Deployed father, son Guardsmen continue family legacy

Photo By 94th Airlift Wing | Air Force Airman 1st Class Andrew Darrow, 117th Air Control Squadron radio frequency transmission systems apprentice, poses for a photo with his mother Lisa Darrow after his basic military training graduation at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. (Courtesy Photo)  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

03.18.2014

Story by Maj. Khalid Cannon 

380th Air Expeditionary Wing

UNDISCLOSED LOCATION - Military service is a time-honored tradition in the Darrow household, and Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher Darrow and his son Air Force Airman 1st Class Stephen Darrow, 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron, have continued the legacy while deployed here.

"Someone in my family or my wife's family has served in the military dating back to the Civil War," said the lieutenant colonel, who is the 727 EACS director of operations.

Both Darrows are Guardsmen assigned to the 117th Air Control Squadron at Hunter Army Airfield, Savannah, Ga., and Christopher's other son Andrew just graduated from technical school as a radio frequency transmission systems apprentice.

All three are now members of the same unit.

Christopher, who is an air battle manager, has deployed multiple times throughout his 28-year career, including to Saudi Arabia in support of Desert Storm, Iraq in support of Operation Southern Watch and to Qatar during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Throughout his time with the 117 ACS, Christopher also participated in 20 field deployments, which included setting up their radar equipment and operating in remote areas.

"Our unit is considered low-density, high-demand because we can quickly set up in austere locations and we are constantly deploying," said Christopher.

Christopher began his career in 1986 after graduating from the Citadel, S.C., and spent 12 years on active duty as an ABM. He was assigned to various locations in the U.S. and Germany.

In 1999, the lieutenant colonel decided to separate from active duty and pursue a civilian career as a contractor with the Department of the Navy in Charleston, S.C. Around that same time, he joined the Air National Guard.

Immediately after 9/11, Christopher mobilized for almost three years and was assigned to Washington D.C., as an air traffic control center adviser during Operation Noble Eagle.

Stephen, who is an air control air ground equipment journeyman, enlisted while still in high school and graduated from basic military training in 2012. His role is to maintain the generators that power the radar systems.

"I joined the Air Force because of the benefits," said Stephen. "Financially, it was the right decision because I am able to use the G.I. Bill to pay for college. And, the one lesson that isn't stressed enough in high school is the value of having a trade."

Stephen's goal is to become a computer programmer and work with robotics software. He recently decided to reenlist.

"My wife and I are very proud of our sons," said Christopher. "The maturity leap is amazing."

• Date Taken: 03.18.2014
• Date Posted: 03.21.2014 09:13
• Story ID: 122350
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)
• Hometown: SAVANNAH, GA, US