CHEYENNE, Wyo. – When your father has spent the last 35 years dedicated to military service, following in his footsteps by joining the Air National Guard is hard to shake.
Despite claiming he would never join the military, Airman 1st Class Christian Linde found himself on the journey to become an American Airman and was lucky enough to have his younger brother, Airman 1st Class Harrison Linde, by his side for the entire experience.
For many people, the idea of working alongside a sibling may not be their idea of fun. For Christian and Harrison, starting their military careers and serving side by side has been pretty cool. They attended basic military training at the same time and were fortunate to tackle technical training together, where they were roommates.
Initially, the military wasn't necessarily on the radar of these young Airmen, but with the support and a gentle push from their father, retired Col. Peter Linde, they soon found themselves enlisted in the Wyoming Air National Guard.
"I didn't push them, I recommended it," Pete Linde said. "It's a great way of life. I can't think of any place you can go and do what we do with all the benefits of the Guard. I've seen the world because of the Guard. I recommend it to everybody and anybody."
"I needed direction after high school," Harrison said. "Going this route gives me the funds if I choose to go to college and now a lifetime career."
A few years older, Christian felt himself lacking direction and finally gave into his father's push to join.
The brothers, set on becoming crew chiefs, soon enlisted and found themselves leaving for basic training at the same time.
"It was awesome graduating basic training together," said Christian.
The next part of their journey came when they started technical training at Sheppard Air Force Base, and were roomed together. During that time, the brothers spent a lot of time together from class, meals, weightlifting and of course sleeping in the same room.
"It was nice actually knowing my roommate and feeling safe," said Harrison.
For Christian, "the best part was we weren't homesick."
Now back from technical training, Christian and Harrison have started to settle in as crew chiefs at the 153rd Airlift Wing.
"It's a stress reliever to work with my brother because if something is wrong, it's easy to talk to him," Harrison said.
Most of all, working side by side has allowed the brothers to grow as crew chiefs and learn from each other.
"It's nice having an ally and someone to push me and compete with," said Christian.
Both of the Linde Airmen plan to stay with the unit and make it a lifelong career. For them, it is a family affair.