Military pen pal proposal
Don’t you just love chance encounters that turn into life changing events?
I have a great story to share with you that involves a very good friend of mine who took a trip to Nordstrom to buy sunglasses one day, and because of the people she met in front of the store, ended up with much more than a pair of shades. She ended up with a military pen pal which led to a courtship that reached half way around the world, and eventually a marriage proposal on the beach in Hawaii!
Meet Jennifer Jones, and Army CPT Scott Lee. There were a lot of obstacles to get to this one photo, but it is a story that will make you smile, and hopefully understand what so many people go through waiting for their loved ones to return from Iraq.
Quick background: I met Jennifer (who we all call Jones, actually, all of us in our group are referred to by our last names only) when we were both radio reporters at News Talk 1530 AM KFBK in Sacramento 10 years ago. We became fast friends, and were part of an amazing team of reporters, writers, and producers who have stayed close after we went our separate ways. Jones left the nest first, for an amazing job at San Francisco’s powerhouse radio station KGO AM 810, then I left Sacramento for a job at KFI AM 640 in Los Angeles. Jones quickly made her mark as one of their top field reporters, and anchors, and currently is the host of the morning show on the station (we are all so proud!)
Now to our story….
As we know, it’s sunny in California, and a girl has to have a good pair of sunglasses. Just before the fourth of July in 2004, Jones went to Nordstrom in Walnut Creek to go shopping, when she came upon a group of military moms. They had set up a table outside the store, asking for people to write letters to soldiers in Iraq to be included into their care packages. Being a patriotic soul (you should see all the American flags she has, and hear her sing God Bless America….) she said “sure!”. She wrote a letter that simply said: “Dear Soldier, I appreciate what you are doing, stay safe, God bless” and signed it Jennifer Jones. Simple, sweet, and to the point. The military moms told her to include her email address, so that if a soldier wanted to have a pen pal, they could have a way to write back. She agreed and added her email address.
So, off went the letters and care packages to Iraq. Months passed, and she heard back from her soon to be new pen pal, Army CPT Scott Lee stationed in Baghdad. CPT Lee had no idea who Jones was, and proceeded to write about his frustrations with the media for “messing up” the coverage of the war in Iraq, saying that only the bad things were being highlighted, and that none of the good work was being reported. With pen in hand and ready to reveal that she was a reporter and a news anchor on one of the biggest radio stations in the country, Jones wrote back that she WAS the media, and didn’t think she was doing all that bad of a job reporting the news out of Iraq on her show. Revealing even more of her personal side, she also included some pictures to show him who she really was . One of her riding a REAL bull for a story she did on the Grand National Rodeo, (she snapped her arm in half on that one), one of her working the Arnold Schwarzenegger campaign on the road, and the other of her and I on the streets of Hollywood (that story for another time!)
Five months would pass before she heard back from her soldier. Then, an email popped up on her blackberry - which she nearly didn’t open, because she didn’t know the sender. This begins a several month long email exchange where they got to know each other better, asking things like… where are you from? (she’s from Redding, California, he’s from Stone Mountain, Georgia) what do you like better…paper or plastic? Favorite color? Favorite band? George Strait or Garth Brooks (luckily, the answer for both: George Strait)
Once back in the U.S., Scott called Jones, and left a message on her cell phone. She says the minute she heard his voice, she knew it was him, because of his Georgia accent. They talked that night on the phone for an hour, and hit it off so well, they decided to set up a meeting when he came home on leave. He had never been to California, so she thought, this would be a good chance to play tour guide and show a soldier around.
He flew out to San Francisco March 15 2005, and once he landed, the two were on cell phones trying to find each other. Then, she rounded the corner to baggage claim number 5. When I asked her if she remembered the moment, she said “he was wearing black pants, a white shirt, and as soon as I saw him, I dropped my keys”. With their eyes locked, he put the phone in his pocket, made a b-line for her, picked her up, spun her around and said “your beautiful!”. They walked to the elevator, to go to his car, and she dropped her keys again (she says she was so smitten, and couldn’t focus) Eventually they made it to the car and headed straight for Pier 32 in San Francisco’s Embarcadero where she knew they had Pabst Blue Ribbon on tap (his favorite beer, revealed earlier in a letter…). They sat and talked for hours, starting to form a powerful bond. As they left the Pier, he took off a leather necklace given to him by a friend for good luck in Iraq, and threw it into the ocean, as a symbolic gesture that his time in Iraq was over. Or so he thought.
