Honeymoon in Afghanistan

Marine Cpl. Russell Jones got married on Thursday. Instead of flying to the Bahamas or Hawaii to enjoy some time with his new bride, he left for war.

The Knoxville News Sentinel tells the story of the Tennessee city's Delta Company the 4th Combat Engineer Battalion. Dozens of Marines left by bus on Friday for their final training assignment in Twentynine Palms, California, before they deploy to Afghanistan. The Marines will likely fly to the war zone in the early spring.

The article said Jones, 21, previously spent seven months in Iraq. While confident in her new husband's abilities as a Marine, Joyce Jones is preparing for the difficult months ahead.

"You just try to be supportive and stay strong," Joyce Jones said Friday. "It's hard, but you have faith."

J.J. Stambaugh's article also quotes Jones' parents:

"[The Marines deploying] are 100 percent sold out for their country and for their mission," [Rev.] Jesse Jones said. "They represent every family from every demographic in America. ... They will succeed in their mission."

"We're praying and leaving them in better hands - God's hands," Jacqueline Jones said.

We are all praying too.