Despite living about an hour from each other in the Florida Panhandle and enlisting out of the same recruiter’s office, Aaron and Peyton Heintzelman had never met before being stationed together at the Kirtland Air Force base in Albuquerque, N.M.

Each enlisted in the U.S. Air Force for different reasons. Both of Aaron’s grandfathers had retired from the Air Force so it was always in the back of his mind as something he might want to do.

“I thought about it a lot, especially growing up in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., where there’s such a large military community,” recalls Aaron. “Ultimately my desire to serve my country and be a part of something bigger than myself was why I enlisted.”

Peyton joined the Air Force right after high school in search of a solid foundation and future.

“I’ve always had a deep love for my country and a passion for helping others,” says Peyton. “I also like the discipline aspect that the military offers so it was a no brainer for me. I knew it would give me a solid foundation for the rest of my life.”

Delayed Connection

Despite their different motivations to join the military, neither went in looking for love but that’s what ended up happening…although it did take a little longer than Aaron might have liked.

“I saw her around base a few times and tried to make small talk with her, but she wasn’t having it,” says Aaron with a smile. “But then we were both at the same going away party for a mutual friend and we started talking there and the rest is history. I guess you could say it took a little bit of persistence on my part.”

At that time Aaron and Peyton were working completely opposite shifts, but after about six months she was transferred to his shift and they ended up working together for the rest of their time at the Kirkland Air Force Base. They officially started dating in 2017, completed their service in 2020 as Staff Sergeants, and last October they were married in Pensacola which they now call home.

Main Responsibilities

As a Security Forces member, Aaron’s primary duties were to protect the base’s assets and its people. “Think what police officers do, just within the confines of a base,” explains Aaron who served in the Air Force from 2015 to 2020. “Inspecting commercial vehicles for explosives, patrolling and conducting traffic stops, responding to 911 calls or any call that required law enforcement, as well as making arrests when needed.”

Aaron achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSgt) and became a Flight Chief, where he led a flight of approximately 30 airmen to carry out the day-to-day defense and law enforcement operations.

As for Peyton, she served in the Air Force for six years from 2014 to 2020. She was also a Security Forces Member, and had the same duties and responsibilities as Aaron, except when she became a Staff Sergeant she was given the responsibility of Base Defense Operations Center.

“I monitored all defense and law enforcement operations for that shift, while keeping a detailed record of everything, and received and dispatched 911 calls,” says Peyton. “I love traveling and seeing new places. The Air Force definitely gave me the opportunity to do that.”

Fond Memories

Peyton experienced a lot during her time in the Air Force, but one of her most memorable on-duty moments was when she responded to a medical emergency and ended up giving the individual CPR.

“When the ambulance arrived and took him away it wasn’t looking too good,” recalls Peyton. “But a couple days later he came in and thanked me for saving his life. That feeling of helping someone in that capacity, there’s nothing better.”

Both Aaron and Peyton developed close relationships with the same group of people and even years later they still keep in touch regularly by getting together at least once a year for a reunion vacation.

“Being able to wake up every day and go to work alongside some of my closest friends who I consider brothers, is a great memory for me,” recalls Aaron. “They’re like family. And being able to experience some of the western United States and the mountains, for a beach boy that was pretty cool.”

Aaron and Peyton Heintzelman love their Bennington as well as their life following their service in the U.S. Air Force.

At Home On The Water

Despite growing up in Florida, Peyton says she didn’t have a lot of opportunities to go boating until she met Aaron who grew up with a strong passion for being on the water, but she is definitely enjoying it now. The couple own a Bennington and have become fans of the pontoon life.

“We plan on owning a Bennington for the rest of our lives,” says Aaron. “We both love how comfortable and stable it is, even in choppy water. There’s plenty of storage and room for guests and it is so easy to maintain and launch.”

Adds Peyton, “I love the shade and lounge space it provides and Aaron loves that he can go fast with the ESP package and the Yamaha 250hp SHO outboard.”

When time allows, this couple can be found cruising the Intracoastal Waterway and going to the sandbars and islands in their area, whether it be Crab Island in Destin or Sand Island/Fort McRee in Pensacola.

“We have a lot of friends who boat as well so it’s always fun to meet up with them and make a day of it,” concludes Aaron. “It’s always a great day when you’re on the water!”

Thanks to their willingness to serve in the Air Force, Aaron and Peyton got a little more than most do from their time in the military. They also found love.