Sgt. Hughes' story has taken off!!  So far, I have tracked 8 different publications that have posted her story from her hometown newspaper - News Tribune - to Defense.gov!  Check out her story!!

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PARWAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Twenty-five-year-old U.S. Army Sgt. Autumn Hughes, a Task Force Phoenix S-6 shop noncommisioned officer in charge, was reenlisted by U.S. Army Capt. Philip Haemmerlein at Bagram Airfield Nov. 23. 

This is Sgt. Hughes’ second reenlistment.  The native of Keyser, W.Va., is a signal support system specialist and has been in her Military Occupational Specialty for seven and a half years.  Sgt. Hughes will be receiving a tax-free reenlistment bonus and a two-year stabilization at Fort Drum in her current MOS for her reenlistment. 

“I reenlisted for the stabilization and because I plan on staying in for twenty years,” said Sgt. Hughes, “I serve in the Army for the protection of my Family and my country.”

She is currently serving on her third deployment; however, this is her first deployment with her husband, Sgt. Anthony Hughes Jr., who is a native of Syracuse, N.Y., and is also stationed at BAF.  He is an S-2 clerk in Task Force Falcon.  Anthony admits deploying with his wife makes some things easier and  he is proud of Autumn and her sense of duty.

“I am extremely proud of what my wife is doing for our country,” said Anthony.   “She has decided to stay in the Army despite us having a child and still wants to serve.  I think that it takes a very dedicated person to do this when given the opportunity to get out because of us being dual military,” he said.

Autumn enjoys her job in the Army because it allows her the opportunity to meet a variety of people and get to know them.  As a signal support system specialist, she helps set up the unit’s computer systems.  She runs cables, connects printers, manages share portals, and sets up radio sets. It is her responsibility to take care of most things that deal with communication.

Having been in the Army for over seven years, Hughes is familiar with facing challenges and learning to overcome them in a timely manner.  She approaches them with an optimistic vigor that many Soldiers could adapt into their daily regimen to conquer their struggles.

“I take challenges on with a positive attitude,” she said.  “If I don’t know how to fix it – I ask questions.  I’m never afraid to ask questions.”

The Hughes left behind their 11-month-old baby girl, named Summer, with Autumn’s mother.  It is a new challenge this Army Family is facing, but Autumn maintains her positive attitude.

“This is the first time I’ve had to [leave my daughter], and I’m going to admit it is hard, but I know what I’m doing for our daughter and one day she will understand why I had to do it,” she said.  “There are times that are harder then some, but I have to push those feelings onto the back burner and keep my head in the game – not only for myself, but for my Soldiers.”

Anthony, who enlisted in 2002 with the intent of completing 20 years, misses his daughter as well.  He acknowledges that he focuses heavily on his job to complete the mission.  He said he knows that photos and videos of Summer  are being taken for them to watch when they return home next fall and said his head is fully in the mission here in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom XI. 

The Hughes said they know it is not easy to have a dual military Family when they both plan to support and defend the country for twenty years.  However, they said they completely support each other in their career goals.  Anthony was excited about the reenlistment.

“I am very happy that my wife reenlisted,” he said.  “I love being a military Family.  My wife and I are lucky to be on [Bagram Airfield] so we can see each other,” said Anthony.