At end of the day, we’re brothers in arms

Published Dec. 20, 2012
By By Senior Airman Joel Mease
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- For the Velasquez brothers, being a part of the military continues a family tradition of serving their country.

Not only did their father serve in Operation Desert Storm, but two of their great uncles landed on the beaches of Anzio, Italy, during World War II. So when a deployment opportunity placed all three of the brothers in Southwest Asia's area of responsibility at the same time, it gave them a unique opportunity to tell future Velasquez generations about service and sacrifice.

Chief Master Sgt. Richard Velasquez, 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron Munitions Flight chief, is the oldest of the three brothers and the first of the three to join the military. He said when they were growing up it was common for them to look at photos and hear stories about their family's military heritage.

However, having not just one son deployed, but three, provided a bit of anxiety for their mother.

"Our mother was a bit of a wreck knowing three of her boys were (in the AOR) at the same time," Chief Velasquez said. "Our father, being a veteran, understood this situation and was able to ease her mind some. Someone over the years has always been gone, but this has been the first time all three of us were gone at the same time."

Currently only two of the brothers are deployed as the youngest brother, Army Sgt. Andrew Velasquez, redeployed back home just a few weeks ago.

"One of the leading factors for me wanting to be here was the opportunity to be here at the same time as my brother," said Master Sgt. Daniel Velasquez, 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Operations Squadron. "There is no other way to be deployed, than to be deployed with family during the holiday season."

Family is a common word when one hears the two older Velasquez describe one another. When it came to describing their youngest brother, one can tell the pride both have for their younger sibling. The chief even has a picture of his youngest brother framed on his office from his time deployed as a combat medic in the Kandahar Region of Afghanistan.

"(Andrew) received a Bronze Star and a Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his deployment in Afghanistan, but we didn't hear about it from him we heard it from his wife," Chief Velasquez said. "That's just the kind of guy he is; very humble."

When the brothers are not deployed, they consistently take advantage of the relatively short distances they live from one another. The chief is stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., the master sergeant at Dyess AFB, Texas, and the Army sergeant is a reservist out of Austin, Texas. The families of the two oldest also are pretty close together as they both have seniors in high school and also have children in grade school.

"Going back to family, it's always been important for us to be around one another," Master Sgt. Velasquez said. "Not just for us, but for our children as well."

After the deployments are over - and the brothers spend some much needed time with their wives and children - the three brothers plan to get together to bond over their experiences.

"When I get done with this deployment we will take some time together as brothers and possibly take a trip to Vegas," Chief Velasquez said. "We will definitely get a few brotherly (Army versus Air Force) jabs in at each other, but at the end of the day we are brothers in arms."