Photo By Tech. Sgt. Alexander Frank | Three brothers: Senior Airman Eithan Rush (right), 142nd Maintenance Squadron (MXS),...... read more read more
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PORTLAND, Ore. – The saying "Brothers in Arms" is a proud military tradition, but for three members of the Oregon Air National Guard's 142nd Wing, the phrase is quite literal. Senior Airman Eithan Rush, Airman 1st Class Wyatt Rush, and soon-to-be Airman Jayden Mancilla have turned readying the wing’s fleet of F-15s into a family business.
It all started in 2021 when eldest brother, Eithan, joined the 142nd Maintenance Squadron (MXS) as a munitions Airman. Since then, each brother has found their way into pivotal roles preparing different components of the 142nd’s F-15 aircraft. In 2023, Wyatt joined the 142nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (AMXS) as a weapons loader, and just recently, Mancilla joined the propulsion shop in the 142nd MXS and is awaiting training.
This shared path wasn’t accidental. Their call to service has deep roots: with a grandfather in the Air Force and a father in the Navy. For these brothers, military life is a proud family tradition.
"We have a long lineage on my father's side of military men," Eithan explained, "and we were very passionate about serving our country."
While military service may have been in their blood, Eithan chose to serve in Oregon specifically. After high school, he explored his options on active duty but ultimately felt serving his home state was the right fit.
“I realized that Oregon was a great place,” said Eithan. “After getting flown to a couple of places to see some things and realizing that Oregon is genuinely a beautiful place that's unlike anywhere else. “
It’s clearly a choice that made an impact on his two brothers.
After Wyatt joined the 142nd AMXS a few years later, seeing his brother in uniform was a welcome but different experience.
“It still caught me by surprise,” said Eithan. “It [was] like that Spider-Man meme where everyone's pointing at each other.”
With all three brothers now drilling at the wing, they now have to balance not only family relationships but working together in different roles to ensure the lethality of the F-15. As it turns out, being a brother serves as a strong foundation for wingmanship.
“As a brother, you’re around each other a lot and help each other out,” said Wyatt. “As a wingman, you do the same thing, but we're just wearing a uniform now.”
In my interview with the trio, it was immediately apparent how close-knit the brothers are. That’s not to say there's no friction; these are brothers, of course. When I asked if there was an element of competition between them, they all laughed and quickly agreed.
“I can't tell you how devastating it would be if you guys passed me up in rank,” confessed Eithan.
As Wyatt works to arm the F-15, and Eithan ensures munitions fire as intended, new recruit Jayden is preparing for technical school as a propulsion mechanic, excited for the opportunity to serve and continue the legacy of service within his family.
“My stepdad, their father, really influenced me to join, and I’m excited to learn more about engines and expand my mechanical knowledge,” said Jayden.
For these brothers, the bond of family is the ultimate force multiplier. Their family heritage is an extension of their commitment to each other, making the military declaration—Brothers in Arms—a literal truth at the 142nd Wing.
| Date Taken: | 12.06.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 12.09.2025 12:48 |
| Story ID: | 553321 |
| Location: | PORTLAND AIR GUARD STATION, OREGON, US |
| Web Views: | 47 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, Triple Threat: Three Brothers Powering Oregon’s F-15’s, by TSgt Alexander Frank, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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