SPRINGFIELD-BECKLEY AIR GUARD BASE, Ohio-- Serving in the Air National Guard can often times be a family tradition. Many people follow in the footsteps of their grandparents, parents or siblings, and sometimes serve alongside them. However, it is not very often that people get to say that they are serving alongside their twin.
With strikingly similar facial features, it is easy to see how one might confuse this set of identical twins. Senior Master Sgt. Tabatha King, newly selected Chief enlisted manager of the 178th Communications Flight and Master Sgt. Tammy Remley, Senior NCO in charge of inspections with the 178th Inspector General Office, have been serving together at the 178th Wing for the past 19 years.
King enlisted in the Ohio Air National Guard on Jan. 29, 1995, after graduating from high school. She joined for the education benefits in order to pursue her bachelor’s degree.
“I have always been very goal oriented and have had things I wanted to achieve because I joined the Guard for my education,” said King.
Through the Air National Guard, King has been able to receive her Associates in Applied Science Information Management, Associates in Applied Science Information Systems Technology and will graduate with her Bachelor’s of Science in Applied Management this fall.
After seeing her sister thriving in the military and doing well for herself, Remley decided that she needed to change her life as well. Nearly four and a half years later, Remley decided to follow in her big sister’s footsteps and enlist in the Ohio Air National Guard on Sept. 29, 1999.
“I was pregnant in high school so I couldn’t join,” said Remley. “I had no intentions of ever joining the military. But then three years later, I needed to do something to better my life and my son’s life.”
Being able to serve side by side has been extremely beneficial for both twins during their careers. Throughout different career changes during their time in the military, the twins have always been each other’s biggest supporter.
“We push each other constantly,” said King. “She’s my go to person all of the time. Every time I question or doubt myself, she’s always there encouraging me and picking me up.”
Through constantly encouraging each other, both twins help to inspire and motivate each other. With every career, there are many challenging times and obstacles to overcome. Luckily for King and Remley, they do not have to face those times alone.
“She has been my rock,” said Remley. “She just [gives me] ways to look forward and get past the obstacles I may be dealing with. It’s great that she’s just a phone call away or even just 10 to 15 steps away.”
Airmen build strong bonds with one another throughout the course of their careers, creating a family atmosphere within the Air National Guard. For King and Remley, this family bond extends beyond the work place.
“I have been enlisted for 23 years,” said King. “I’ve loved every aspect of being in the Guard and being in it with my sister. When they say the Guard is family oriented, it truly is.”