Panama City local, Jennifer Middleton is a compassionate mother, a daughter, a newlywed and a strong, courageous woman who naturally touches many hearts without even trying. She is a Sergeant in the U.S. Army, currently stationed at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait.

Jennifer joined the Army around ten years ago, since then she has been deployed to Iraq three times.

“Jennifer is very inspirational and outgoing,” said Jessica Hathaway, a long time friend. “She has never complained about having to leave her four kids and her new husband for deployment.”

When it comes to Jennifer’s four children, 18-year-old Jesse Hanna, 17-year-old Justin Maxey, and the youngest, twins, Alex and Alyssa, Jennifer writes, “They are the reason I do what I do. I miss them, but I know that their dad is doing a great job.”

Jennifer met the man of her dreams, Michael Middleton, while she was deployed overseas. Not having much time to see one another, Jennifer and Michael made a quick trip back to Jennifer’s hometown, the beautiful Emerald Coast, to tie the knot.

Hathaway explained that Michael and Jennifer didn’t have much time to plan a wedding, so Jessica called in a special reinforcement, her mother Jean, to plan an unforgettable day.

Only having one week to plan a magical wedding, Jean, along with friends and family managed to pull it off.

On August 6, 2008 Michael and Jennifer made a trip back home to the beautiful Emerald Coast. Just a few days later, on August 8, 2008 they eloped under the Oats on Tyndall Parkway.

Aside from the hot and muggy Florida weather, the wedding was everything that Jennifer had ever wanted.

“Jennifer finally found the man who fulfilled her heart,” said Hathaway.

Jennifer attended Port St. Joe High School in 1990, and earned her diploma in 1991. During her time at Port St. Joe, she was actively involved in the J-ROTC and the chess club. Down the road, Jennifer found herself studying Criminal Justice at Central Texas College.

Jennifer if you are reading this, Jessica and your family say, “I just want you to know that we thank you very much and miss you dearly, please stay safe and keep in touch. We love and miss you very much.”

From overseas, across the nation, and back home, Jennifer Middleton, this has been a special Holler at a Hometown Hero from your friends and family who miss you so very much.

If you would like to nominate a soldier who has served, or is currently serving our country, click on the "Holler at a Hometown Hero" graphic on our homepage, or visit: http://www.wjhg.com/hometownhero/misc/36660424.html