By Master Sgt. Robin Olsen, Joint Public Affairs, Tennessee National Guard, JFHQ

SMYRNA, Tenn. – A first for the Tennessee National Guard, two Soldiers were wed on a whim in front of a military formation March 14 at the Volunteer Training Site in Smyrna, Tenn.

Pfc. Daniel Dreaden, who had just recently completed his Army advanced individual training (AIT) and was only at his fourth drill with the Tennessee National Guard, married his wife, Pvt. Jessie Moore, during his unit’s formation this past Saturday.

Dreaden is assigned to Troop G, 1-230th Air Cavalry Regiment, and Moore to the 777th Maintenance Company, both located in Smyrna, Tenn.

The couple were looking for a pastor to officiate their wedding in October, when they came across Chaplain (Capt.) Howard Avery, who would perform the impromptu ceremony.

“We were looking for a chaplain for our wedding and he said he was able to do it that day,” said Moore. “It was a big surprise for everyone.”

“He needed witnesses, so we opted for formation,” Dreaden said. Since he had to be in formation that afternoon, he contacted his soon to be wife and asked her to come to be wed in front of his unit, and she agreed.

“What better witness than a 1-230th Air Cavalry formation!” said Avery, who performs about five or six wedding ceremonies each year on average. He added, “Conducting one in front of a formation was a first for me.”

“The chaplain walked up to the formation and announced that we were going to have a wedding today,” said Dreaden. “He called my name and my best men to come out of formation and began.”

“Spc. De Andre Bell wanted to be the best man, but he was holding the paperwork, so Staff Sgt. Christopher Kain was it,” said Dreaden.

“I asked if anyone had just cause why these two Soldiers should not be joined together and nobody spoke, so that’s a good sign,” Avery joked.

The couple still plans to hold an official wedding ceremony in October for their family friends and they are hoping Chaplain Avery will be available for the service.

“The military has always meant a lot to me. I’m glad that we got to do this,” said Moore regarding the marriage in front of formation.

“We train together, fight together and go through tough losses together. I feel this was the perfect crowd to witness and celebrate their union as they start their lift together,” said Avery.