CityView Magazine - Fayetteville, NC
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1446972
CityViewNC.com | 25 "It's catching up with us," Jenkins, 31, said. "But at least we'll have stories." Jenkins, who is now a civilian contractor, spent six months in COVID quarantine while in Afghanistan and was in Canada when Acevez was diagnosed with the virus. He returned just in time for Lilliana's birth on Sept. 22, 2021, completing their family that includes 7-year-old son Dysin, along with four rescue dogs, a couple of cats and a turtle. Acevez has twice been hit from behind in her car while stopping at traffic lights. Jenkins drove from Colorado to El Paso, where she was stationed, to be with her. But neither distance nor health scares have been able to rattle the resilience of their relationship. "Patience," Acevez, 28, said. "It takes patience and communication. And trust." Acevez was a 23-year-old single mother from Arizona when she joined the Army five years ago. Jenkins is a native of Florida. ey are both hands-on parents who take turns with everything from changing diapers to feeding the pups, but since their families aren't nearby, they've also come to rely on a close-knit community of friends, including those at Lion's Den Power House Gym. Jenkins returned just in time for Lilliana's birth on Sept. 22, 2021, completing their family that includes 7-year-old son Dysin, along with four rescue dogs, a couple of cats and a turtle. "ey're awesome," said Brandon Ferra of Acevez and Jenkins. He and his wife, Caitlyn, run tactical training classes at the gym. "And they're really good parents." When Acevez went into labor, the Ferras were there to help tend to Dysin. "I just feel like they are super, super sweet people," said Caitlyn Ferra. "I feel like they would do anything for their friends. ey're a really good fit for each other. ey balance each other." eir four years together have featured plenty of excitement, but they are looking forward to a quiet evening together when Acevez returns in time for their anniversary. "A lot of people would want to go out and party," Jenkins said. "But we like being with the family and being together. We'll probably just relax." Custom Suits, Alterations, Fittings & Tailoring Fayetteville's Formalwear Tailor One Stop Shop for Men Alberto Smith We are proud to announce that we have a full line of men's Suits • Pants • Shirts • Ties • Tuxedo Rentals & Sales (910) 323-0264 • 1218 Fort Bragg Road, Fayetteville, NC 28305 • otreblas.com