In June 2011, the Islander reported on a romantic weekend for Sgt. Steve Lewis and his sweetheart Brandi Tucker.
He had completed a tour of duty in Iraq and was headed for another tour in Afghanistan.
He surprised Tucker with a visit to Catalina in order to propose before heading back into battle.
Last weekend, the couple returned to the Island to explore wedding options on Catalina.
Lewis had returned from his year in Afghanistan a mere 10 days earlier.
In June 2011, the Islander reported on a romantic weekend for Sgt. Steve Lewis and his sweetheart Brandi Tucker.
He had completed a tour of duty in Iraq and was headed for another tour in Afghanistan.
He surprised Tucker with a visit to Catalina in order to propose before heading back into battle.
Last weekend, the couple returned to the Island to explore wedding options on Catalina.
Lewis had returned from his year in Afghanistan a mere 10 days earlier.
They arrived on Friday, Nov. 16, and headed back to the mainland on Sunday.
The Islander talked with the couple during their recent visit and asked Sgt. Lewis about his year in Afghanistan.
He lost 30 pounds during his year in Afghanistan and enjoyed every meal much more than any ordinary person would.
Out of his many incredible stories, one of the most memorable was when there was direct fire in his location. “On June 11th, 2012, our COP (Combat Outpost) came under IDF (In Direct Fire) from an 82mm recoilless rifle,” he said. “The first round sailed over our motor pool and our living tents, and exploded just outside our northern wall.
“The next round went through one of the living tents, inches above a soldier’s head that was lying in his bunk,” Lewis said.
“It then went through the air conditioning vent, and proceeded to go out the opposite wall without exploding,” he said.
“After the round went through the tent, it penetrated the wall of the chow hall, and exploded on the floor underneath a row of tables. Nobody was injured in this attack, which is incredible given the timing of it,” he said.
“We had just had a convoy of higher-ranking personnel come in, and it was lunch time. Normally this chow hall would have been packed with soldiers at this time of day,” Lewis said. “The food was making everyone sick due to the unsanitary conditions, so on this particular day, it was empty.”
A year apart
Tucker spoke about her year without Lewis at her side.
“It is difficult not knowing what is going on while he was gone, but it is part of being with someone in the military,” Tucker said. “I had attended a pre-deployment training class to let me know what to expect, so at least I understood what he was facing. It just was so difficult knowing that he was in the line of fire and I needed to give him space from my world so he could focus on remaining safe.”
They said their second visit to Catalina was a magical experience.
The Santa Catalina Island Company provided discounted housing for the couple at the Pavilion Hotel, a free tour to the Airport in the Sky, and many other discounted experiences.
Seeking a wedding location, the couple visited the Wrigley Memorial, various churches in town, as well as Descanso Beach and other locations.
A date has not yet been set. The couple anticipates 100 attendees and have to factor in travel and accommodations for their guests, as well as costs for the wedding itself.
Not having the ability for a larger venue, they are continuing to explore what they can afford. Anyone who wants to help them may call Theresa Cummings at (310) 245-6275.