Jones and Scott then went for sushi, and after their dinner date, he kissed her and the rest is history (this is a family blog). He went back to Fort Hood Texas, where he was stationed after returning from Iraq, then eventually went on IRR status (Inactive Ready Reserve) and moved out to California to be with Jones. Their plans were like any other happy couple, the two planned to start a new life together in the San Francisco bay area and start that next chapter. Scott got a job with United Airlines at SFO, the two rented a beautiful house in Belmont, but three weeks after moving in, their plans suddenly changed.
As they excitedly began to hang Christmas lights on the outside of their new house, a Fed Ex truck pulled up, with 2 packages. The first one held their new address labels and in the other, orders from the Army for Scott to return to Iraq. Scott opened that one, and had to sit her down in the kitchen. “There’s something I need to tell you”, he said. The words were heavier than she could imagine “I’m being sent back to Iraq”. Tears and hugs followed, and questions of “why?” rang out in the kitchen. Scott explained it was because of the troop surge, most of the soldiers on IRR status were called to serve again . They would have 6 more weeks together which they both vowed to enjoy, because there was no way to know how long he would be gone this time.
The two headed back to Georgia where he would mobilize at Fort Benning to prepare for the trip back to Iraq. The two were able to see each other two more times before he left in April of 2007, to begin his second tour in Iraq, then, it was back to pen pals. More pictures, more care packages traveled overseas. He sent her this picture from Iraq that she sent to me, which I love. This is Scott sitting in the chair Dan Rather apparently used when he interviewed Saddam Hussein in Iraq in February 2003.
At the end of October, Scott was able to come home on leave for two weeks. Jones couldn’t wait to see him, and he couldn’t wait to surprise her with a trip to Hawaii. The moment they touched down on O’ahu, Jones shopping mode kicked into high gear, and she excitedly started buying gifts for family and friends. What she didn’t know, was that she was quickly putting Scott’s plan of getting her to the beach at sunset in jeopardy.
Once the bags were dropped off, and the sun started to set, they quickly headed for sand, and he was down on bended knee. “You know I love you right?”. A sudden rush of blood went to her head as she listened to him say the words…”will you marry me?” The answer was yes of course. After the ring was on her finger, she walked up to perfect strangers to tell them she had just gotten engaged. (tourists as it turns out love a good love story too, and gave them a lot of congratulations) They immediately ran out and got matching leis, started drawing hearts in the sand and called their friends and family to share the exciting news. I was one of them, and made her take a picture of the two of them that moment on her camera phone and send it to me. How cute is this?!
After they returned home to the bay area, they once again had to part ways, and he was off to Iraq and back to Camp Victory. What makes the waiting even harder for this bride to be, is the fact that she has to report daily on the casualties out of Iraq on the air, with sometimes no communication from Scott. At times, it takes days for him to be able to get a message to her that he is o.k. Talk about a sick feeling in your stomach.
The two are now making their wedding plans through letters and emails, for a date yet to be determined. As I was interviewing Jones over the phone for this blog, she asked me to be a bridesmaid! How about that? I will be joined by two of my other former KFBK co-workers in bridesmaid duties as it turns out. Ingle, O’Mara, and Wise, and Jones. The old gang, back together again.
Getting out of Iraq safely is the number one goal for Scott and Jennifer, planning a beautiful wedding will come after that. I asked Jones what the two of them look forward to the most after those two big events are taken care of. She stopped for just a half a second, and said “watching the Braves games together on the couch with their cat Scooter, and going to Red Robin”. I continue to hope and pray that he along with every other one of our troops makes it out safely, and soon.
Maybe once he’s back home a trip to Nordstrom to celebrate how it all began will be in the mix too? I like the idea of seeing them together doing normal things. Like maybe looking for maternity clothes one day soon.
