The Hughes selected for CUPIDview Published Feb. 17, 2010 Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- This is a special edition of the INNERview that features a married couple on base each week. If you would like to nominate another couple, call 94th Public Affairs at 678-655-5055. Chief Master Sgt. Alex Hughes Weapon Systems Superintendent with the 22nd Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Joy Hughes, Chief of Education & Training How long have you been married? 10 years as of Feb. 12, 2010 Where did you meet each other? Joy: Working at the 944th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. A mutual friend set us up. Alex: One of my best friends knew her and prompted me to ask her out. When did you realize that you were in love? Alex: The first time I saw her! She's a beautiful woman! Joy: At the end of our first date when he kissed me. What did you do on your first Valentine's Day? Alex: We ran away to Las Vegas and got married without telling anybody what we were going to do. Joy: We celebrated in Las Vegas after eloping! What would you say is the most romantic characteristic or best personality trait about your spouse? Alex: She's got way too many positive traits for me to list here. Her best quality has got to be that she puts up with me, I'm a flawed individual. Joy: He always has a hug and kiss for me. How do you balance your career with time for your spouse? Alex: We have some rules that we both live by. One of them is that we work so we can live, not live so we can work. It helps us keep our priorities straight. Joy: We enjoy and appreciate the time we have together no matter where we are or what we are doing. How many children do you have? We've got four great kids, two are out on their own already, two still live at home. We also have two goofy pets -- a fat cat and a mini schnauzer -- who think they're our kids (we don't have the heart to tell them they're adopted). Write a special Valentine's Day message to your spouse Alex: Happy Valentine's Day Sweetie-babe! I love you more than you know, you're the best for me!!! Joy: Alex, I love you. Thank you for being my valentine, husband and best friend.
