Twins Born Together, Deploy Together

Photo By Sgt. Alyssa Lisenbe | Identical twins, Spc. Ronald Oun and Spc. Rodney Oun with the Delaware Army National Guard, talk about their relationship as they prepare to deploy together with the 160th Engineering Company, at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, Nov. 10, 2022.  

WILMINGTON, DE, UNITED STATES

11.05.2022

Story by Spc. Alyssa Lisenbe 

Delaware ARNG

“Our relationship is very close, we do not do anything without each other,” said Spc. Ronald Oun with the Delaware Army National Guard’s 160th Engineering Unit.

Spc. Ronald Oun and Spc. Rodney Oun were born identical twins in 1995 in South Philadelphia. They graduated High School together, shared birthday parties, attended the University of Delaware together, and then in 2014 decided to join the military together.

“We have only missed one birthday together because we joined the Marine Corps together,” said Ronald.

When Ronald decided to switch from the Marine Corps to the Delaware Army National Guard in 2020 he tried to persuade his brother to join him. His brother Rodney made the switch to the National Guard in 2021.

Although when they joined they were placed in separate units, both brothers were finally able to serve in the National Guard together. Ronald joined as a 12T Army Technical Engineer in the 160th Engineering Unit which helped him in his civilian career as an electrical engineer and Rodney joined as a 12N Horizontal Construction Engineer in the 1049th Transportation Company.

This year Ronald found out he was deploying soon with his unit.

“When I got word that the 160th was deploying I told my brother to join the 160th for any vacancies to go together,” said Ronald.

The Delaware Army National Guard 160th Engineering Unit is currently preparing to deploy to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Rodney was able to volunteer to deploy with the 160th and the two brothers now have the opportunity to serve together.

This also challenges both of them with some healthy competition. They were found this past drill weekend doing their marksmanship qualifications with the 160th Engineering Unit at Fort Indiantown Gap.

“We compete at everything, rifle qualification, ACFT, and performance,” said Rodney smiling big and turning towards the safety tower where his brother is announcing the latest weapons table.

These two were highlighted by their commander Cpt. David Mears during this past drill for their outstanding performance since joining the unit. The Oun’s service to the Delaware National Guard makes them second-generation national guardsmen since their father served 10 years in the Pennsylvania National Guard.

“In the Guard, we watch each other’s backs,” said Rodney. “If he needs anything I find a way to get it for him and if I need anything he does the same.”

• Date Taken: 11.05.2022
• Date Posted: 11.10.2022 11:33
• Story ID: 433059
• Location: WILMINGTON, DE, US
• Hometown: PHILADELPHIA, PA, US
• Hometown: WILMINGTON, DE, US