Growing up in a small town in Southern Illinois, where the population barely reached 5,000, Kyle Dulaney had his sights set on becoming a kindergarten teacher.
However, as they often do, Kyle’s plans changed.
“Both of my parents were teachers for over 36 years. I was tired of doing the same thing and wanted something bigger in my life. A friend of mine was joining the Marine Corps, and I asked what they offered. He soon put me in contact with the recruiter.”
Kyle officially joined the Marine Corps in 2000. At the time, he had a basic Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) of Aviation Electronics.
Upon graduating boot camp and attending Marine Combat Training (MCT) for 2 weeks, he headed to Florida for six months for basic Electronics School, followed by a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to Jacksonville, North Carolina for Communication/ Navigation school for 5 months.
“My first duty station was MCAS Miramar, where I was a Communication/Navigation technician on the CH53E Super Stallion helicopter. While stationed at MCAS Miramar, I deployed three times to Iraq.”
Kyle’s first deployment was in 2003, during which time he was part of the Iraqi invasion, deploying again in 2004-2005 and 2006.
After returning from Iraq in 2006, Kyle left California for Quantico, Virginia, where he worked in support of the President of the United States.
“In mid-2011, I changed duty stations back to Miramar. From 2011 to 2021, I deployed an additional five times.”
These deployments included one to Afghanistan and four to Okinawa, Japan.
Since retiring from the USMC as a Gunnery Sergeant in 2021, Kyle has had more time to focus on being a husband, and father, and spending his free time running, woodworking, and remodeling homes. Kyle is back in school to get a degree in Construction Management.
Kyle and his wife, Jennifer, a registered nurse, are parents to five children—four boys and one girl.
Connor, 28, served in the Marine Corps from 2015-2019. Jayden, 23, is currently serving in the Air Force. Caleb, 21, is currently serving in the Marine Corps, deployed on the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). Their son Carter is a 16-year-old high school student.
“Cayden, 15, is our only daughter. She was born prematurely at 23 weeks and had less than a 5 percent chance of survival,” he recalls.
“She has had multiple heart and lung surgeries, as well as numerous blood transfusions. Cayden had CPR performed on her after birth and on her first birthday.”
Today, Kyle is happy to report that Cayden is thriving in high school, where she’s a straight ‘A’ freshman who plays varsity basketball, and lacrosse, and was even named an Honorable Mention recipient on the San Diego City Conference All-Athlete list.
Through navigating years of career-related travels and moves, parenting, and the highs and lows of life, being a dedicated father is a responsibility—and most honorable role—in which Kyle has never faltered.
“Fatherhood means teaching my kids the fundamentals of being a good person, manners, respect, work ethic, and preparing them for adulthood.”
Lifestyle was introduced to Kyle by Bridget Blehm founder of For Families of Active Military. Kyle first met Bridget in 2017 when he and his family were invited by the non-profit group to the cabin in Lake Arrowhead. The organization offers stability, strength, and support to the military and their families. Kyle has since been to the cabin several times and considers Bridget and Ed part of his family.
“Fatherhood means teaching my kids the fundamentals of being a good person, manners, respect, work ethic, and preparing them for adulthood.”