CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq -- It’s no secret that the Marine Corps, because of the bond that exists between its members, is often referred to as a ‘Band of Brothers.’ So in an organization with more than 175,000 members it’s not rare to see real siblings proudly sharing the eagle, globe and anchor.
Sergeant Teddy Straub and Cpl. Robert E. Straub, natives of Ontario, Calif., are brothers deployed to different locations in Iraq who were reunited the morning of August 1 when Teddy came to Camp Fallujah to pin new rank insignia on Robert’s collar during his promotion ceremony.
“This is awesome,” said Robert. “I waited a long time to pick up corporal and this made it that much better.”
Because of deployments in support of the Global War on Terrorism and other operational commitments, the two don’t see each other often.
“I think this is outstanding,” said Teddy. “Not only do I not see him for two years, but when I do see him I’m able to do something like this.”
A CH-46E crew chief and noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the flightline section of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 764, Teddy serves aboard Al Asad air base, home of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward).
Robert is a heavy equipment mechanic and motor transport mechanic and operator here assigned to the logistics department of 3rd Radio Battalion.
The brothers have been e-mailing each other for a while and recently started talking about getting together. A few days after finding out he was selected for promotion to corporal, Robert asked Teddy if he could come to participate in the promotion ceremony.
Teddy talked with his superiors and was authorized by his commanding officer to make the trip. Sergeant Maj. Daniel D. Townsend, HMM-764 sergeant major, contacted 1st Sgt. Angelo P. Scott, 3rd Radio Bn., Headquarters and Service Company first sergeant, and got the information Teddy needed to get here, get to Robert’s unit and attend the promotion.
“Since we fly out here all the time it was just a matter of jumping on a plane,” said Teddy. “Luckily there was an incoming flight and it wasn’t too full.”
After the ceremony the brothers played videogames and watched movies to celebrate the promotion and reunion. Later that evening Teddy caught a flight back to Al Asad.
Teddy joined the Marine Corps in 1996 and served at Marine Corps Air Station, New River, N.C., with Marine Medium Helicopter Training Squadron 204 and HMM-264. In 2000 he deployed as part of the Aviation Combat Element of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable). He has been with HMM-764 at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., since July 2002 and is currently on his second deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Robert followed his brother’s footsteps in 2001. Since 2002 he’s been serving with 3rd Radio Battalion in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, and has deployed once in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and is currently on his second deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
- For more information about the Marines reported on in this story, please contact Sgt. Juan Vara by e-mail at varaj@acemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil -