Very nice article by Leader's Training Course personnel below....
July 5, 2011
By PAO
By Caitlin VanOverberghe
Staff writer
Since they they were children, Branden and Aaron Gunn have been taught to share everything – so much so that Branden said the two didn’t learn the word “mine” until they started school.
That mentality has stuck with them throughout life. Now, with their matching glasses on their matching faces, the twin Cadets from Charlie Company share a determination and drive to serve.
“It’s one thing to be brothers, it’s another thing to be twins,” Aaron said. “Above all, when no one else is there for you, your brother is and it’s nice that we can go through everything together. I don’t think there is a tighter bond.”
As part of the scholarship they received to attend Wentworth Military Academy and College in Missouri, the 18-year-old Gunns were required to enlist in the National Guard and complete the Leader’s Training Course.
Having just graduated high school May 22, a traditional college – with its textbooks and parties – did not suit the men. By going to Wentworth, they will commission after just two years at the junior college, but must obtain a bachelor’s degree from a four-year university.
While at Wentworth, they are given the opportunity to train a few days a week and shadow National Guard Soldiers.
“This was a school that can give me what I want to do after two years,” Branden said. “I’m already in the service while I’m there, and I could keep the discipline and the camaraderie that you get in the service the whole time I was there. I love the discipline and the routine it gives.”
Once arriving at LTC, the brothers who were used to spending every day together were immediately separated into different platoons.
They’ve only seen each other only a few times since – once during fireguard duty and once in formation while their platoons stood next to each other, for example.
These quick glances and snippets of conversation have kept them going.
“Every time I see him I think, ‘OK, I just saw him pass by me, so he’s still here and he’s not giving up, so I’m not giving up either,’ ” Branden said.
Due to their lack of interaction at the course, many of their cadre hadn’t noticed they are twins. To test their squad leaders, drill sergeants had the boys switch places one day during a formation.
“They were shocked because most of them didn’t know I was a twin,” Aaron said of his squad leader having to choose between him and his brother. “His jaw just dropped.”
Aaron said he finds these instances, along with the constant questions about being a twin, amusing. The most annoying thing for him is being asked whether their girlfriends get them confused. Simply put – no, they don’t.
Both agree that while their separation hasn’t been the easiest, it is necessary to help build their leadership skills – an area where both thrive.
“When I go through some training exercises, especially teamwork drills, I think to myself it would be awesome if my brother was here because we would have this done in a heartbeat,” Brandon said.
For Aaron, staying busy helps him, because when he sees Branden, he misses him.
“It’s good to know that he’s here and he hasn’t quit, and we’re still in it together,” Aaron said. “On graduation day, we’ll walk up there together, we’ll meet, shake hands and then we’ll leave – together.
Tags: Aaron Gunn, Branden Gunn, Charlie Company, Wentworth Military Academy
