The United States Army
09/22/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/22/2025 14:38
A Mother and Son Legacy: Deployed to Kosovo on a Shared Mission
[Link] Sgt. 1st Class Tresa Allemang, and her son Cpl. Aiden Stackhouse, assigned to 256th IBCT, are serving together on the NATO-led KFOR mission in Kosovo. The mother and son duo having an opportunity to share a common dream to serve side-by-side on a shared mission. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Alyssa Lisenbe) VIEW ORIGINAL
CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo - For Sgt. 1st Class Tresa Allemang, serving in the Army has always been more than a career; it's been a family story. Her living legacy extends with her and her son, Cpl. Aiden Stackhouse, being deployed to Kosovo on a shared mission. Together, they embody strength in family, an unbroken chain of service and dedication in the uniform.
Allemang first enlisted at 17 years old, while still in high school. A few years later, she left the service when she became a mother, only to rejoin at 25 years old with a goal of using the college benefits. In 2010, she deployed to Iraq with the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT).
As she packed for that deployment, her three-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, one of Allemang's former recruits, Staff Sgt. Angela Coker enlisted Aiden, now Cpl. Stackhouse, into the Army, completing a unique 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, "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 three," 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 three-year-old, watching his every move in admiration."
Serving in the Army has always been more than a career; it's been a family story. For Sgt. 1st Class Allemang, this deployment isn't just about service; it's about her family's legacy. Her legacy extends with her son being deployed on a shared mission.
https://http://www.nationalguard.mil
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