Band of brothers reunite in Iraq

Photo By Staff Sgt. Karl Johnson | Growing up in close quarters, often times sharing the same space, brothers can develop bonds that neither years nor separation can break.  

01.12.2006

Courtesy Story

133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Spc. Karl Johnson
363 MPAD

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers: For he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother," wrote William Shakespeare in Henry V.

Shakespeare described the lifelong bond formed between Soldiers who stand together in battle. He called that bond brotherhood.

In Iraq today, some brothers quite literally serve together. Others, are kept apart by their different missions; they find themselves separated by their common profession as Soldiers.

The transfer of command from the 3rd Infantry Division to the 4th Infantry Division brought with it the happy reunion of two brothers. Three sets of brothers who got together again in Iraq are the Hurons, the Martells and the Pooles.

"My brother and I are so close that we can be apart for many years, and when we get back together, it is like we were never gone," said Lt. Col. Mark A. Huron, 4th Inf. Div. inspector general.

Growing up in close quarters, often times sharing the same space, brothers can develop bonds that neither years nor separation can break.

Those bonds are as unique and individual as that old, perfect-fitting baseball mitt you've had for years.

"We grew up in the same room," he said. "We attended the same college and took the same classes."

When Huron joined the Army over 20 years ago, that closeness was put to the test. Following right behind him though was his younger brother, Lt. Col. Gilbert G. Huron, 3rd Inf. Div. comptroller.

"I've been in for 19 years, and he has been in for 20 and a half and unfortunately, this is the first time in 19 years that we've been stationed in the same place," said Gilbert. "It's been nice spending this time with him and getting the opportunity to talk about the good old days."

For the Martell brothers, serving in the same place, even for a short while, has been a positive experience.

"The transition was a lot easier because he was here," said 1st Sgt. Osvaldo Martell, 4th Inf. Div. Troops Company first sergeant.

His older brother, Master Sgt. Angel Martell, 4th Inf. Div. G-1 sergeant major, said the brothers often envisioned themselves as G.I. Joes when they were children.

"This Christmas and New Years was the one of the greatest we've had in years," said Osvaldo Martell.

Not all brothers have been kept apart by their careers in the Army. Capt. Daniel Poole, S-4 for 8th Battalion, 10th Cavalry Squadron, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and his older brother, Capt. John Poole, Commander, DTC, 4th Infantry Division, said they have been fortunate during their careers.

"Because of the Army, I've seen my brother more than if I had not been in," said Daniel. "We really try to look out for each other."
"We are really fortunate to be able to share our love of Soldiers, the Army and our Country", said John. "It makes my commitment that much more special knowing my brother is doing the same thing I am."

Regardless of how often these Soldier brothers have gotten to see each other, they all agree that is it hard for them to watch each other go. It's with a heavy heart that these brothers say goodbye.

"In a lot of ways, he's still just my little brother," said Mark Huron. "When he leaves, I'll be very disappointed."

• Date Taken: 01.12.2006
• Date Posted: 01.12.2006 08:54
• Story ID: 5084