Laughter and jokes fill the air as the brothers gather around the fire, burgers cooking on the grill nearby. Their children running and playing in the yard, marking a reunion long-awaited since before they started families and joined the Army. Previously stationed far apart from each other for years, U.S. Army Specialists Wyatt, Noah, and Liam Corley’s much anticipated reunion at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii symbolized a new chapter, where family and duty intertwine.
The chances of being born triplets are one in 10,000. The chances of them joining the military and being stationed together on the same base are one in a million.
When the brothers were 10 years old, they started wrestling together until they graduated from high school. Their shared love for the sport led to unforgettable moments, like the thrill of winning their first matches, and the countless hours spent after practice working on their skills, refining their techniques. They were there for each other through tough losses and celebrated every victory together. These experiences not only shaped their skills but also created lasting memories for them that they still reflect on today.
“One of the most memorable experiences in wrestling was being part of the varsity team together,” said Noah.
Growing up, the brothers were constantly in each other’s company—attending the same school, sharing classrooms, and playing on the same varsity team, all while spending their downtime together at home. When they were first separated after joining the military, they realized just how much they missed those days.
"When we were living together, we were always around each other. I didn't realize how much I took that for granted until we were spread out,” said Wyatt. “Now, I appreciate them so much more.”
From a young age, the brothers knew they wanted to join the Army. Wyatt was the first to enlist in September 2020 as a Signals Intelligence Analyst. For his job, he gathers intelligence from foreign communications, manages surveillance, and tracks targets. Following his brothers footstep, a month later in October 2020, Liam enlisted as a Horizontal Construction Engineer, specializing in building and maintaining infrastructure such as roads, airfields, and other essential construction projects. Noah had a baby on the way and wanted to secure a future for his family and his career. Noah enlisted in January 2021, as an infantryman and is responsible for engaging in ground combat operations, leading troops in battle, and performing various combat-related tasks.
For the first time in their lives, when the brothers first raised their hands to serve in the Army, little did they understand the cost it would have on their brotherhood. For their initial contracts, they were stationed at different bases across the world. Wyatt at Fort Bliss, Texas, Noah at Fort Riley, Kansas, and Liam overseas at Camp Humphreys, South Korea. While the siblings were stationed away from each other, they faced challenges communicating with one another. They missed out on countless birthdays and holidays for the first time in their lives. Despite their challenges, the brothers managed military life and kept up with each other through weekly FaceTime calls and playing video games together.
Wyatt explained, “Even with the time differences, we would still find time to talk to each other.”
During Wyatt’s reenlistment period, he was presented with the option of going to Hawaii, embracing the opportunity he and his family moved to Schofield Barracks. Shortly after, Liam reenlisted and managed to secure a position at the same duty station through his branch manager. Several months later, during Noah’s reenlistment period, he explained his situation to his branch manager, highlighting that his brothers were stationed at Schofield Barracks. The branch manager worked with him, allowing them to serve in the Army together with their families.
The Army's arrangement for all three brothers to be stationed together deepened their appreciation for the service. “It makes us appreciate the Army even more because they made that possible,” said Noah.
The mother of the triplets, Amy Corley, is a first lieutenant in the United States Air Force Reserve.
“Being apart from them was hard,” she said. “I know they are very excited to be spending the next few years together, growing their families and enjoying life in Hawaii.”
In July 2024, the brothers finally reunited when Liam arrived on Oahu, completing their long-awaited reunion. Together for the first time in years, they are now able to proudly serve side-by-side, and raise their families, while pursuing their military careers.
As Noah looked around at his brothers, he couldn't help but feel a deep sense of pride with how far they have come. “We’re all grown up, succeeding together, and becoming fathers,” he said, capturing the joy of watching each other grow into the people they are today.
The triplets find this rare opportunity to be stationed together incredibly valuable, bringing them closer both as Soldiers and as brothers. Their family is incredibly proud of their service and the sacrifices they make for our country.
“My kids make me proud every day,” said Amy. “They are truly living their best lives, serving and living fearlessly knowing God is in control of their lives.”
The reunion of Wyatt, Noah, and Liam at Schofield Barracks is a touching example of how family bonds can withstand the trials of military life. From their early days of wrestling together to their distinct military careers, each brother’s unique journey eventually led them back to one another. As they gather to celebrate and reconnect, their story demonstrates that even distance and time cannot weaken the strong brotherhood they share.
Date Taken: | 08.13.2024 |
Date Posted: | 08.21.2024 15:38 |
Story ID: | 478534 |
Location: | SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, HAWAII, US |
Web Views: | 1,103 |
Downloads: | 1 |
This work, United by Birth and Oath: U.S. Army Triplets Serve Together in Hawaii, by SPC Abreanna Goodrich, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.