Navy wife reenlists Marine husband

Published April 24, 2013
Team Eglin Public Affairs

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- When Gunnery Sgt. Markus Lill recited his oath of enlistment April 12, his spouse not only looked on in admiration, but also administered the oath.

For his fifth enlistment, Lill, an airframes division chief with the Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, asked his wife, Lt. j.g. Lisa Lill, to officiate the ceremony. An honor she said was a long time coming.

"I was honored to administer the oath to my husband. (He) has observed a tradition since first enlisting 18 years ago that no civilian would touch his uniform," said Lill, whose been married to the gunnery sergeant for nine years. "Now as a commissioned officer, he can continue that tradition and have me participate in these important career milestones."

When reflecting on the importance of this reenlistment, Lill realized he's closer to the finish than the start.

"Sadly it marks the beginning of the end; however it brings me one step closer to my ultimate goal of honorably serving 30 years and achieving the rank of master gunnery sergeant before retiring."

This was the first time his spouse participated in one of his military ceremonies. He has already taken part in two of hers.

"He pinned me as an ensign during my commissioning and again when I was promoted to lieutenant junior grade. Even though we often joke about the friendly rivalry between the Navy and Marine Corps and about our officer/enlisted relationship, it is gratifying to support each other's careers. Who knows, in 12 years I could be retiring my husband from active duty."