Brothers deploy to Africa together
USAFE News
Release Date: 8/20/2003
By Capt. Kristi Beckman 398th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
DAKAR, Senegal (USAFENS) -- Two brothers, one a communications officer and one a C-130 navigator, are deployed together in Dakar, Senegal assisting with the peacekeeping efforts in Liberia.
Growing up in an Air Force family, and only three years apart in age, the two are very close. However they never thought they'd get the chance to be stationed together.
"Our Dad did a number of things in the Air Force, including being an armament guy for F-4s, but his favorite job was being a military training instructor," said Capt. Nelson Avila Jr., 398th Air Expeditionary Group communications flight commander, whose dad retired as a master sergeant. "He's now a lieutenant for South Carolina corrections and still wears his MTI hat with the South Carolina shield. He carries the same attitude to work that he did when he was in the military and his men really respect him."
Nelson, who is assigned to the 52nd Communications Squadron, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, said he's never pursued another career. He was commissioned through Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
"I think the Air Force community has something truly unique to offer . something that I feel is rare in today's civilian environment," said Nelson. "The sense of duty, honor, commitment to hard work, trust and safety . these are things I just don't think I would fully enjoy outside the Air Force."
First Lieutenant Danny Avila, C-130 navigator, said Nelson was always more academically inclined.
"I was the more athletic one," said Danny. "We were both computer 'nerds', he more so than I. He had a full (college) scholarship, where I paid the whole way.
"Dad told me if I went into the military, I should go in as an officer," said Danny.
Danny did just that. Three years ago he was commissioned out of the University of South Carolina Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps and into the Air Force by his brother. He's now a navigator assigned to the 37th Airlift Wing, Ramstein Air Base, Germany.
However, that wasn't the career of his choice. Danny was set to go to Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. as a communications officer like his brother is now. But two days before he was commissioned, his commander said the Air Force was looking for navigators, so Danny went for it.
"I like being a navigator," said Danny. "Being a back-seat driver is great. I get an overall big picture of what we're doing, but I'm working toward becoming the guy that drives the plane."
The brothers now live only an hour apart, which makes it nice for their family to visit them. "Mom's visited twice now, and she's already got another trip planned" said Nelson.
Nelson said because they are so close in age, it is easy for them to get along.
"Danny is my best friend," said Nelson. "We were successful at getting assigned to Germany at the same time, and although we joked about it, I never thought our distinctly different responsibilities would ever cross paths. With that said, here we are, deployed together in Senegal supporting peacekeeping efforts in Liberia."
Both the mission and being stationed together brings is thrill, said the two brothers.
"For me, it is especially exciting because this is my first deployment," said Nelson. "I am establishing communications at a location that just two weeks ago had none. I am getting the opportunity to lead my team through real-world troubleshooting exercises that have real-world impacts, and it is so much better than working in an office. My team is excellent and I can't wait for my next deployment."
"It's cool to be deployed together," said Danny. "Being down here, he gets to see my side of the Air Force and I get to see his. We're both here to work, but if there's time, we hang out."
And, although their jobs are worlds apart, the brothers are enjoying their time together now.
"I think it will be hard for us to get stationed together again," said Danny. "I'm limited on options. He will have to come where I am."
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