Brothers Serve Together in Afghanistan

By Army Sgt. Robert Healy
Task Force Falcon
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, July 16, 2010 - Two brothers from Atmore, Ala., who wear different uniforms have found themselves not only deployed to Afghanistan at the same time, but also assigned to the same location at this sprawling air base.

Air Force Master Sgt. Dempsey Walker, left, talks with his brother, Army Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas Walker, at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, July 4, 2010. The brothers meet about once a week to talk and relax together while they are deployed. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Robert Healy  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Dempsey Walker is a supply support activity platoon sergeant with Company A, Task Force Workhorse, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, Task Force Falcon. He has spent 24 years in the Army, and is serving on his fourth deployment.
His brother, Air Force Master Sgt. Nicholas Walker, is a computer systems manager with Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan. He has spent 17 years in the Air Force and is serving on his third deployment.
"This is the first time we have been deployed to the same base," Dempsey said. "We were stationed in Korea at the same time and deployed to Iraq at the same time, but to different bases."
Nicholas said his brother had been here for six months when he arrived. "It makes life here a lot easier," he said, "having a family member so close who can relate to what you are doing."
Dempsey said he was anxious to join the military and chose the Army because it was able to let him join three months earlier than the other services. Nicholas, however, was not as anxious, and said he made his decision based on the experiences of his brothers.
"We have an older brother that used to be in the Air Force," Nicholas explained. "After I talked to both my brothers, I decided the Air Force was right for me."
Dempsey said he and Nicholas get together at least once a week to talk, go to church or just hang out. They usually eat at least one meal together whenever their schedules allow, he added.
"It is nice to have a family member here to talk to -- someone who is in the same location and situation and who can understand and relate to the types of problems that can pop up from time to time," Dempsey said. "In times like these, it is good to have your brother by your side."