Brothers in arms

  • Published
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (ACCNS) --    In the womb they were so close, according to doctors, that their heartbeats were synchronized.

Not much has changed for Ivan and Evan Godwin since their birth at Beale AFB, Calif. in 1962. Their lives have been full of the normal pushing, pulling and competing associated with twins.

However, at the Cannon AFB Chief Induction ceremony Feb. 26, the tears were of pride as Ivan Godwin, the 27th Civil Engineer Squadrons fire chief, was inducted into the chiefs group.

In the audience just a few feet away and beaming with brotherly love, sat Evan, 18th Wing weapons chief at Kadena Air Base, Japan.

I couldnt be more proud of my big brother, said Evan, who is younger by ten minutes.

I fully expected him to make chief when I did two years ago. He has the right character and demeanor and is an excellent leader.

Were both so competitive, yet supportive. I was so proud when he made it, said Ivan, who pinned on his eighth stripe March 1. He was very sad that I didnt make it at the same time.

Dual promotions have happened twice in their careers. They both pinned on master sergeant and senior master sergeant at the same time.

Evan joined the Air Force straight out of high school, three years ahead of Ivan. Ivan caught up with his twin at the rank of technical sergeant.

Im extremely proud of the both of them, as I am of all seven of my kids, said Ivan Godwin Sr. I retired as a technical sergeant and its really hard to believe, when one percent of the enlisted ranks make chief, I have two of them. The people who work for them are really lucky.

Dad didnt have to make chief, said Ivan. If you put him up against the Chiefs Creed, he shines. Hes our chief.

Hes a man of few words, added Evan. He epitomizes leadership by example, he really doesnt have to say anything.

In the ever-shrinking Air Force, twins who are similar in rank are bound to be confused for each other.

Weve never been stationed together but weve been to the same bases at different times and people confuse us all the time. Its almost like we have double the friends we actually have. I get handshakes from people I dont even know, who think Im my brother, said Ivan.

At least weve left good reputations for ourselves, said Evan.

That kind of playful banter, tinged with mutual admiration, permeates any conversation between the Godwin chiefs. But both men take their duties in the highest enlisted rank very seriously.

It is a pinnacle as far as rank goes, but theres so much left to do after you pin on the chiefs stripe, said Cannons youngest chief. You get the opportunity to do a lot of work on behalf of those who deserve it.

Making chief is not the time to sit back on your laurels, added Evan. As chiefs, you have to be even more aggressive in your leadership.

All three men agree that without ultra-supportive wives and families, the eighth stripe never wouldve come. Theyve also taken a lot from each other.

Weve shared advice throughout our careers, said Ivan. We mentor each other and that started...

When I stole his bottle in the crib, interrupted Evan.

It started before I went to basic training in 1980 and my dad was a mentor before that, finished Ivan.

In fact, after Evan made chief two years ago, he felt it was his sad duty to let Ivan know he hadnt made it at the same time. However, after Evans Chief Induction, Evan gave Ivan a chiefs coin in the shape of the eight stripes. Ivan held that coin in his hand while he studied for the promotion test.

Every time I would drift off or lose focus, I would squeeze that thing and it would poke into my palm and bring me back to reality. Its just another way my brother helped me, Ivan joked.