LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- While all U.S. military branches have family members who serve at the same time, it is rare for three members of the same family to serve in the same wing and at the same time.
With a combined service of over 35 years, three Airmen from the 944th Fighter Wing make serving their country a family affair. Master Sgt. Darin Andsager, and his two sons Senior Airmen Alec Andsager and Nicholas Andsager represent, 944th Medical, 944th Force Support and 944th Logistic Readiness Squadrons in the 944th Fighter Wing.
After spending any amount of time with them, the strong family resemblance which includes similar smiles and gestures becomes evident. There is also a tad bit of sibling rivalry going on but the three of them all agree they love putting on the uniform and serving their country.
Darin’s father served in the military but it was a friend who encouraged him to join the Air Force after high school.
“My dad was in the Army and Navy, at the time, I wanted a job and occupation to learn and I thought the Air Force would give me that opportunity,” said Darin.
After seeing their dad serve their entire lives, the two sons followed the family tradition and joined the Air Force. Many times dad explained all the benefits of being in the military and after thinking about it, Alec, the baby of the family joined right after high school and was followed two years later by his older brother Nicholas.
“I think parents are the best role models, I saw what serving did for me and thought it would be good for them,” continued Darin.
Starting out his Air Force career as a biomedical equipment repair specialist, Darin has spent the last several years serving as a First Sergeant. He is currently serving with the 944 MDS but will soon move to be the First Sergeant with the 944th Aeromedical Staging Squadron.
“I love what I do, I love being a first sergeant and helping people,” Darin said. “As a biomedical engineer at Chandler Regional Hospital and Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, motivation to come to unit training assemblies isn’t always easy. However, I enjoy being part of this professional organization and am very proud of it. I know if I am not here, people will fall through the cracks and things won’t get done. My plans include moving to the 944 ASTS and making the biggest difference I can. Then I’m looking at retirement and spending more time at home on the weekend to get some house projects done,” he continued.
The advice Darin gave both boys before going to basic training was, “Be a team player, take it seriously but not too serious that it gets you down, remember it is a test, and pay attention to details.”
Nicholas and Alec both agreed the wingman concept was strong in basic training, so the advice to be a team players was excellent.
Alec, is a massage therapist in his civilian career and a services apprentice with the FSS.
“I enjoy the people I work with and the benefits the Air Force has provided me. I feel like I am a part of something that is doing some good in the world,” he said. “Coming to UTA’s is a requirement and my duty, I am invested in this and can’t not show up. My goals are to attend Airman Leadership School, put on my next stripe and match Nicholas who scored a 100 on his last physical fitness test. Long term, I want to serve in the military as long as my dad has,” he concluded.
Nicholas, spent some time in college on a track and field scholarship before joining the 944 LRS as a material management helper.
He works with children in an after school program in his civilian career.
“My motivation to come to UTA’s is so I can be the best I can be. This is my job, it’s my duty, I love putting on this uniform, I want to be like my father, live up to his standards and expectations,” he said.
His plans are to finish his Career Development Courses and his civilian education.
“I joined the Air Force for the experience, I am looking forward to the opportunity to deploy and learn more,” Nicholas added.
Saying that dad is proud of his son’s is putting it mildly. His body language clearly spoke volumes about his pride.
“How do I even message this. I am very, very proud of them, it makes me smile to think three Andsager’s are serving our country and the 944 FW,” Darin said.
It was just as evident that the boys felt the same about their father and his service.
“When we were young it was sad to have dad gone on the weekends but now we are envious of his career and it is our goal to be just like him,” said Nicholas.
Except for the occasional e-mail mix up and being mistaken for each other, all agree it is a great experience and opportunity working in the same unit. As for the sibling rivalry, it is real, it keeps them in a friendly competition and pushes them to become exceptional Airmen like they see in their father.
No matter what motivates them to serve it is extremely clear all three are proud of each other and honored the serve the nation.