If this story inspires you to reach out and write a soldier fighting for our country, just to say hello or maybe send a care package, (they LOVE getting them) check out this website. I’ve talked to the man who operates this, and it is a very successful program. http://www.anysoldier.com/
If you have an inspiring story you want to share, like my friend Jones, feel free to post them here. We’d all love to read about connections made, or just the good deeds of fellow Americans.
Tags: engagement, Iraq, Jennifer Jones, KFBK, KGO, MIlitary Pen Pal, wedding
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Laura Ingle has been with FNC since 2005, and was also a
correspondent for FOX’s syndicated news magazine program, “Geraldo
at Large.” Ingle has covered major criminal cases and natural
disasters, including the Scott Peterson and Michael Jackson
trials, wildfires, mudslides, and Hurricane Katrina. She most
recently covered Pope Benedict’s visit to New York and the
Manhattan crane collapse that killed seven. She was formerly a
radio reporter and news anchor with KFI-AM 640 in Los Angeles and
with KFBK-AM 1530 in her hometown of Sacramento. She is currently
based in New York.
Though cynical about love, this story touched me deeply. Thanks for sharing! Best wishes to Jones & Lee!
What a great story! ! ! Being a military mom and having a done a tour of duty in Iraq, I know that horrible feeling when you don’t hear from them for days. Gratefully, he’s home once again with his family and we still pray daily for our troops. I the happy couple a wonderful life together and we hope he comes home soon. Please follow up on the wedding. I’d love to see pictures! ! !
Teresa Rasch
Lancaster, CA
That is precious. I will pray that he gets home safe and sound.
I love your friend’s story. I hope they have many, many years of happiness.
Beautiful!! Doesn’t God work in wonderful ways! I pray that nothing happens to him while he finishes the job over there. I am an “long time” discharged SSGT from the AF and know what they are going through. Good luck and God bless every one of those brave lads.
Being the wife of a US Soldier, this story touched me. It brought a tear to my eye, but also made me smile at the same time. Thanks.
Dear Laura, thank you for the wonderful story, I will include them both in my shabat prayer. I am 73 years young and have been happily married for almost 54. I new him one day when he proposed because he was a military man in the Soviet Army and did not have time to date. I was 20, he was 24. I wish them the best. With love respect and a lot of hugs Dr. Rosa Gershfeld
I and my whole family loves our military men and weman and also the honost wonderful reporters. Thanks for the story and for your service to our GREAT COUNTRY!
How about a movie about this wonderful story? I love it and am a sap for true love stories. At at time when so many marriages fail, I do hope this one will endure ’til the end of time.
Ms. Laura,
Such a nice story and it all started with a gesture of kindness.
I know the guys love getting things from us at home. My wife involved in a project called Quilts of Valor for those of our men who have wounded over there. There are a scattered group of them across the Country. Some, like my wife, actually make the quilts, others provide material or money to cover the cost of shipping. You can view a couple of her quilts at the provided URL
She hopes to expand this project and make it more a Nation wide project this year. So far word of mouth and the internet has helped, but she wants to do more. I should point out that she does this in her spare time and recieves no compensation. It is a project she believes in deeply.
She of course would be in a better position to answer any questions or fill in any blanks if this is of interest to you.
Health, happiness and long life to your friends and congrats to them.
chas
Laura, Thanks for the beautiful story! Please let us know the minute Lee returns to the U.S. And to Lee - many many thanks for your sacrifice and service. Don’t ever forget that there are so many of us who are thankful for every single one of you who serve this country. God bless you. To Jones - stay strong! You can do it!
Dear Laura,
I am so pleased that you wrote Jen’s story…I listen to KGO every morning and feel like Jen and Ed (her co-anchor) are friends. Over the past few years I have followed this love story as it progressed and Jen spoke of Scott…was very concerned for them when Scott was called up to go to Iraq again and thrilled to learn of the ROMANTIC proposal on the beach in Hawaii! It’s a “Hollywood” love story that has been happening on my radio!
My thoughts and prayers are with Scott and our other soldiers…keep up the good job and get home safely guys and gals! Sending much love to Jen too for her great reporting and perky personality that makes my mornings that much brighter!!
