BAGHDAD — In today's Army, 'Family First' is a main focus for Soldiers and leaders, and many families are able to deploy together, with the help of their chain of commands.
Four deployed family members of the 46th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy), 225th Engineer Brigade, based in Fort Polk, La., find comfort in heading downrange with relatives.
Capt. Marlow Taylor is the first to brief the command teams and staff of the 46th Engineer Battalion (Heavy) during weekly staff meetings. As an intelligence officer, his job is to identify any possible threats to the engineers working in and around Baghdad. His wife's job is to brief the administrative details of the battalion.
The Taylors have been married for 10 years and met while in Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sam Houston in 1991, but this is their first deployment together.
"I am grateful that I am able to share my first deployment experience with my best friend," stated 2nd Lt. LaVerne Taylor, 46th ECB (H), 225th Eng. Bde., who calls Houston, Texas, home.
The Taylors, who just celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary in a combat zone, said the only challenge they face while deployed together is maintaining their small publishing company in Louisiana.
The Cirillos met at Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Ga., and just celebrated their first two wedding anniversaries in Iraq. They say they face the challenge of scheduling time to see each other, yet they consider themselves quite lucky.
"Most families are separated during deployments," remarked 1st Lt. Michael Cirillo, executive officer, A Company, 46th ECB (H), from Baltimore, Md. "We are humble in the fact that we got to see each other daily and work together."
U.S. Army 1st Lt. Jenny Cirillo, 46th ECB (H) assistant supply officer in charge, a native of Santa Rosa, Calif., stated it is hard knowing her husband could be in harm's way, but is comforted understanding what he does first-hand.
"This experience now will make all the difference later," Jenny Cirillo said, speaking of future deployments Michael may have. "I know I will be okay with it because I was here with him and understand."
The Bowies found out they would both be deploying to Iraq, but to different camps, with their separate units based at Fort Polk, La. They would also have to leave their daughter Za'Niyah at home while they were serving in combat.
To keep husband and wife together, they had to do some planning.
After doing research, the Bowies approached their chains of command and Sgt. Christina Bowie was switched to the 258th Military Police Company, a unit deploying to the same area as her husband.
"My wife has a wonderful chain of command that promotes 'Family First,' even in a time of war," stated Xavier Bowie, operations NCO, 46th ECB (H), of Belle Glade, Fla.
While Sgt. 1st Class Bowie works at Camp Liberty with the 46th Engineers, his wife is the supply sergeant on Camp Cropper, about a 15 minute drive across the base.
"I had a really hard time leaving my daughter, so seeing him honestly took a lot of the heartache off of my shoulders," reflected Sgt. Christina Bowie, a native of Cleveland, Ohio. "I am so thankful we deployed together."
Specialists John and Adam Pearce have served side by side since the beginning and joined the Army at twenty and eighteen years-old respectively. The brothers say even though they are two years apart, people always assume they are twins.
They both graduated from basic training at Fort Benning and then attended AIT together. They then decided to try to head to the same first duty station.
"We didn't care what base we went to as long as we were stationed together," stated Spc. Adam Pearce, the youngest.
The brothers were assigned to the 46th ECB (H) at Fort Polk, La., as signal support specialists and deployed in June 2008. Though they don't currently work together in the same shop, the brothers are thankful to have each other during their first deployment.
"We both miss our family, but we rely on each other when times get hard," stated Spc. John Pearce. "Having family (here) really helps."
