Two brothers, two branches: Buckley reunites siblings

Published Sept. 12, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Samantha Saulsbury
460th Space Wing Public Affairs

BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. - -- It's not uncommon for military service to run in families. Many join because their parents or grandparents served the nation. Choosing to serve means running the risk of leaving loved ones and friends behind. However, for Trevor and Brady Wentlandt, serving has done just the opposite.

After being apart in different areas around the world for more than 20 years, these two brothers are finally reunited at Buckley Air Force Base.

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Brady Wentlandt, Combat Logistics Battalion 453 supply officer, was the first to don the uniform. His older brother, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Trevor Wentlandt, Aerospace Data Facility-Colorado Mission Operations Squadron commander, joined shortly after.

"In 20 years, my brother and I saw each other about five times," Trevor said. "Now, we're stationed at the same duty station at the same time. Now we see each other too often!"

Jokes aside, the Wentlandts said they could not be more grateful for the military placing them so close.

Before this tour, Trevor admits that he didn't know Brady's wife and children all that well. Now, they have been given the chance to become very close with each others' family.

"Of all the things you give up in the military, to me, family is the most precious," Brady said.

Through the years, the brothers have been nothing but supportive of each other, especially when it comes to promotions.

"When Brady made master sergeant, he and I both showed up in uniform, took the oath, and I pinned on his new rank," Trevor said.

"Hopefully, (Trevor) can do the same thing for E-9 here within the next year!" Brady added.

For these brothers, not only does military service help define them, it runs in their blood.

"Our grandfather served in the Army during World War II, our father served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, we're serving, and now, both of our oldest sons are serving," Brady said.

Although the Wentlandts have been lucky to have been placed in the same duty location, they both know change is inevitable. No matter where the military takes them next, they plan to proudly serve for many years to come, continuing the legacy of their last name.

"This is the family business," Trevor said, "something me and my brother are pretty proud of. What a blessing this really has been.