In Oklahoma City, soldiers from Fort Sill get a day out on the town

Her closeness to her family has made the transition during basic training difficult, especially being away from them during the holidays.

“I feel very far away from home when I have time to think about it,” she said. Spending the day with the Blue Star Mothers was special for her.

“They don’t shake your hands, they give you a hug and really make you feel like you’re at home,” she said.

Cambe said she plans to pursue a career in the medical field.

Pfc. Kachieve Rose, left, and Pvt. Adrian Thenstead

Pvt. Adrian Thenstead, 19, and Pfc. Kachieve Rose, 24, met one another in basic training at Fort Sill less than three weeks ago.

Remarkably, the two Jamaica-born men came to the U.S. around the same time before joining the Army. They recognized one another as fellow Jamaicans after hearing each other’s accents.

“We come from both ends of Jamaica,” Thenstead said. “He’s from the west, and I’m from the east.”

Rose decided to join the Army while attending college to be a nurse. A few years into his study, he realized how expensive a degree would be.

“A friend told me about the Army and the G.I. Bill,” he said. “I’ve come to know a lot about America studying for the citizenship test.”

Thenstead joined the Army following high school.

“My mom is so proud,” Thenstead said. “She’s always told me she wanted me to join the Army.”

Both will be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship following basic training.