Non-public First Class Bryan Zatezalo, middle, is joined by his brothers Caleb Zatezalo, left, and Tyler Zatezalo, proper, at his Army bootcamp commencement at Fort Leonard Wooden, Missouri, in 2017.
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Specialist Tyler Zatezalo, middle, is joined by his brothers Bryan Zatezalo, left, and Caleb Zatezalo, proper, at his Army bootcamp commencement in 2018, at Fort Leonard Wooden, Missouri.
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Recruit, Caleb Zatezalo, left, is joined by his mother, Carolynn Wheeler, throughout his enlistment ceremony in Portland, Oregon, 2019.
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Specialist Carolynn Wheeler after graduating Army bootcamp in 1996 at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.
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Carolynn Wheeler, center-right, joins her sons, Caleb Zatezalo, left, Tyler Zatezalo, middle, and Bryan Zatezalo, proper, for a photograph earlier than Tyler’s marriage ceremony in March.
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JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. – Rising up, Sgt. Bryan Zatezalo knew he wished to comply with in his household’s footsteps. Each of his dad and mom had been Troopers within the Army. What he didn’t know, was his youthful brothers would additionally comply with of their footsteps.
“Each of my organic dad and mom had been within the Army, so it solely felt pure,” Zatezalo stated. “I additionally bought the job I wished and (an enlistment) bonus.”
After graduating in 2017 from Westview Excessive College in Portland, Oregon, Zatezalo enlisted into the Army. He’s at present an all-source intelligence analyst with the third Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
“After I first joined, my brothers had been ending highschool,” Zatezalo stated. “They noticed how a lot good the Army was doing for me and wished part of that as nicely.”
Center brother, Spc. Tyler Zatezalo, a army policeman, with the 503rd Navy Police Battalion, sixteenth Navy Police Brigade, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, joined the Army in 2018.
“I used to be motivated to affix, as a result of my older brother (Bryan) had enlisted a yr prior and most of my household had additionally served,” Tyler stated. “I’m proud to return from a household that has served.”
At occasions it could be troublesome maintaining with each other when all three Troopers are stationed in several areas. Tyler stated, he enjoys speaking together with his brothers about their shared army experiences.
“Though we’re unfold all through the nation, I stay up for speaking about the way it has affected us in several or related methods,” Tyler stated. “My brothers and I’ve the power and relationship to speak about no matter is thrown at us.”
Youngest brother, Spc. Caleb Zatezalo, a nodal community system operator, with the third Battalion, 2nd Air Protection Artillery Regiment, thirty first Air Protection Artillery Brigade, at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, joined the Army in 2020.
“Custom performed an element in my selection of becoming a member of the Army towards different branches,” Caleb stated. “Nevertheless, the thought of becoming a member of the army wouldn’t have been round if my household had not already joined.”
The boys’ maternal great-grandfather, John Payte, began the household custom when he served within the Army throughout World Conflict II.
“Coming from a service-filled household simply goes to indicate how proud we’re of our nation and what our nation stands for,” Caleb stated. “It’s an excellent indicator of how we respect what we have now and understand it’s not free.”
The boys’ stepfather, Neil Yancy, by no means served within the army, however all three Troopers credit score their work ethic and willpower from the teachings Yancy taught them whereas operating his personal small enterprise. Carolynn Wheeler, the boys’ mother, served within the Army as a light-wheeled car mechanic.
“I used to be the primary feminine mechanic in my battalion,” Wheeler stated. “It was very uncommon for girls to be in that place.”
Wheeler initially joined the Army in 1996 after her father was murdered, and the sensation of injustice, she stated, pushed her to serve.
“I joined as a result of I used to be on a mission to convey justice to the world,” Wheeler stated. “One of many issues I taught the boys is to at all times have a buddy. Regardless of the place you’re going or what you might be doing, take a buddy with you. It’s the most secure manner.”
Wheeler knew she had to offer lots of construction elevating three boys in addition to a stepson who will not be within the army. She thought of herself to be considerably of a drill sergeant to maintain order and to get issues achieved.
“I by no means imagined I’d have three boys within the Army and on the identical time,” Wheeler stated. “I’m not shocked although. They’re very shut. What one does, the opposite two normally comply with swimsuit.”
It was that construction and self-discipline that the boys stated helped form them into the Troopers they’re at the moment.
“I keep in mind how my dad and mom raised my brothers and I to be disciplined,” Tyler stated. “They taught us that duty is sweet for being value-adding individuals on the planet.”
There have been even some extra comical classes the boys apply to their profession within the Army.
“My mom taught me to face nonetheless very successfully, which we do within the Army usually occasions,” Caleb stated. “There have been a number of standing nonetheless within the nook rising up.”
Classes realized in childhood shed new mild for the Troopers as they proceed their journey.
“Coming from a household that served, it simply jogs my memory that serving within the army requires individuals to give you the option and keen to sacrifice,” Bryan stated. “My organic dad and my mother needed to sacrifice in order that we are able to serve at the moment. And now my spouse, Elli, should sacrifice as nicely.”
All three brothers stated they’ve discovered success within the Army in their very own manner and consider serving collectively solely brings them that a lot nearer.
“Despite the fact that we’re all rising and creating as individuals in very totally different areas and methods, Caleb stated, “we’ll at all times have a commonality inside us larger than simply being associated.”