That is is kind of story that made Hollywood!
You all just have NO idea how we NEVER thought in a million years that Lee and marriage would EVER be in the same sentence. My husband, also named Scott and Lee have been best friends since the age of about 3-4. Lee has always been known as “Rambo” in Scott’s family. Oh the stories my husband could tell about their days in daycare as boys! Never ever ever thinking that he would settle down. I have always told my husband that he will end up on our door one day with duffel bag in hand saying ” hey man I need a place to crash” and there he would be living with us.
The first time he brought Jenn to our house in very rural GA. I knew she was it. He had a look in his eyes that I had never seen from him about a girl, much less bringing her cross the country to meet us. She was EXACTLY what Lee needed. I loved her the moment I met her, and told Scott after they left that she was the one, he said “do you really think so” I said yeap she is the one. Many many months later I knew that he was home and that they were in Hawaii. I had had them on my heart and just had to call. I called Jenn and the surprise in her voice that I was calling was jaw dropping. I said how are you? how’s the beach? she said you wont believe what happened. I knew right that second what she was going to tell me. I was driving down the interstate bawling like a baby. I was over joyed. My heart was going to bust out of my chest any moment! Lee was actually taking out the trash when I called so I didn’t get tot talk to him that time but I knew that all things were right in the world. When I got off the phone I called Scott just a bawling still, and said I have something to tell you, he thought the worst of course. I said it has finally happened, Lee is going to be a married man. He was stunned as we all were. I love Jenn and so happy that she took 3 minutes to write to a solider over seas. Congrats Jenn & Lee!! Love you both!! Stay safe Lee!! Come home soon!!
Scott is my favorite cousin of all time. He was always there to keep me into something when we would go visit our great-grandmother in the country during the hot summers here in GA. I am so happy for him to have found someone as great as Jen. And I haven’t even met her yet! This story had me sitting at my desk crying. I thank you for sharing it with the world!
Jennifer rides with me to work every morning as I listen to her on KGO and has made my 2 hour commute very, very interesting and entertaining. She has made me smile, laugh at times, think and talk to co-workers about what I heard on the radio that morning. Thanks for letting us in on your most precious story. Now I can add that Jennifer has even brought tears to my eyes. My thoughts and prayers are with all our brave soldiers and their loved ones, too. Come home safe and soon!!!!!
WOW.. WHAT A GREAT STORY!
LOVE THESE KIND OF STORIES.. THEY ARE SO ADORABLE.
GOD BLESS AND BEST WISHES!
Laura. What a beautiful story . When is Scott suppose to get back from his second tour of duty so the two can get married. A message for both Jen and Scott. Jen , stay strong as I am sure you will : Scott, stay safe and get home soon so the two of you can start your beautiful life together..
Laura. I just want to tell you that you are my favorite reporter on fox news ever since I saw your reporting with Jim Hammer on the Scott Peterson case. You are a real pro and also so beautiful !
VERY cool article!! I listen to Jennifer and Ed every morning as I am driving to the gym or getting ready for work. I was driving this morning and heard Ed and Jennifer talking about this blog. I had to pull over to write the address down, and as soon as I got home, logged on……great story. Blessings to both Jennifer and Scott. Fun to “meet” Scott through photos, though I did hear him when they called in from Hawaii with the exciting news.Thanks to you, Laura, for the fun, heart warming story.
As I listened to the news this AM on KGO, I heard “Jones” tell about your story.I have bits and pieces of her story, so I was so anxious to look this up, and SO happy to see their picture.I also have written to a couple od fellows . And to my surprise, I received letters back. Hopefully, Lee will be back with Jennifer real soon, I’ll keep them in my prayers..
WOW! That is an amazing story! I was tearing up while reading it.
I am so excited to hear that he might have the chance to come home next month- I will keep my fingers crossed!
Tell Scott I said Hello!
Brianne
this story is truly an inspiration. I listen to Jennifer Jones every weekday morning on KGO and she is a wonderful person. As I am trying to type this the tears are flowing.
