only too happy to help.
"We are in the business of love, and so it is always special
when we can make a dream proposal come true," Stafford said. "In
addition, we take this opportunity to thank Robert and all the
thousands of military men and women serving out country and
recognize the sacrifices they are making on our behalf."
Dallas is Love not only introduced Blackburn and Robbins Bros.,
but also picked up the tab for dinner. The group is a supporter of
America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting
citizens and corporations with military personnel and their
families serving at home and abroad.
"(Robbins Bros.) did the majority of the arranging," said Linda
Foster, president of Dallas is Love. "All we did is kind of help
pick out who the winner was going to be, and we're ... going to pay
for the meal and whatever expenses they might have (associated with
the evening)."
Because of Blackburn's overseas assignments, he and his fiancee
have seen each other for only a total of one month of their
three-year relationship. They hope to marry before Blackburn's
scheduled return to Iraq in January 2009.
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals,
groups and organizations that are helping support the troops,
visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America
Supports You directly connects military members to the support of
the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their
quest to find meaningful ways to support the military
community.
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