Staff Sgt. Jeffery Criswell (left) and his dad Staff Sgt. Sammy Criswell, both mechanics with the 1123rd Transportation Company, repair an HMMWV transmission. The Criswells, who are both Mark Tree residents, have made the National Guard a Family affair and make quite a maintenance team for the 1123rd Tran. Co. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. George Fowler, 1123rd Trans. Co., 1st Sqdn., 152nd Cav. Regt., 1st Sust. Bde., UPAR) [Click to enlarge]

CAMP TAJI, Iraq -- Staff Sgt. Sammy Criswell, a mechanic with the 1123rd Transportation Company, has been in the Arkansas National Guard and the same unit since joining the military Aug. 14, 1976.

His middle son, Staff. Sgt. Jeffery Criswell, who is also a mechanic, joined the 1123rd Trans. Co. in 1997 after graduating from high school, and they have made quite the team ever since.

Not only are they both in the same National Guard unit, but they also work at the same field maintenance site in Jonesboro, Ark., which is a full-time job with the National Guard.

"We both like fixing things and want to serve our country, so this made sense to us," said Jeffery.

From 2003 to 2004, they were both deployed with the 1123rd Trans. Co., and they both worked in maintenance. Jeffery also drove one of the wreckers that went out to recover disabled vehicles.

They were joined on their first deployment by Sammy's brother, William, who was also in the 1123rd Trans. Co.

The Criswells epitomize the concept of the National Guard being a Family and are part of the backbone of the unit. Sammy is the longest serving member of the 1123rd Trans. Co., and he keeps adding his biological Family to his National Guard Family.

In fact, in September, Sammy's youngest son, Adam, will be shipping off to basic training in order to become the newest member of the 1123rd Family.

Jeffery was home for the birth of his daughter Lillian, but was only able to be home on leave ten days after his son Zander, was born. Then after two weeks at home, he had to return to Iraq to finish the remaining six months of his tour. "It was tough, but it was what I had to do," said Jeffery.

When not working, drilling, or deploying together, the Criswells enjoy fishing and playing with the children and grandchildren.

Finally, there is no quit in the family, either. Both intend to continue serving in the 1123rd Trans. Co. until forced to retire when they turn 60.

"I learn something new every day, so why would I want to leave," said Sammy.