God bless them both and hopefully he’ll be home soon.
Thanks for doing this story, Laura - I live in the Bay Area, and listen to Jennifer every morning (she has the CUTEST voice!!) - I was listening the day that Scott was on live with Ed and Jenn, right before they left for Hawaii, and just KNEW that they’d come home engaged…they’re just so cute! I wish them both the very best, and will pray daily for Scott’s safe return to the states very soon
Ok I can never hear this story without crying so why why why did I open it while at work?!? And of course there are no tissues so I now have a roll of toilet paper sitting at my desk with me.
Laura, this is a beautiful rendition of their story. I hope that people read it and realize that they are not just “troops” over there fighting, each soldier is a person with his or her own story and each deserves a happy ending like Scott and Jenny’s.
I am so happy for both of them and cannot wait for him to come home so we can all sit down with a beer and listen to his stories. His light hearted humor always keeps us laughing and after all he has been thru I truly admire him for that.
Excellent job Laura and I hope everyone keeps Scott in their thoughts and prayers for a speedy and safe return home to Jenny.
Jonesy, Scott and Laura.
You know how I feel. I love you all, and even after all these years and already knowing the story, I still get choked up. Jones — Zach plays with his stuffed camel all the time and you know Scott is in our prayers.
He will come home safe.
Love you!
Kami
Listening this morning to KGO on my way to BART - Jennifer was speaking of this article on your BLOG - and quite a bit I have heard when she and Ed Baxter are conversing on their morning show - takes me back to when my husband (boyfriend at the time) was in Vietnam on a Ammunition Ship - and the excitment when the would come under the Golden Gate and head to Port Chicago in Concrod - and still the days of having nothing but an anxious feeling - when they were gone for nine months at a time - - -thanks so much for sharing their story on line - I tend to think of the morning KGO crew as family on the way to work - and what we can do to help a soldier know that he / she are loved and appreciated for all that they do for our country.
What a touching story, Laura, thank you for sharing it. I too wish Jones and Lee all the best, and have enjoyed reading the other bloggers heart-felt comments.
I met J.J. about 9 years ago when I came to work as a traffic reporter for KGO. Consequently I met Scott on July 4th weekend of his `05 visit. The way I have always described Scott is this:
“When you are with him, you instinctively know you are in the prescence of someone very special.”
Not too long ago I larned of a way to show personal support for Scott and the men and women serving with him. I, and many of my friends and family sent DVD’s and CD’s to them…We all have music CD’s we no longer listen to and DVDs of movies and TV shows we no longer watch. You can box them up in a “flat rate” box from the post office and , after filling out a simple customs declaration form, send them on their way to folks who will truly enjoy them. Scott tells me there’s not a lot to do during “down” time and the troops really enjoy the audio and video treats. My most recent “care package” that I sent Scott was two boxes (26 pounds!) of school supplies for the soldiers to pass out to the little Iraqi kids. I sent paper, pens, magic markers, rulers, pencils, sharpeners, and more. I told the store manager my mission and he cut me a little break on the price……but the feeling I had when I walked out of the post office was PRICELESS!!!!
Check with that website in the story details on how to send a “care package” and Go For It!
(Oh, by the way….Pre-paid phone cards……HUGE HIT!!!!!! THEY GUYS AND GALS LOVE `EM….
J.J…..SCOTTY….I LOVE YOU TWO KIDS! And anyone who ever meets you will always feel the same!
jw
Laura - Thank you for writting this story, me and my husband listen to KGO every morning and have been keeping up with Jennifer’s story it is nice to put faces to the voices. I remenber when Scott came to San Francisco for the first time, Jennifer was excited and nervous as she waited for Scotts plane to land.
I wish both of them the best, and will be listening for a continuation to the Love story.
Lina
Laura, Jonesy and Scott:
Laura, thanks for the beautifully written story. I can’t wait for Jonesy and Scott to be reunited. I was Ingle’s and Jones’ editor at KFBK and loved working with these talented, beautiful, hard-working, and yes, hard-partying girls. I miss you both but feel re-connected through Laura’s blog. Farah
Laura,
Your story about Jen and Scott had this old sailor wiping his eyes and handing the box of tissues to my Mary. What a great story. We have been following this love story since the begining over KGO.
