An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Four Airmen bound by oath, blood

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Crystal Charriere
  • 419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  Members of the Reserve can be considered brothers and sisters in uniform, but four brothers in the 419th Fighter Wing are literally bound by oath and by blood.

Andrew, David, Timothy and Samuel Potter all joined the wing within the past four years. Growing up, they all say they considered joining the military. Their grandfather began the family's military legacy by serving in both the Army and the Marines. Andrew, the oldest Potter brother, took the first step in continuing that legacy.

"I saw a picture of our grandpa in uniform, and that put the thought in my head," Andrew said. He joined the Air Force Reserve in 2008 and has deployed to Iraq; now the Reserve is rooted in him.

One by one, each brother followed in Andrew's footsteps.

"I heard our grandpa say how proud he was of my brothers being in the Air Force," said Timothy, the last of the four to join. "I was at a dead end and wanted to do something different, so I decided to go for it. Call it a gut feeling or inspiration, but I don't think I would have joined if my brothers hadn't already."

Now that they are serving in the same wing, they seem to be closer than before.

"Since we literally serve with our family, it's like our own 'Band of Brothers,'" Andrew said.

Being the oldest, Andrew takes it upon himself to look out for his younger brothers.

"The advantage of the Reserve is the opportunity to serve with your family," Andrew said.

"As the older brother, I feel I need to be there to help them. I have to be the best Airman I can so I can help them to do the same."

It's easy for Andrew to keep an eye on his brothers since they work in related fields. Timothy refuels aircraft, David works in the terminal and helps passengers check bags, Andrew makes sure hazardous material is packaged correctly and safe to fly, and Samuel oversees everything from the Air Terminal Operations Center.

Working together has motivated the brothers to excel in their Reserve careers.

"When you have your brothers in the wing, everyone expects good things from you," Samuel said. "The bar is already set so high."

Each month, they see each other on the required monthly drill weekend and usually catch up during lunch. They say working together on the UTAs and attending wing events has strengthened their brotherhood because every UTA is like a family reunion.

Stay connected -- Join the 419th Fighter Wing on Facebook and YouTube