Team Scott member one of three triplets born in Algeria to join Air Force

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, IL, UNITED STATES

12.20.2017

Story by Airman Chad Gorecki 

375th Air Mobility Wing

“Growing up we were very poor,” said Airman Myriam Harchaoui, 436th Supply Chain Operations Squadron C-130 stock control apprentice. “Our mom fought for us to move to the states because of life there. It was like the movies - a desert with a ton of beat-up buildings. Everything sucked.”
Myriam’s mother, Brigit Wilcox, began the process of bringing her children to the states for a better life, beginning with Myriam’s three brothers, including her triplet brother Rabah. For him, the transition to the U.S. was not as difficult.
“I was two when I moved here, so the United States is all I really know,” said Rabah. “Growing up here gave me lot of opportunities and it has been a blessing so far.”
For Rabah’s sisters, the transition was more challenging. They were not able to come at the same time because the government only allowed the three boys at first, so for two years Myriam and Warda lived with their grandparents in Algeria. When they were five years old, they were able to follow suit.
When they arrived they didn’t know how to speak English and had to adjust to the different culture. Myriam said she was able to pick up the language quickly. Airman Warda Harchaoui, 60th Medical Operations Squadron aerospace at Travis AFB, said she learned the language through people at the Boys and Girls Club.
After graduating high school, the Harchaouis saw the Air Force as a viable option because their older brother Sofiane served six years as an F-16 avionics specialist. Additionally, the three triplets also were a part of Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps while in high school, so they were introduced to the idea of the military early.
In 2016, the triplets raised their right hand in commitment to the Air Force, and they each had their own reason for doing so.
“When I was younger I always wanted to join since the government had done so much for us and getting my family to the states that I saw it as a way to give back,” said Myriam.
Warda and Rabah said they saw the opportunities the military lifestyle offered.
“Having a single mother with five children, we couldn’t all be put through college,” said Warda. “I wanted to avoid the mistake of going through college right away and not knowing what I wanted to do, and I saw what the Air Force was able to offer.”
For Rabah, the military was a stepping stone for life after high school that could also give college opportunities.
With all of the benefits the military life has offered, not everything about it has been great for the family. Myriam said this has been the longest they have been apart since those early years, and it has been difficult for them and especially their mother. Still, she has been remained very supportive of their decisions.
“It went from all of us being together at home to everyone being gone,” said Myriam. “It was a fast change for her, but she is okay with it because having our brother already serve, she knew the military would take care of us.”
“It has been hard, but she has been very optimistic because she has always wanted us and pushed us to be successful.”
The distance that comes with being members of the military has been tough on the family, but it has also helped strengthen the bond between them. The triplets stay in touch with each other through a group chat where they talk every day, said Myriam.
“We always communicate which has made it easier to get through all the tough times in the military so far. Communication has been key,” said Rabah. “A benefit the military has had on the family is that we can all motivate each other and we are in this together. Even though we aren’t under the same roof, we are still together at heart.”

• Date Taken: 12.20.2017
• Date Posted: 12.20.2017 15:47
• Story ID: 259709
• Location: SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, IL, US