Ohio National Guard News

Celebrating National Twins Days Aug. 3-5

Mirror Image: Twins enlist in Ohio National Guard together

Story and photo by Aaron Smith, Ohio National Guard Public Affairs

Isabella (left) and Austin Galindo, of Massillon Ohio, pose for a photo after enlisting.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (08/03/18) — Fraternal twins Austin and Isabella Galindo, of Massillon Ohio, began their military adventure by enlisting at the same time on 27 June 2018 in Cleveland, joining more than 40 other sets of twins currently serving in the Ohio National Guard.

Similar to many of the 16,500 men and women in the Ohio National Guard, Austin and Isabella were inspired by other family members who have served in the military.

"Hearing stories from different family members about their service inspired me to join because there has never been a female service member in the family. I wanted to not only continue the tradition of service but I wanted to protect people, especially the ones I love most," Isabella said.

Austin added, "Because my sister was joining, I felt compelled to not let her do it alone because we do everything together and having her by my side fighting for my country just felt right.”

Austin and Isabella will have the unique opportunity to share their experiences with someone who they have literally spent their entire lives with, even before being born.

“It is always nice to bring siblings into the Guard to share and experience this with a family member, said Staff Sgt. Kyle Branham, of the Ohio Army National Guard Recruiting and retention Battalion, who recruited Austin and Isabella, and also has a brother in the Ohio Guard. “It is something that is hard to explain unless you are living it.”

With a background in track and cross country, Austin and Isabella are most excited about the physical challenges that await them.

“Being an active person, I enjoy challenging myself physically to go the extra mile or give that extra push and I think being in the military will help me find out how much stronger I can become," said Austin.

“I definitely expect being challenged physically and, like my brother, I enjoy the feeling of becoming stronger and seeing how much I am capable of,” added Isabella.

Austin enlisted as a utilities equipment repairer, and will be assigned to the 638th Support Battalion in North Canton after completing his Advanced Individual Training (AIT). Isabella enlisted as a wheeled vehicle mechanic, and will be assigned to the 1487th Transportation Company in Piqua following her AIT.

“I think Austin and Isabella are going to do great things in our organization,” said Staff Sgt. Branham. “They are both highly motivated individuals who are excited for the challenge that is ahead of them.”

The kinship they share will be right at home, as they experience the brotherhood and sisterhood of the Ohio National Guard family.