Luke AFB Thunderbolt May 5 2017

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The Whisler brothers, Lt. Col. Mark Whisler, 21st Fighter Squadron director of operations, and Lt. Col. Steve Whisler, Air Educa- tion and Training Command evaluator pilot, pose for a photo before flying for the first time together in their Air Force careers April 24 at Luke Air Force Base. The brothers have been flying the F-16 Fighting Falcons for almost 20 years combined, but had never taken to the skies as a team.
Whisler brothers take flight
May 2017 Vol. 17, No. 5
310th Fighter Squadron graduates 18
For photos and story, see Page 7
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Story and photo by Airman 1st Class CALEB WORPEL
56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Airmen often times have family mem- bers who serve alongside them, but seldom does a brotherhood directly contribute to the same mission. For the Whisler brothers, they were reunited and had the opportunity to fly and train together April 24 at Luke Air Force Base.
Lt. Cols. Mark Whisler, 21st Fighter Squadron director of operations, cur- rently stationed at Luke AFB and his older brother Steve Whisler, Air Educa- tion and Training Command evaluator pilot, took to the skies in F-16 Fighting Falcons simulating a two-ship air-to-air fight.
“Anytime I get to fly is awesome,” Mark said. “To share the comradery and broth- erhood with my actual sibling, makes the experience even better.”
The Whisler brothers grew up in Mon- tana and commissioned through Montana State University. Steve, who is almost three years older than Mark, set a path for his younger brother to follow through- out his Air Force career. Every base which Steve has been assigned, Mark has im- mediately followed upon his departure.
“From being chosen to fly the F-16 and every operational assignment after, Mark has been following in my footsteps since the beginning,” Steve said. “It is always refreshing to compare our experiences and what we have both accomplished at the places we have been stationed.”
Although they have been flying F-16s
for almost 20 years combined, the op- portunity at Luke was their first time to fly together.
“Both of us have gone through Luke to learn how to fly the F-16, and both of us have gone off to be combat pilots at loca- tions around the globe,” Mark said. “To be back here flying F-16s in the same loca- tion with one another is awesome. This is a picture of the product of training coming full circle at Luke. I am honored to be a part of the mission at Luke.”
Prior to his current assignment, Steve was stationed at Luke ensuing various positions during the arrival of the F-35 Lightning II. During his current visit back, Steve was able to lodge and relax with his younger brother and his family.
See brothErS, Page 29
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