Our love and prayers go out to Jen & Scott. Scott for a safe return , Jen to keep her inner strenght.
And for all our brave ones smooth sailing to a safe harbor soon. Thank you Laura
Hi,
I am a BIG K.G.O fan and listen to Ed and Jenn every morning. Actually, I like her better than Ed but that’s another story. I heard about her letter writing, meeting, falling in love and becoming engaged and was thrilled for her. I was happy to see her/his picture and get more details of the encounter. Great article and I hope it encourages others to do the same.
That is a great story! My cousin met his wife when his army buddy gave him his sister’s address while they were stationed in Germany in 1965. He told him to write to her and he was lonely so he did. They wrote almost every day for almost 2 years.
When he was released from the service he drove from West Virginia to Jackson Tennessee the first Saturday to meet her. He drove back the follwoing Saturday and they went to the Justice of the peace and got married. They will be celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary this year!! I hope Jones will one day be celebrating their 40th anniversary and remembering all the good years they have had together as my cousin and his wife will be doing shortly!
I have a wonderful story that started from email.
My niece has a friend at her church which this friend has a brother who was serving as a Marine in Iraq. Her friend asked her if she would sent her brother an encouraging email and my niece jumped at the chance to thank any of our troops.
She emailed him also a short introduction about being his sister’s friend and ….
She told him she how thankful she was for all he was doing for our country. This was about 3 1/2 years ago. Today they have been married for almost two years.
He’s being deployed next week (I think) to Afghanistan. This is his second tour since they’ve been married.
i just cried.its what all people love.a beautiful love story.i heard about jeniffer& scott yesterday on kgo. they will be in my prayers.when is he coming home? thank you
Laura, what a well written and touching story! We have met Jonesey. We agree with all of the comments about her here on your blog. Strong, bubbly, adorable personality and totally professional in her line of work. We wish her and Lee the best in the years to come!
Laura….your story has so obviously brought so many people together, and thinking of our friends, family and fellow Americans in harm;s way….You’ve done more than a lot of so-called “politicians” have in recent time…Keep up the great work and I’m proud to share you as a member of the “Jones” fan club! Much love from San Francisco!!!!!
I met Jenny (as we called her back then) when I was almost 5. We were in a production of the King and I, playing the little Siamese children together and singing all those sweet songs. I’ve considered her a friend ever since. She is so full of life and equally as talented. It does not surprise me that she is at the center of such a beautiful story. I wish her and Scott all the luck and love in the world. Everyone should take a moment to do what she did. It may not end in a marriage proposal, but it may brighten the day of someone doing one of the most difficult jobs in the world - protecting our country. For or against the war, and I am one of those who is vehemently against it, it doesn’t make those brave men and women any less amazing. Tell them you appreciate them, like Jenny did!
Ohhhh this is the most romantical story I have heard in oh so long!!! I can’t hardly type for the tears! This is just the most beautiful story and God Bless them both and here is to praying that they will soon be together and happily married with many more stories to tell and many babies to tell them to also.
HI Laura. this is Amanda Jennifers Cousin .Thank you for this story.I dont get to talk to Jennifer that much .This story makes me so happy for Jennifer& Scoot.Keep up the good Job . Maybe I will see you at the wedding.PS: I pray every night for our brave Men& women of our Armed Forces. You are Great On Fox News .
From :Amanda In WA
On Jen and Scott. Scott was a good friend and acquaintance of mine since high school, and a profound influence on my life in general. As I read this story I know how loved Jennifer feels by him. I am thrilled to see him look so happy in these pictures (and in a clemson hat I might add) with his new bride to be. I hope that they are all that they need to be to each other, and wish them love and luck in the coming months and years to come. Glad to hear he may be back in the states soon.
Congratulations to you both
Much love
Kristin Elise
I’m an old friend of JJ”s from her days at Star Bucks in San Jose. Jack and I just wanted to wish you and your true love all the best. We will pray for a safe tour of duty and quick return for Scott. Mark and Thad say hi to