There is strength in brotherhood.

In a rare confluence of wanting to serve their country and earning the benefits that come with such service, three brothers - Senior Airman Tristan Barton, Senior Airman Josiah Barton and Senior Airman Jeremiah Barton - present themselves as a small "band of brothers" within the Air Force Reserve's 446th Airlift Wing.

"We're pretty close," commented Tristan, 29, the oldest of the three and the self-described protector of his two younger siblings. "Coming from a large family, we learned to play, work and get along. We are very close; we look out for each other."

Raised in Ridgefield, Wash., the Barton brothers have 10 other siblings - six brothers and four sisters.

"We kids are the size of a football team," commented Jeremiah, 22, the youngest and self-described orderly one of the three airmen. "Our parents were busy with us," he added with a smile.

All three airmen said that joining the military was not something they had ever thought they would do.

"I had wondered if I could, but I hadn't given it much thought," commented Tristan.

"I was kind of scared of it," added Jeremiah.

When it came to making a decision to join the military, Josiah, 24, began the discussion that led to three of the Barton brothers enlisting in the Air Force Reserve.

"I'm kind of spontaneous," commented Josiah as he sat in between his younger and older brothers at a large conference table. "I do things that I normally would not do, like joining the Air Force."

Helping in the decision making process was the example of their grandfather, who had served years earlier in the Air Force.

"Outside of his service, no one else in our family has served.  But he wanted to see some of his grandkids serve, and he hoped it would be the Air Force."

After more thought and discussions with his brothers, Jeremiah and Tristan, Josiah decided to enlist.

"Like I said, I'm spontaneous," he added.

With the precedent of joining set by Josiah, in short order Tristan and Jeremiah followed him.

Senior Airman Tristan Barton serves as a crew chief with the 446th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron; Senior Airman Josiah Barton serves with the 446th Civil Engineer Squadron; and Senior Airman Jeremiah Barton serves with the 446th Maintenance Squadron.

"It is great to be here and serve," commented Jeremiah.

"We have been treated very well," added Tristan.

When not serving on reserve duty, all three brothers pursue their educations and work part-time.

"While serving our country, we are also able to use the educational benefits available to us," said Tristan.

The example the three brothers have set has not been lost on several of their younger brothers.

"A couple of our younger brothers are interested in serving in the Air Force" said Jeremiah.

"We're a close family, and we stick together," said Josiah.