Walker boys make Air Force a family affair

Published Dec. 19, 2008
By Staff Sgt. Terri Barriere
49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE, N.M. -- Though it wasn't a television series about a single man raising three children, when one chief master sergeant from Holloman AFB retired earlier this year, the ceremony did mark the end of a "Family Affair" that only the Air Force could have scripted.

Retired Chief Master Sgt. Curtis Walker, former 49th Mission Support Group superintendent, spent 30 years in the Air Force not only serving his country, perfecting his craft and preparing the next generation of Airmen to follow in his footsteps - he also spent 30 years in the Air Force trying to outrank his three brothers.

Chief Walker enlisted in the Air Force in Wilkes Barre, Pa. in 1978, and was soon followed at the same location by his brothers: retired Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Walker, Chief Master Sgt. Craig Walker and Chief Master Sgt. Douglas Walker.

Though only a small percentage of the enlisted force ever makes it to the highest noncommissioned officer rank, it was more than genetics that catapulted the brothers up the enlisted ladder - a bit of healthy competition may have also played a part.

"I wouldn't say there was any sibling rivalry, however, as the youngest family member I was always trying to catch up with them," Chief (Douglas) Walker said. "Though we have all aged, we are all fundamentally the same as when we were teenagers. Our father instilled in us the value of hard work and dedication, and it is these simple values that have guided each of us throughout our lives."

And according to his brother, Chief (Craig) Walker, it was that rock solid foundation provided by their parents, Stella and Robert "Bob" Walker, that enabled each of them to excel.

"Between the four Walker boys, we have more than 100 years of service to the United States Air Force and our great nation," he said.

Though it would seem it couldn't get any better than working for the same company as your three brothers, the Walker Boys do admit there's a downside.

"The only downside of having four brothers in the Air Force was it never seemed we had the chance to all get together for a family reunion at one time," said Chief (Douglas) Walker. "Deployments, temporary duties and overseas assignments all limited this opportunity for us."

Missed family reunions or not, the brothers can admit fate, deployments and an occasional TDY hasn't dealt them an entirely bad hand. At one point or another, all of the brothers have had the chance to be stationed together.

Kevin and Curtis were stationed together at Eglin AFB, Fla.; Craig was stationed at Royal Air Force Alconbury, England, with his brother, Kevin; and Kevin and Douglas were stationed together in Korea.

Chief (Curtis) Walker can remember when he first found out he and his brother would be stationed together at the 3202nd Civil Engineer Squadron in the range support section at Eglin AFB.

"I remember my supervisor telling me there was another Walker coming to work at range support," he said. "My comment to him was, 'I bet I know his first and middle name.'"

In fact, Chief (Douglas) Walker said he's never had one assignment, deployment or TDY where someone didn't know of his brothers.

"Upon arriving here at Spangdahlem, there were several chiefs who asked if my brother was Curtis or Craig. When I said yes, they mentioned they had been deployed with them to base x or stationed with one or the other at some base," he said. "It's amazing how small the Air Force really is."

Though two of the four are currently retired, Chiefs Douglas and Craig Walker still continue to serve the Air Force. Chief (Douglas) Walker is currently stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, while Chief (Craig) Walker is stationed at Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio.

Though there are some beliefs by many Americans that a law called the Sullivan Act prohibits siblings from serving in the same units in the military, there is no such act or law, said Mr. Arlan Ponder, former 49th Fighter Wing assistant historian.

There were several bills introduced into Congress following the deaths of the five Sullivan brothers of Waterloo, Iowa, aboard the U.S.S. Juneau on Nov. 13, 1942.

However, there are no military policies and directives to discourage immediate family members from serving together, nor has a U.S. president ever issued any executive order forbidding family members from being assigned to the same unit.

In addition to serving alongside his three brothers for 30 years, Chief (Curtis) Walker added many other achievements to his resume before heading out the door. He successfully completed five deployments and earned the coveted Bronze Star before he left the Air Force.

So as one Chief Walker episode ends, the Walker boys want to ensure they leave a strong legacy for Airmen wanting to follow in their footsteps.

Hard work, focus, a positive attitude, respect, maintaining and enforcing high standards and having unwavering integrity is what Chief (Craig) Walker says is key for Airmen striving to make chief.

His brother notes that it'll also require vision.

"If you want to make chief, you need to think about it as a senior airman or staff sergeant," said Chief (Douglas) Walker. "As General Patton stated, 'Don't be afraid to fail.' As a leader, you always need to think and act above your current grade. Having the passion, thrust and motivation to make a difference will ensure your team's success, which will ultimately bring your own success."

So while it may not be clear exactly what's in store next for the Walker boys, the family's recipe for success is one that's proven itself time again - four times, as far as the Air Force is concerned.