When Elaina Goins accepted an invitation to join the Williamsville Baptist Church youth group four years ago, she had no idea she would meet the man she would marry just before Christmas this year.
Goins, now 18, is a self-taught musician who joined the church musical group, The Gathering. It was through her involvement in the church that she met and became friends with Eddie Plunkett, now 21.
“We sort of became friends through church activities first,” she said. “It was about two years ago when we really started talking to each other and getting to know each other in that way.”
That was about the same time Plunkett joined the miliary. Upon his return from basic training, the two become closer and officially became a couple.
While Plunkett studied Industrial Engineering at Holmes Community Collegeand later Mississippi State, he joined the Attala County Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter.
“About a year after I got back from basic, we decided to make it official as a couple,” he said. “After a year of dating, I knew she was the one for me. I was just waiting for the right time to ask.”
That time came this past August, when Plunkett learned the will be shipping out with the Army Natinal Guard for a year in Kuwait in March 2018.
“That was God telling me it was time to ask,” Plunkett said. The young soldier went to Goins’ father for permission before popping the question last August 8.
As the couple became closer, Goins also joined the Attala County Fire Department, and the two fought the most signifcant fire together yet just a few weeks ago.
“After we got really serious dating, Lainey joined the department about six months ago,” Plunkett said.
Asked if either fears firefighting, the two are confident of the traning they have received and each other.
“They won’t put you in a situation that you’re not ready for. That house fire was one of the first I’ve been able to be that hands-on,” said Goins.
Plunkett said they focus on how they can help instead of the risk they take.
“You’re only there to help. When the tone drops, it could be the worst day of someone’s life and you’re there to help. You’re there to make it better,” he said.
The couple had no plans to wed right away - but then Plunkett received orders that will send him to serve in Kuwait for a year come March 2018.
“It had come up in November and if we waited until January, we wouldn’t have much time to be married before he left,” said Goins explaining the Christmastime wedding. “It’s when everybody we wanted there would come. That is when God was calling us to get married.”
Before and after Plunkett’s service, the couple will reside in a Starkville cabin Plunkett built with family members.
While he is away, Goins will move back in with her parents and finish Kosciusko Barber College.
Asked how she feels about her new husband heading off to miliary service for a year shortly after their wedding, Goins said she is at peace with it.
“I don’t know how to feel about it. Everything is for a reason. I’m already looking forwrd to hime coming back and being home to stay,” she said. “It is his job and I fully support that.”
