CAMP ATTERBURY JOINT MANEUVER TRAINING CENTER, Ind. - It's not uncommon to find Soldiers who have made the commitment to lifelong Army service; from officers to enlisted, walking the military career path offers
a wide-range of benefits for both the individual and his or her family.
For some Soldiers, however, the Army is more than just a career move, but a direct extension of their families. Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Chow is one such Soldier, having served more than 33 years with the Army and raising three children, each one a current member of the Indiana National Guard.
Chow joined the Army Reserve in 1976 and continued to serve in the Army Reserve until 1986 when he joined the Active Guard Reserve program and began serving in a full-time capacity. From coast to coast and post to post, Chow never imagined his kids would follow in his footsteps.
Chow said that he never suggested military service to his children, instead he echoed his wife's sentiments for them to attend college and move into the work force soon after.
Despite his parents' suggestions for academia, Philemon Chow, the oldest son, decided to serve as a way to hold himself "to higher standards."
"I didn't know what to do in terms of a career, so I tried out the Indiana National Guard," Philemon Chow said. "Obviously, my father was in the military, and [his service] was always in the back of my mind."
"Initially, I really didn't think that much about it and my father didn't push it, but I wanted to try something different, and I found the National Guard would give me an opportunity to try different things," Chow added.
Andrew Chow admitted surprise when he heard his oldest son - followed by his other children - had decided to join. "I was shocked when Philemon joined," he said. "I guess Philemon is the motivator of the kids; there's always one who is the motivator of the group, so he got his sister to join in. Right after that, the youngest one joined in, too.
"They're all satisfied with their service and have adjusted well to it. I'm very proud of them to have the opportunity to serve their country."
These days it's the daughter who is the motivator. 1st Lt. Petrina Chow, who is currently deployed with the 177th Finance Detachment in Afghanistan, decided she would become an officer and persuaded her oldest brother Philemon to do the same.
Now, Officer Candidate Philemon Chow, who serves as an automation non-commissioned officer for the state's Detachment 18 Recruiting and Retention, is currently at Officer Candidate School.
Philip, who deployed to Iraq in 2008 with Indiana's 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, is the only one left and as soon as Petrina and Philemon get him onboard that would complete the circle ... almost.
"Pretty soon they will all out rank me," said Andrew Chow, smiling and shaking his head.
"It's pretty neat," said Chow of his Army offspring. "It's like, Chow, Chow, Chow, Chow!" he said, laughing. "I'm very proud that they're wearing the uniform that I wear."