After proposal in Iraq, Army captains tie the knot on July 4th at Sandestin

SANDESTIN – Their story began inside a classroom in Fort Rucker, Ala., evolved during lulls in Iraq and will start anew when the couple exchanges vows Saturday evening.

Army Capts. Sindie Secosky and Dan Burton will wed on a terrace overlooking the water at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.
Their journey began about three years ago when Secosky noticed Burton in an officer career course at Fort Rucker, Ala.

“It was kind of, wow, he’s a really good looking guy,” Secosky laughed before adding, “I was friends with his friends and tried to go out where he was going out, and try to be slick about it.”

It worked. One night when she was out with the group, four of them, including Burton, decided to take a spontaneous overnight trip to Sandestin. That was the couple’s first date, she said.

“It was like magic, with sparks and everything,” Secosky said.

For Burton, the moment he realized he’d met the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with came a little later.

“After dating about six months, I was just kind of looking at her and she was just more than I could ever imagine or wanted in a wife,” he said.

The couple continued dating through two tours in Iraq. On Valentine’s Day during their second tour, they were able to steal a few minutes alone, which was enough time for Burton to propose.

On one knee, Burton pulled out a card he had made of pink and red construction paper and asked Secosky to marry him. He had bought the engagement ring — his parents e-mailed a photo of it to show her — but she didn’t get it until later. Instead, she wore a gold band they purchased in Iraq.

“She was kind of speechless for a while,” Burton said. “I think she probably thought I’d wait ’til we got back (to the U.S.).”

Secosky began planning the wedding from Iraq. During a two-week leave they picked the location and Secosky even found her dress.
The 15-month tour ended in December and the two can’t wait to start the rest of their lives together.

“I definitely lucked out,” Burton said.