RHEINLAND-PFALZ, Germany - No matter where you go or how long you’re there, home has a way of finding you. For two brothers serving their nation in different parts of the globe, home found them in Germany.
U.S. Space Force Sgt. Jared Dreier, U.S. Space Forces Europe component Command Headquarters space systems operator, arrived at Ramstein Air Base, Germany for a permanent change of station only a day before his brother arrived with the Tennessee Air National Guard for a summer deployment.
“This is the first time we’ve gotten to see each other in uniform and be together while serving,” said Dreier. “It’s just cool that of all places we could’ve ended up, we’re both here at the same time.”
Dreier’s older brother, Tech. Sgt. Mason Young, 134th Communications Squadron cyber network systems operations craftsman from McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tennessee, arrived at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, to work alongside his active-duty counterparts, sharing best practices to improve processes in their field.
“What are the odds that we would end up here together?” said Young. “I arrive a day after he does, and now we get to see and learn about the work we both do to serve our country.”
Even though the brothers have a nine-year age difference, that did not stop them from developing a close bond during their childhood in East Tennessee.
“He’s always been there for me when I’ve needed him,” said Dreier. “I learned so much from him growing up and even now. He’s always been happy to help.”
Growing up in a single-parent household encouraged their close relationship. Young shared many things with his younger brother, including a love of video games and roughhousing, but most importantly, his passion for reading. After school, Young would delay his homework to ensure his younger brother got in his daily reading.
“I love to read, and I was excited to share that joy with him,” said Young. “Reading is powerful, and it can take you anywhere at any time.”
Like most American families with a military history, the brothers grew up with stories of their relatives’ military exploits. Their grandfather, Calvin Pilkay, and their eldest brother, Cameron Young, are U.S. Air Force veterans. Their stories inspired Young to enlist and ultimately led to Dreier serving.
“Our family has a long history of military service, and to see my brother contribute to that lineage is what inspired me to join,” said Dreier. “I’ve gotten to see the way he leads and serves, and I wanted to do my part to contribute to that legacy.”
Though their time in Germany was brief, this experience allowed both brothers to reconnect and make new memories.
“This experience really highlights how small our military can feel,” said Young. “The fact that we both ended up here at the same time and could make this work with our busy schedules was great. I don’t think either of us will forget the time we got here.”