The Brothers Pechanec

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Preston Webb
Sacrifice is inherent to service. Being part of something greater usually means giving up something else. For service members, relocation far from home is almost expected, meaning missed holidays, birthdays and other milestones back home.

From time to time, fortune favors a family that agrees to commit to service beyond itself. This is the case for the three Pechanec brothers at McConnell, a base named for three brothers no less.

From Timken, Kan., Master Sgts. Brent, Bryan and Andrew Pechanic, have a combined total of 55 years military experience between them. Brent and Bryan, who are twins, have both serve as Air Reserve Technicians with the 931st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. Their younger brother, Andrew is on active duty with the 22nd Maintenance Squadron.

Of the three, Bryan was the first to speak to a recruiter in April, 1998, saying he hoped to see the world and give something back to his country. Bryan chose the Air Force over other services because of a push from his father.

“My decision was made in my senior year of high school that I was going military,” said Master Sgt. Bryan Pechanec, 931 AMXS aircraft overall supervisor. “Our dad was Army back in Vietnam. He wouldn’t let us join the military unless we went Air Force because he knew how much better the quality of life was.”

Master Sgt. Brent Pechanec, 931 AMXS flight expediter, followed his brother in June of the same year. As Bryan hadn’t left yet, the twins were assigned to the same Basic Military Training flight.

“We were in different bays, so our [Military Training Instructors] didn’t even notice until three weeks in. After that, of course they had to have some fun with us,” Bryan said. “They’d send one of us to report to someone, then send the other in a few seconds later. So, basic was a pretty fun experience for us.”

After technical training, Bryan and Brent were split up between McGuire and Eglin for their active duty careers.

Master Sgt. Andrew Pechanec, 22 MXS Inspection Section crew chief, decided to enlist after he watched his brothers’ experience with the military.

“If I hadn’t seen [brothers enlist], I wouldn’t have enlisted when I did. I had a great expectation of what I was getting into because I got to watch my brothers go through it,” Andrew said. “Without the structure the military provided me, my life wouldn’t be where it is today. That structure is part of why I love what I do.”

Although the last to enlist, Andrew was the first to return home to Kansas, followed by his older brothers when they heard about openings with the 931 AMXS.

“We’re still in the military, and we understand that,” Andrew said. “Being able to get off work, and go hang out with my brothers makes it feel a lot more like home though.”

The brothers have been together at McConnell AFB for just over six years as they come to the close of the first half of their careers. With their combined 55 years of experience, the three Senior NCOs have quite a bit of advice to share with younger Airmen.

“I’ve been in [the Air Force] 19 and a half years now — that time just flies by. When I was younger, I used to laugh a little at the older guys,” Bryan said. “Now I understand them because I love to share stories about when I was a young airman to impart a little knowledge. I like to help the new guys coming in, that’s my pride comes from.”

Not every Airman has a family they can turn to before they join the Air Force. After making the decision to serve, they become part of a family of more than 630,000 Airmen. Andrew said he believes the best route in life is to remain part of that family.

“I see a lot of airmen do their four years, get out and struggle. There’s so many options to serve, whether it’s going reserve or officer,” Andrew said. “If you’re good at what you do, find a way to enjoy it and do your 20 years, your life will be so much easier.”