The American Dream by Stefanie Sessina
Stefanie Sessina
Posted in: News on 4/2/09 at 11:11 PM PST
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"I'm a single mother" said Herminia Geis "and I don't cook." Jeff Geis phoned four days later to make their first date. Thirteen months later, they were married at Port's Of Call in San Pedro. Her 7 year-old-son walked her down the isle. They recently celebrated their 15 year anniversary. They were a blended family from the start, but Jeffery raised the boys as his own and happily welcomed a daughter soon after.
Jeffery Geis severed as a Lieutenant and a Ranger in Infantry in the US Army prior to their meeting. At age 25, Geis was a college graduate and decided to enlist in the army. Jeff wanted to re-enlist 15 years ago, but decided to stay and raise his new family. After the events September 11, 2001, Jeff wanted to serve his country again. Still he stayed to raise his family. In 2007, however, "I never saw him with such a serious look on his face said Herminia Geis. "I want to do something for young soldiers", Jeff Geis said, "I think I can be of help to them, but if you say no I won't go. The two loves of my life are my country and you, but if I have to choose, I'll choose you". Herminia Gries supported him in his decision to re-enlist.
Jeff joined the Army National Guard in February 2007; he went in as a sergeant. He trained for one month at Camp Shelby in Mississippi. Within three months he had to deploy. His first tour was in Kuwait, which lasted nine months. In Kuwait, his job was to cross the border into Iraq, supply troops and drive soldiers in and out safely. In May of 2008, Jeff Geis was home for only two weeks before going to Afghanistan for another nine months. In Afghanistan, he was working with German soldiers mentoring and advising the Afghani Army.
Jeff Geis is now home with his family for at least a year, with his time he is now able to enjoy his hobby of scale modeling miniature soldiers. He is offering a free class for children in making the models at the San Pedro library to learn hand-eye coordination and concentration. Classes will be forming in May. The models will be on display in April.
On his second deployment, Herminia Geis wanted to give him something he needed to take with him to Afghanistan. So she decided to crochet an American flag that would have "your two loves put together" said Herminia Geis. "The flag to remind you of love of your country and the flag made by your other love that is your wife." It took her three weeks to finish the first flag. These flags are an accurate representation of the American flag with 13 stripes and 50 stars. The fags are currently on display at the San Pedro Library and Gaffey Street. The flags are scheduled for display at the Palos Verdes Library June 15th through June 29th.
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