Sisterhood of the travelling ABUs

Published April 12, 2011
By Staff Sgt. Christian Jadot
379 th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- How often have you changed duty stations or deployed, only to discover someone you have been previously stationed with? Many times the coincidence involves former co-workers or old friends, but for a pair of Airmen here the bond is even stronger.

Two sisters, originally from Brooklyn, N.Y., deployed to this desert air base together, but luck only had a little role to play.

Senior Airman Katelyn Thiele, 55th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, deployed in December with her younger sister, Airman Marianne Sheehan.

"I was preparing to separate in March when I found out my sister was going to [this desert air base] in January," Airman Thiele said. "I talked with my chief and worked out an extension for this deployment so we could be here together."

Airman 1st Class Sheehan, 340th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Unit, was inspired to enlist because of her elder sister's career.

"My sister joined the Air Force when I entered high school," Airman Sheehan said. "I saw how it changed her, gave her discipline, she was proud of what she was doing, and I realized I wanted to be a part of that."

"When I heard my sister was joining the Air Force I was really excited," Airman Thiele said. "She had asked about being in the military and being a pilot or a chaplain; and I encouraged her. Honestly, when I found out she was going to be a crew chief I thought, what have I done? But she's been doing really well and I'm proud of her. "

"When I got to my first base, she talked me through settling in and keeping my chin up," Airman Sheehan said. "There's nothing like having someone who knows you inside and out, and knows what to say to make you laugh when all you want to do is beat someone with a wrench and a flashlight. Now, it is my first deployment, and by God's grace she's here too -- for her last."

The two often keep each other company in their free time.

"It is amazing to have someone here that you are close to," Airman Thiele said. "It's been great hanging out with her. Sometimes we'll work out or dine together; reviewing our childhood and laughing about ugly baby pictures. We love to laugh and crack each other up so easily; an awesome reprieve from desert stressors."