An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
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.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Jan. 16, 2019

A family affair: Wyoming brothers share military experience

By Senior Airman Autumn Velez 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard

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.

 

 

Related Articles
U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus, commander, Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region – 1st Air Force (U.S. Air Forces Northern and U.S. Air Forces Space) testifies before the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services at a confirmation hearing for his appointment as chief of the National Guard Bureau at the Hart Senate Office Building, District of Columbia, Sep. 12, 2024.
Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven Nordhaus Confirmed as NGB Chief 
By Sgt. 1st Class Zach Sheely, | Sept. 25, 2024
WASHINGTON – The Senate Tuesday confirmed Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven Nordhaus as the 30th chief of the National Guard Bureau.  Nordhaus, who will also be a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will be promoted to four-star...

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jonathan Bandy, 175th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle maintenance craftsman, conducts pre-inspection procedures during Operation Baltic Rhino Sept. 14, 2024, at the Eametsa military base, Parnu, Estonia. Operation Baltic Rhino provided an opportunity to exchange convoy knowledge and tactics with Estonian counterparts, underscoring the commitment of the Maryland National Guard and its partners to maintaining effective joint logistical operations, interoperability, and readiness on a global scale.
Maryland Airmen Train with Logistics Counterparts in Estonia
By Staff Sgt. Laura Virtue, | Sept. 25, 2024
PARNU, Estonia - Eight Maryland Air National Guard Airmen partnered with Estonian Defense League members to conduct Operation Baltic Rhino, a convoy operations training exercise, Sept. 13-15 at the Eametsa military base in...

Participants of the Vulcan Guard Bolt-7 Space subject matter expert exchange receive a tour of the 109th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron Sept. 16, 2024, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. The Hawaii Air National Guard hosted this multinational event to foster collaboration and enhance space capabilities.
Hawaii Air Guard Hosts Vulcan Guard Space Exercise
By Tech. Sgt. John Linzmeier, | Sept. 25, 2024
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii - The Hawaii Air National Guard’s 154th Wing showcased international military collaboration by hosting the seventh Vulcan Guard space exercise Sept. 16-21 at military installations...