Elisabeth (Bette) Adams Wengart

What can I say about Bette, Elizabeth Adams Wengart?

Bette is the ideal representation of a Marine Corp woman: savvy, intuitive, strong minded, attractive in a confident, controlled way. She inspires admiration from those in the Corp and outside of it. You either love her, or you are envious of her strength. She can be intimidating in an understated way, and she tells you where to go and makes you look forward to the trip, so to speak. 

She’s a Mama Lioness to her cubs and a loyal partner to her king of beasts. Ryan loves her quiet beauty, her long, flowing black hair almost always worn up, her soft olive skin and captivating dark brown eyes, and the way she takes his breath away with a sly wink and a nod of her head.

According to Margana, her mom, "Her presence radiates a gentle yet unmistakable confidence, blending poise with genuine kindness. She approaches both challenges and joys with a spirit that uplifts those around her, creating an atmosphere of comfort and trust. Her loyalty to friends and family is steadfast, and she supports her loved ones with a quiet strength and an open heart. 

The harmony she maintains between intellect and empathy, together with her graceful style, makes her not only someone to admire but a true inspiration. In every interaction, she brings warmth and authenticity, leaving a lasting, cherished impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her."   Lucky Ryan!

Bette's Bio:

After Bette was born in 1975, her Marine Corp father and her mother, the daughter of a Vietnamese diplomat, were killed at the Fall of Saigon and she was part of Operation Babylift, flown to America and adopted by friends of Herschel and Margana. They were Maid of Honor and Best Man at their wedding in 1975. Bette's adoptive parents lived in Denver, CO and visited the Wengarts often, especially at holidays. 

Ryan was born in 1979 and didn't pay much attention to little Bette, although she was four years older. They had nothing in common until 1998 when they both attended the Marine Corps Ball in Denver, CO, ten hours from Bozeman, MT. Ryan had just enlisted in the Marine Corps after high school graduation. Bette enlisted as a commissioned officer, a Captain as a family Nurse Practitioner upon graduating from nursing school. In spite of their age difference it was love at first sight. Ryan looked older than his years, tall, handsome, the picture of a perfect Marine in his dress Blues, and Bette was a petite, totally capable Marine officer, looking stunning in her dress Blues. 

After the ball, they talked all night at a local 24 hour diner, falling more deeply in love with every moment. In the summer of 2001, after a three-year tour of duty, they married in Bozeman, MT with all their families present in a wedding that would be remembered for many years. Attended by impressive Marine Corps officers and buddies, it was straight out of a Hallmark romance movie! Ryan and Bette went to New York for their honeymoon in August, visiting longtime friends who had moved there, welcoming the newlyweds into their home. 

And on September 11th, their joy turned into tragedy when their friends were killed at the Twin Towers on that fateful morning in 2001. Ryan and Bette were soon deployed to Afghanistan, witnessing the fall of the Taliban regime. In November the UN-mandated International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, was established to help secure Kabul and assist in the new administration. NATO took command of ISAF in 2003 and forces became increasingly involved in combat operations against a resurgent Taliban insurgency. 

Through much prayer and communication with their families, Bette and Ryan were spared injury throughout the War on Terrorism and returned home in the summer of 2004 settling in Denver, CO, near Bette's parents. Just after Christmas 2004, Ryan and Bette applied for positions as trainers at the Marine Mountain Warfare Training Center, south of Lake Tahoe at Pickel Meadows, CA at 6800' elevation. Their primary mission was to prepare U.S. Marine Corps, joint, and allied forces for operations in mountainous high altitude and cold weather environments. 

They served there until 2008 when, happily, they were blessed with the news of Bette's pregnancy! They transitioned to Marine Corps Reserves and moved back to Denver, CO to raise their family. On Christmas Eve, among all their families and friends, Ryan and Bette announced their impending parenthood to all their loved ones. In June 2009 they welcomed identical twin boys, Tyler and Flynn into the Wengart family. 

“Mom” and “Dad” continued to serve as Marine reservists until 2018 when they retired at their son's 9th birthday. Bette continued as a nurse practitioner at the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center emergency room in Aurora, CO, and Ryan joined the Denver Fire Department heading up the Safety and Training division to prepare and equip the members of the department with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform safely and effectively. 

As always, their servant hearts looked to the safety of others.