Photo By Matt Denny | Cpl. Ricky D. Dunn Jr., left and Cpl. Rodrick O. Dunn, with III Marine Expeditionary...... read more read more
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Life is full of challenges. While most have to battle it on their own, two ‘devil dogs’ from Hattiesburg, Miss., have been lucky enough to have their brother to help along the way.
Cpls. Ricky D. Dunn Jr. and Rodrick O. Dunn, 21 year-old identical twins assigned to III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, Motor Transport, III MEF, have been side-by-side their whole lives.
From the day they were born, they did everything together, whether it was out playing with friends or causing their mother headaches, said Beatrice L. Dunn, mother of Ricky and Rodrick.
“We have always had a close-knit family and their close bond has taught us all how to love other people and love each other,” she added.
“They both played football in high school … making sure the other one excelled,” said their mother. “Ricky would compete against Rodrick, coming home after each game, comparing each other about who had the better play and what the other one did wrong. This is how they made each other stronger.”
“We have competed against each other in everything we’ve done since we were young,” said Ricky. “We’ve been doing everything together for as long as I can remember. Growing up, we went to the same schools, had most of the same classes, played football and ran track together. We got our first job together and then we joined the Marine Corps together.”
On Sept. 7, 2007, the two stood side-by-side on the yellow footprints of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C.
While enduring the rigors of recruit training, they continued to push each other by staying competitive.
“Rodrick was the first one promoted to private first class, meritoriously out of boot camp. I did everything I could to catch up in (Military Occupational Specialty) school,” Ricky said.
“Graduating boot camp with my brother, becoming Marines, was the best day of my life,” said Ricky.
Once both brothers achieved the rank of private first class, they continued to compete and look out for one another “not letting each other fall behind in the Marine Corps, MOS and life,” said Rodrick.
The Dunn brothers have an older brother, Thomas J. Long, who served in the Marine Corps from 2001-2005 and an older cousin who was in the Corps in the 90s.
“I joined the Marines because of stories from our older brother and cousin and they (convinced) me that it was a good decision and once I joined, my brother followed,” stated Rodrick.
“They had the same boot camp platoon, same Marine Combat Training platoon, same military occupational specialty, same duty station and the same unit,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Jannifer R. Williams, career retention specialist for 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
Recently, the two brothers re-enlisted and may be heading separate ways for the first time in their lives, said Williams.
“I will stay in for as long as the Corps keeps me,” mentioned Ricky.
“The challenges of the Corps have been easier for the both of us, having our twin brother and best friend right by our side since the day we joined,” said Rodrick.
The brothers have been able to do many things together in the Marine Corps including being in the same color guard, with one twin serving as the right rifleman and the other serving as the left rifleman. They were also promoted to lance corporal on the same day and corporal within days of each other.
“Being promoted next to my brother was a great accomplishment,” said Rodrick.
Rodrick was promoted to corporal based on his cutting score and Ricky was promoted meritoriously, said Sgt. Rico O. Brown, non-comissioned officer in charge of the brothers, with III MHG, Motor Transport.
The Dunns had leadership qualities before they were promoted in rank. As new arrivals to the unit, they were squared away and began doing everything in their power to get promoted, added Brown.
“I never had to watch over Ricky and Rodrick; when they were told to do something, they did it,” stated Brown.
The brothers’ history makes them work well as a team, which has proven beneficial to their current command.
“When projects need to be completed, the Dunn brothers are usually chosen to complete them together, with their superiors knowing it will be completed fast and smooth,” said Williams.
During their time on Okinawa, the twins have volunteered for multiple projects and both have gone on various deployments and exercises throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
“It has made life a little easier to have my brother and best friend overseas, while away from our family and friends,” said Rodrick. “When something goes wrong or we are dealing with some personal issues, friends are great to have in the military but having family allows us to open up and solve our problems and (get back to completing the mission,)” he said, adding that it is also nice to have family around during the holiday season.
“I couldn’t be more proud of my boys and the things they have accomplished,” said their mother. “When they told me they were joining, I had the typical worries of a mother but I, along with our family, was supportive of their decision, knowing they made it well.”
| Date Taken: | 09.17.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 09.16.2010 21:48 |
| Story ID: | 56443 |
| Location: | OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 96 |
| Downloads: | 7 |
This work, Born together, raised together, now serving together, by Matt Denny, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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