Military family defines the true essence of selfless service

02.02.2005

Courtesy Story

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Story by: Capt. Sonise Lumbaca

Traditions are what remind us of the great things that those before us have accomplished and have since passed down from generation to generation. For many Soldiers serving in the military, past and present day, their traditions are deep rooted within serving their country. Some have become the fourth generation of their family to wear the Army uniform, while others have become the first, with a goal to become a part of generations with prestige.

Take the Akin family. In 1956, a newly commissioned officer fresh out of Texas A&M unknowingly began his family's legacy. 2nd Lt. George Akin was that commissioned officer and he would go on to hold almost every logistical position the Army had to offer; eventually becoming the commander of the Army's Test and Evaluation Command with the rank of major general and be indoctrinated into the Ordnance Corps Hall of Fame.

Maj. Gen. George Akin would eventually retire in 1991, but not before establishing a family dedication of serving their country.

Akin has two sons presently serving. Both have followed in their father's footsteps and joined the Army Ordnance Corps.

They are assigned to the 1st Corps Support Command, stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C. Col. Mark Akin is commander of the Corps Distribution Command and is currently deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Lt. Col. George Akin Jr. is currently attending the U.S. Army War College after serving a 12-month tour in Iraq himself. The Akin family's military service dates back to the Spanish-American War, Mark said.

The Akins as a family have demonstrated their commitment to serving their country, and while they are one example of the military family tradition, there are many others within the 1st COSCOM that have began or also desires to create a similar legacy.

Sgt. 1st Class Rosetta C. Owens, senior personnel service non-commissioned officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Corps Support Command is married to Sgt. 1st Class Andre A. Owens, logistics non-commissioned officer, CDC, 1st COSCOM.

The Owens met five years ago in South Hill, Va. while serving as Army recruiters.
They are both deployed jointly to the same location in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"I wanted to serve my country," Rosetta said. "It was something I had always wanted to do."

Rosetta was the first in her family to start the tradition, however, Andre wasn't. His father had served in the Air Force for 30 years in Personnel Services. Andre also has a cousin currently serving in Iraq.

"My father served and I chose to do the same. He started the tradition for the family," Andre said.

The Owens would like the family tradition to continue with their children, however, they want to leave this option open for their children to decide, Rosetta said.

"Our oldest daughter wants to be a nurse, so she is looking into the Army Nursing Program. We explained the pros and cons to her, however we don't push her or any of our other children either way. In the end we will support their decision," Rosetta said.

When discussing about being deployed jointly to a combat zone both Owens were realistic, however, optimistic about the circumstance.

"This is an all volunteer army.

We have to take the good with the bad. If you do deploy together, it makes the long deployment better because your spouse is there for you to vent if you have to or when you need someone to talk to," Rosetta said.

Staff Sgt. Nathan McKeldin and Pfc. Jerome Bishop are brothers both currently deployed in support of OIF. Although not stationed in the same location, they manage to keep in touch.

McKeldin is a platoon sergeant and common ground station operator for the 319th Military Intelligence Battalion, 525th Military Intelligence Brigade, Fort Bragg N.C., and Bishop is a photojournalist for the 1st COSCOM Public Affairs Office.

Bishop's father served for a short period in the Army during the 1970s.

However, although his father's career was short-lived, he began a tradition that would eventually be passed onto his sons.

"My dad heavily encouraged me to join the military," Bishop said.

Bishop and McKeldin joined the Army after graduating from high school.

Based on the benefits that are offered and the independence the Army gives you, his father was an advocate for the Army, Bishop said.

"We got a jump start on life," he added.

This is the second deployment for McKeldin, who previously deployed to Afghanistan; this is Bishop's first.

They were both able to see each other during this current deployment while temporarily stationed in Kuwait.

They spent Thanksgiving together.

The brothers also have a cousin simultaneously deployed with them to Iraq.

"I would like to start a family tradition of the military with us," said Spc. Steve Reyes, administrative clerk, CDC, 1st COSCOM. His wife is Sgt. Marjorie Reyes, automated logistical supply specialist, CDC, 1st COSCOM.

They met each other while stationed in Germany and have been married for three years. Both are currently deployed to the same location in Iraq in support of OIF.
Marjorie has an uncle in the Army Reserves. Steve is the first generation in his family to join the military, and like his wife, intends on being an Army careerist.

"I will encourage my son to join the military to see if he liked it. The military has so much to offer. It will give him independence the way [the Army] gave it to me," Marjorie said.
Neither Soldier found a downside to being deployed jointly.

"I think that it is good we are here together. Also, as a spouse, when you both are in [the military], you understand when your spouse has to work late and so you aren't upset," said Steve.

"My husband and I aren't too excited about [our children] joining [the Army] because like most parents, we want to ensure that our children are always safe," said Maj. Maria R. Miller, operations officer, CDC, 1st COSCOM.

Miller, who is currently deployed to Iraq, is married to a Special Forces team sergeant currently deployed to Afghanistan. Her father was an administrative specialist and served in World War II. Miller also has a cousin who served in the Army Reserves in a transportation unit in Maryland.

With her father who began their family tradition, she and her husband have continued on with the tradition that she is hesitant about having passing on to her children.

Miller elaborated by citing the infamous saying, "I fight in today's army so that my children don't have to tomorrow."

However, like all understanding parents, she admits that she and her husband will support the endeavors of their children.

Like the other couples, Miller agreed with the advantages of having another member of the family a part of the military.

The good thing about a family of military members is that there is an understanding about the work schedules and long work hours, said Miller.

"He helps me out with a lot of issues, and I help him because we both have different points of view from the officer and enlisted perspective," Miller said.

However, Miller also cited that there is a downside when it comes to deployments. Separation and ensuring that personal effects are in order, to include making sure that children are well taken cared of, can cause some stress.

This is Miller's second deployment within two years. Prior to that, she and her husband were sent to separate assignments to different installations, Miller said.

Both Millers are careerist, with Miller's husband having the opportunity to retire within a couple of years if he decides.

There are numerous family members within the 1st COSCOM that all share a tradition that adds family and military together equating to a legacy of prestige.

Like the Akin legacy, which goes beyond the Spanish American War, these are only a fragment of the families that exist in today's Army, hoping to create and carrying on their own legacy.

"The military family defines the true essence of selfless service," Andre said.

Editors Note: Capt. Lumbaca is a member of the 1st Corps Support Command Public Affairs from Fort Bragg, N.C., and is deployed to Iraq in support of units at LSA Anaconda and various other installations.

• Date Taken: 02.02.2005
• Date Posted: 02.02.2005 10:55
• Story ID: 1014