Siblings’ tours dovetail in eastern Afghanistan

July 18, 2013

NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – “Tag out,” Rebecca Stratford said, giving her younger brother, Kyle Thomas, a high-five.

With a grin, Kyle replied, “That’s right! Leave me the keys to the FOB.”

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Kyle Thomas and 1st Lt. Rebecca Stratford are both medical platoon leaders by trade and are currently serving together at Forward Operating Base Fenty, Nangarhar province, Afghanistan.

For a few short weeks in July, anyway.

Kyle, the brigade medical supply officer for Charlie Company, 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Bde. Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, is coming in, and Rebecca, support operations medical officer-in-charge, Charlie Company, 426th Bde. Support Bn., 1st BCT, 101st Airborne Div., is going out: his unit is replacing hers at Fenty.

That they’re both in Afghanistan at the same time tugs heartstrings back home. [Read More]