For Sgt. 1st Class Tresa Allemang, serving in the Army has always been more than a career; it’s been a family story.
Allemang and her son, Cpl. Aiden Stackhouse, are deployed to Kosovo on a shared mission. Together, they embody strength in family, an unbroken chain of service and dedication in the uniform.
Allemang enlisted at the age of 17, while still in high school. A few years later, she left the service after becoming a mother. She rejoined at 25 years old with the goal of using college benefits. In 2010, she deployed to Iraq with the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, or IBCT.
As she packed for that deployment, her 3-year-old son, Aiden, climbed into her rucksack, determined to go with her. Throughout his childhood, Aiden tagged along whenever possible, whether watching soldiers rappel from helicopters or attending recruiting events in a tiny uniform that matched his mother’s. Even his elementary school drawings reflected his dream: Soldiers, tanks and helicopters filled every page.
Years later, Staff Sgt. Angela Coke, who was one of Allemang’s former recruits, enlisted Stackhouse into the Army, completing the circle. Fresh out of training as a combat medic, Stackhouse was eager for his first deployment.
When a last-minute slot opened with the 256th IBCT, his mother didn’t hesitate. With excitement, she said, “Absolutely. Put him on it.” She knew he would say yes.
Not long after, leadership offered Allemang a slot as well. Nearing retirement, she knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. After years of sharing uniforms and dreams, mother and son would finally serve side by side.
“I like to joke that Aiden climbed into my rucksack when he was 3,” Allemang said. “This time, I climbed into his.”
Though they work in different parts of the country, Allemang says seeing her son now feels like their roles have reversed.
“I feel like the 3-year-old, watching his every move in admiration,” Allemang said.
Serving in the Army has always been more than a career; it’s been a family story. For Allemang, this deployment isn’t just about service; it’s about her family’s legacy. Her legacy endures through her son's deployment on a shared mission.