Sailor commits to Navy, girlfriend at same time

Joshua Roberson had a little something he wanted to take care of before he re-enlisted in the Navy.

On Tuesday, the structural mechanic stood before members of his command and several other very important people in his life at the Oceanfront's Naval Aviation Monument.

Roberson, 28, had been planning about a month and a half for the occasion. He'd already served for eight years and this would be his second re-enlistment. Before he committed to six more years, he wanted to get some official clearance.

Retired U.S. Navy Capt. Jim Joyner, who was performing the re-enlistment, turned to Roberson and asked: "Are you ready to do this?"

Roberson pulled a small black box from his right pocket. He approached the front row of seats and knelt down in front of his girlfriend, Rebecca Ackerman, 24. She sat between her mother; her daughter, Alanna, 5; and Roberson's daughter, Julia, 4. Would she be OK with his re-enlisting? And would she do it with him?

Ackerman said yes to his proposal. Roberson slid the ring on her finger. She hugged her mother. With Joyner's encouragement, Roberson grabbed her and kissed her.

Then Joyner, who is Ackerman's grandfather, re-enlisted a future member of his family.

Jen McCaffery, (757) 222-5119, jen.mccaffery@pilotonline.com