An award presentation for a returning soldier turned into a different type of celebration as Pte Jonathan Gibbons proposed to his long-time girlfriend.With a tear in her eye, Jessica Rains accepted the proposal, sparking a round of applause from Pte Gibbon’s platoon.“I wanted everybody to see how much I love her,” Mr Gibbons said yesterday. “I didn’t want to hide my love.”Speaking yesterday, Pte Gibbons said the idea for the surprising proposal came during the recent Regiment training exercise in Jamaica.“Being away from her made me realise how much she means to me and how much I wanted her in my life,” he said. “We already have a child together, so it felt like this would make the whole thing complete.”Second Lieutenant Gordon Emmerson said that on the fourth day of training Pte Gibbons approached him about proposing, saying that he was hoping he could get the support of the Regiment to make the event even more memorable.“After long consideration, he wished to propose marriage to Ms Rains when he returned to the island, and wanted 3 Platoon to support him in creating a suitable presentation in order to surprise her at the Arrivals section of the Bermuda Airport, 2Lt Emmerson said.“Getting to know Pte Gibbons as a capable soldier and a good natured individual, [we] immediately wanted to offer the platoon’s support of this worthy cause.”As the training continued, Pte Gibbons said he and the platoon continued to plan out the proposal.“Once I told them, they all supported my decision and agreed to help,” Pte Gibbons said.“There were a lot of things we were trying to do. I wanted to do it out on the runway, but that wasn’t going to be allowed. It wound up being very last minute. We were planning at the airport in Jamaica.”Eventually, he and his platoon settled on a single plan. During his period of rest and recuperation in Jamaica, Pte Gibbons purchased a ring and called Ms Rains to make sure she would meet him at the airport.Once the soldiers arrived on the Island on Saturday, the soldiers made sure that Pte Gibbons would be one of the first through customs. Once through, he told Ms Rains that they couldn’t leave immediately as he was going to receive a ‘most improved award.’When enough soldiers had passed through, the final step of the plan came into effect, with the platoon being ordered into ranks. Ms Rains, meanwhile, was told to stand next to the Commanding Officer.It was then that Ms Rains began to suspect what was in store.Ms Rains said: “At first I kind of figured what was happening. I said ‘No, not right now.’ The Lieutenant called me over and Jon dropped to one knee.“I just shed a tear or two. I couldn’t believe it, but I’m happy and I’m excited about this. We have been together for four years and everything seems so right and everything is falling in place.“It was a lovely moment.”Pte Gibbons said he was grateful to have the support of his platoon and the Regiment, saying: “It went great. I was really nervous, but they all really helped me through.”