Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers find comfort in family

Courtesy Photo | Pfc. Andre Toves and his cousin Spc. Rufo Lujan-Espinosa, pal around at Forward Operating Base Mahmudiyah, Iraq on Dec. 17. Both are Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 63rd Combined Arms Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Multi-National Division- Baghdad. Toves and Lojan-Espinosa grew up on the island of Guam and now serve together in Iraq.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

12.20.2008

Courtesy Story

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

By 1st Lt. Matthew Houston
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

BAGHDAD – For many deployed Soldiers, the unit begins to feel like Family after serving and fighting alongside each other day after day. But for two Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 63rd Combined Arms Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Multi-National Division- Baghdad currently deployed to Iraq, they already are.

Spc. Rufo Lujan-Espinosa and Pfc. Andre Toves, both of whom are natives of the territory of Guam, are cousins and serve together at Forward Operating Base Mahmudiyah, Iraq.

Both grew up in small towns only five miles apart on the southern part of the island of Guam. The two fondly reminisce about growing up together.

"I taught this guy everything he needed to know, fishing, body-boarding, snorkeling, anything a kid back on the island could want," said Lujan-Espinosa, age 22. "We're here in Iraq together, but now we both learn from each other."

While the pair spent much of their youth together, Toves moved to the state of Washington when he was nine years old.

"We were separated for years, but it was like we were never apart," said Toves, age 19. At the age of 17, Lujan-Espinosa left Guam to join the Air Force where he served a two-year enlistment. He then enlisted in the Army as a supply specialist.

Following his cousins lead, Toves enlisted in the U.S. Army as an infantryman. "I was so glad to hear that Andre was going to be stationed with me at Fort Riley [Kansas]," said Lujan-Espinosa. "It was a family reunion a long time coming."

While they were in Kansas for only two months together prior to their unit deploying, the pair made great use of their time.

"We were always hanging out together back in the states ... you'd be amazed how much ice cream this kid can eat," laughed Lujan-Espinosa. The duo spent much of their weekends together, going out and remembering their experiences together as kids in Guam, spear-fishing off of piers and playing on the beaches.

Both cousins agree that having a close family member here in Iraq with them has been very beneficial.

"It's been great knowing that Rufo's always got my back, helping me out, getting me stuff I may need or anything," said Toves.

• Date Taken: 12.20.2008
• Date Posted: 12.20.2008 16:18
• Story ID: 27939
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