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.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | July 9, 2008

Twin brothers, police officers deploy together for mission in Middle East

By Tech. Sgt. Thomas Kielbasa Florida National Guard Public Affairs

MELBOURNE, Fla. - Twin brothers Sgts. Daniel and Timothy DeKoeyer have been together all their lives.

As civilians, they serve together as police officers in Deland, Fla., and now the 22-year-old Soldiers have volunteered to deploy together to Afghanistan for a year-long military police mission.

The DeKoeyers left July 5 with the Florida Army National Guard's 715th Military Police Company, and later this summer will serve in Afghanistan and perform missions including convoy security and other military police responsibilities.

"I haven't deployed before, so I don't know what to expect overseas," Daniel explained before departing from the unit's armory in Melbourne, Fla. "Me and my brother are life-long buddies. We're from a different unit, but we volunteered to go with this unit. We're going to stay together and watch each other's backs."

The DeKoeyer twins were previously assigned to the 1st Battalion, 265th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, in Daytona Beach.

They said that although some people have trouble telling them apart while on duty, the challenges always work themselves out.

"Eventually through time they all get to know our differences, and they'll eventually be able to tell us apart," Timothy said.

Both brothers said they feel the mission will go much smoother since they are deploying together.

"It will definitely be easier having someone you've known your whole life be there with you," Timothy added.

More than 150 members of the 715th Military Police Company traveled to Camp Shelby, Miss., for additional training before traveling to Afghanistan.

 

 

Related Articles
Photo of medical training during a Port Subject Matter Expert Exchange at the Port of Laem Chabang, Thailand, August 20, 2025. (Courtesy Photo)
Washington Guard Continues Strengthening Relationship at Thailand’s Port of Laem Chabang
By Joseph Siemandel, | Sept. 30, 2025
CAMP MURRAY, Wash. - Four members of the Washington National Guard partnered recently with more than 170 employees from the Port of Laem Chabang, Thailand, to continue improving the port’s all-hazard response as part of the...

Leaders and attendees from the Hawai‘i National Guard, Guam National Guard and Armed Forces of the Philippines gather for a group photo during the 25th anniversary celebration of the State Partnership Program between the Hawai‘i National Guard and the AFP at Clark Air Base, Philippines, Sept. 25, 2025. The Hawai‘i Guard and AFP launched the Indo-Pacific’s first State Partnership in 2000, marking 25 years of cooperation in training, disaster response and regional security.
25 Years Strong: Hawai‘i Guard and Philippines Celebrate Enduring Partnership
By Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy, | Sept. 30, 2025
CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines — Cheers, handshakes and shared stories filled the air Sept. 23–25 as the Hawai‘i National Guard and Armed Forces of the Philippines celebrated 25 years of partnership — a bond that has endured...

Oklahoma National Guard leaders and Italian representatives unveil a plaque at the former headquarters of the 45th Infantry Division during WWII in Venafro, Italy, Sept. 8, 2025. A delegation of Oklahoma National Guard members and veterans toured key locations from the 45th Infantry Division’s campaign in Italy against German forces during World War II, continuing the development of the Thunderbird Trail. The initiative is aimed at preserving the Division's role in World War II through a memorial trail tracing its footsteps through Italy, France and Germany, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Danielle Rayon)
Thunderbird Trail: Preserving Sacrifice, Strengthening Connection for Oklahoma Guard
By Sgt. Danielle Rayon, | Sept. 29, 2025
ITALY – Standing among rows of white marble headstones at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial, Soldiers of the Oklahoma National Guard bent to place sand from the beaches of Anzio into the carved names of...