Brother and sister servicemembers reconnect in Iraq

  • Published
  • By Chanel S. Weaver
  • Gulf Region Division
BAGHDAD, Iraq --  Because of their conflicting schedules and military obligations, Air Force Senior Airman Jessica Comer and her brother, Army Spc. Jeffrey Comer normally see each other once a year at Christmas.

But Christmas came early this year for the siblings when they were able to spend time together in Baghdad while they both were on a four-day pass.

Although both Comers are deployed to Iraq, they were stationed in separate cities and weren't expecting to see each other.

Senior Airman Comer, 22, is an enlisted aide to the Commanding General working at the Gulf Region Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Baghdad. Her brother, Jeff, 21, is a Blackhawk Crew Chief for Charley Company 3-10, General Support Aviation Battalion, Medevac, in Tal Afar.

They credit the leadership of their units with helping them to connect in Baghdad.

When GRD Command Sergeant Major Richard Prater heard that Senior Airman Comer had a brother in Iraq, he wanted to help them reunite.

"My nephew is in Balad, so I knew what it meant to see those close family members while you were here if possible," said Prater. "When I heard that Senior Airman Comer's brother was stationed in northern Iraq, helping them get together seemed like the right thing to do."

After some coordination between the two units, the brother and sister met at Victory Base Complex, near Baghdad.

They spent the days catching up and visiting historic places at Victory Base Complex.

Spc. Comer said the visit to Baghdad was a welcome break from his daily routine.

"I normally see Iraq from the air, so it was nice for me to see things from the ground," he said.

Senior Airman Comer said the visit was enjoyable because she was able to connect with her younger brother.

"It was great for me to see him and know that he is doing well," she said. "It's reassuring to know that I am not over here alone."

Although the siblings enjoyed catching up and sharing stories of their deployment experiences, there is still some friendly rivalry between them because they are serving in separate branches of the military.

Older sister Jessica joined the Air Force first in April 2006, and her brother, Jeffrey, was initially going to follow in her footsteps, but opted for the Army instead.

"I always knew that I wanted a career in aviation, and the Army guaranteed I'd work on a Blackhawk helicopter," he said.

Regardless of their separate branches of the military, the Comers said they were grateful for the opportunity to spend time with each other.

"It was certainly a morale-booster," said Spc. Comer.

Senior Airman Comer and Spec. Comer are not the only members of their family to serve in the military.

Their older brother, Jared, deployed as part of the Army to support Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004.

Their mother, Jo, said she is happy her son and daughter are looking out for each other and she is proud of her children for their patriotism.

"I am thrilled and pretty excited to see that they were able to hook up," she said. "It's rewarding for me to see the young adults they have become."