Courtesy Photo | Spc. Hansen Paskell and Spc. Kyle Paskell, both infantrymen and brothers with the B...... read more read more
By: Spc. Spring Smith
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq — A soldier’s comrades are like family in many ways. They train together, deploy together, and go through some of the greatest and most stressful days of their lives together.
For four soldiers in Bravo Company, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 163rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), this is especially true, because the unit has two pairs of brothers serving together.
Staff Sgt. Evin Hansen, a Florence, Mont., native, has been in the Montana National Guard for nine years and is on his second deployment. His brother, Spc. Kiel Hansen, also of Florence, has been in the military for almost three years. This is his first deployment.
Kiel Hansen said he joined the Army because he wanted to serve his country alongside his brother and other people from their hometown.
“It is an honor to be here serving with my brother and it is a great experience,” he said.
Even though there is a difference in rank between the two, Evin said there is no awkwardness because he is not in his brother’s direct chain of command; they serve in two different convoy escort teams.
“It does make it easier knowing there is Family you can talk to every day, but it doesn’t affect my mindset,” he said. “It’s a unique experience that most people don’t get, and serving is a Family tradition.”
The Hansens have a long military history within their Family; their father served in Vietnam.
Spc. Hansen Paskell, a Kalispell, Mont., native, joined the Montana National Guard as a combat medic in 2007. His younger brother, Spc. Kyle Paskell, joined as an infantryman while Hansen was doing his Advanced Individual Training. This is the first deployment for both soldiers.
“One of the main reasons I joined was because my brother had a baby on the way,” said Kyle. “I wanted to be able to support him and watch his back.”
He said he knew they would serve together because there is only one infantry unit in Montana. Now they serve alongside each other in the same platoon and even in the same squad.
Hansen said he enjoys having his younger brother serve with him, because he doesn’t see his brother very often when they are home. Being here together allows them to see more of each other.
“It’s good to see my brother doing something very positive with his life, and working with him is going to be one of the definitive memories I will have of our relationship,” he said.
Both of the Paskells’ parents have had siblings deploy, but this is the first time their children have deployed.
“They are having mixed feelings,” said Hansen. “They feel nervous and scared, but they’re also proud.”
Like the Hansens, the Paskells say that deploying together doesn’t affect their mindset or their ability to complete their mission.
“No matter what might be going on, he will always be my brother and I will always love him,” said Kyle.
| Date Taken: | 03.21.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 03.27.2011 09:29 |
| Story ID: | 67803 |
| Location: | CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, IQ |
| Web Views: | 163 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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