Lieutenant Colonel Jason and April Barlow
Lieutenant Colonel Jason Barlow, Commander, 43rd Flying Training Squadron, was a Columbus Air Force Base student pilot when he married his wife, April, in 2001. Throughout their marriage, the Barlows have been stationed in New Mexico, Washington, D.C., and at bases in Texas. They have two daughters; Lily (17), and Meg (15). In 2006, the Barlows moved back to Columbus. Lt Col Barlow returned to his roots as a CAFB pilot instructor.
April said military life is a unique experience and one the whole family has enjoyed. "For us, it has always been the people that we have met that made it special," April said. "There is a connection that happens because we all know what it is like to move every three years or so. The people you meet along the way become family. We are so thankful for the friends we have made and the memories we share."
Lieutenant Colonel Beau and Beth Easterling
Lieutenant Colonel Beau Easterling and his wife, Beth, were married in 1998. At the time, Lt Col Easterling was serving as a First Assignment Instructor Pilot at Columbus Air Force Base. His next assignments were flying an A-10 in South Korea, Germany, and Arizona. While he flew, the family grew to include three children; Elizabeth (19), Emma (17), and David (13).
"We have been blessed by our time in the Air Force," Beth said. "We have made friendships all across the world. There is just something about being a part of a squadron. We are grateful for the men and women - present and past, who made the ultimate sacrifice and for those who are serving today." After serving 22 years in the Air Force, Lt Col Easterling retired and began flying for Southwest Airlines. Currently, he is a T-38 Reservist - once again teaching the best and brightest how to claim the skies. Beth is a kindergarten teacher at Columbus Christian Academy.
