Face of Defense: Husband Takes Place of Redeploying Wife

By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Rob Hazlett
455th Air Expeditionary Wing

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, Oct. 30, 2013 – The 455th Air Expeditionary Wing finance management office provides financial customer service and plays an important role in the wing’s mission by executing the budget to fund all mission requirements.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Margaret Prokop hands off her duties to her husband, Air Force Staff Sgt. Ariel Hunsuckle, at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Oct. 28, 2013. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Rob Hazlett    (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

It’s also the setting for a husband deploying to succeed his wife, who is preparing to return to their home station. Rather than having a reunion at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Air Force Staff Sgts. Ariel Hunsuckle and Margaret Prokop, are working together for a short handoff of wing budget technician duties before separating again.

The couple acknowledged that no one wants to be away from their spouse for a year, but they said it comes with being in the military and that they’re making the best of it.
“It's an incredible experience to be able to see my wife after the long months she's been here, and I feel I am lucky enough to be with her, as others aren't as fortunate,” said Hunsuckle, an eight-year Air Force veteran from Yigo, Guam.

Although they work in the same unit at Nellis, they have different offices, and their jobs are quite different.

“Professionally, it's great to be able to train Ariel on the things I've been doing for the last several months,” said Prokop, a five year Air Force veteran from Bolton, Conn. “He's already made improvements to the program, and all I can say is, ‘Wow! Why didn't I think of that?’” she said. “Even though the allotted turnover for the position was only a few days, we’re lucky with how everything worked out, especially since our flights aligned to give us a few extra days together.”

Hunsuckle said he has some great boots to fill, but he didn't expect anything less.

“The turnover was definitely a learning experience, and working with her professionally was easier than I imagined,” he said. “And the best thing about our working relationship is I can literally call home for help.”