MILTON — Twins spend much of their lives growing up, going to school, and hanging out together.

1^st Lts. Matteo and Andy Occhipinti, however, took it to the next level. Through luck and a bit of effort, the fraternal twins managed to go through flight school at the same time, and soared through the skies together.

TEMPORARILY PARTING WAYS

Matteo and Andy were born five minutes apart from each other Aug. 16 in Italy, with Andy as the older of the two. Ever since they were young, aviation influenced their lives.

Matteo recalled holding an F-14 Tomcat model while on their flight to America. They worked hard to discover programs that would give him the best grades and athleticism needed to be Marine Corps officers.

However, while both knew they wanted to be Marines, Andy and Matteo took separate paths after high school. 

Andy was accepted to the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Marine Option at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Matteo went to the University of Illinois in Chicago, where he spent the summer of his junior and senior years working on earning his commission through the Platoon Leaders Class.

It wouldn’t be long, though, before they’d come back together.

BROTHERS, STUDY BUDDIES

Matteo commissioned September 2013; Andy commissioned May 2014, both with air contracts to be pilots for the Marine Corps.

The twins were then sent to The Basic School, but they were in different classes and platoons from each other. After completing TBS, they checked in to Naval Air Station Pensacola School’s Command for flight school one month apart.

Although Andy was ahead by one week during Aviation Preflight Indoctrination, the two studied together to pass rigorous exams during the first four weeks of the curriculum.

“It’s kind of like having both your best friend and your best study buddy here with you,” Matteo said. “We know how we each study, and we know how the other thinks.”

The twins passed their exams and celebrated their right to wear flight suits for the first time on a day nicknamed “Flight Suit Friday.”

Following that day, two weeks of API remained.

By chance, on the final week of API, Andy had a bout with food poisoning that caused a delay in his training. When he recovered, he was able to join his brother’s API class and graduate together with him.

‘NOTHING ELSE’ LIKE IT

When the twins checked into Training Air Wing FIVE for Primary Flight Training with the T-6B Texan II aircraft, they requested to be in the same squadron. With Training Squadron SIX, the brothers received the opportunity to go through the formation phase of Primary together.

“There was nothing else like flying really close and up next to my brother in formation," Matteo said, “To practice, we would ride next to each other on motorcycles to practice our maneuvers. We had ICS (Intercommunications Systems) rigged in our (bike) helmets, and that was the best way to practice forms!”

Andy and Matteo spent almost 100 hours in the practice T-6B simulators, and doubled their hours in the simulator compared to the actual plane.

“Primary was awesome!” Andy said, “It was more intense academically, but all this flying, learning, and doing formation together — it was way cooler than just riding together.”

Their teamwork, effort and determination paid off when the brothers were selected to be jet pilots for the Marine Corps. They transferred to Training Squadron SEVEN in Meridian, Miss., to learn how to fly the T-45 for their Advanced Flight Training.

“We’re excited about it,” Matteo said. “I can’t wait to practice dog fighting with him.”

TWINS WITH DIFFERENT PERSONALITIES

The brothers plan on using study strategies that have given them much success so far in flight school. Their Advanced Flight Training will start in August; in the meantime, Andy is sitting in on ground school classes and passing information to Matteo.

In between studying, Matteo and Andy spend much of their free time working out, spear fishing, and learning to surf together. Though they may seem inseparable, the brothers like to hang out on their own at times.

 “I like to go out and party, while Andy usually stays home and watches Lifetime and Oprah,” Matteo joked.

“Hey, it saves me money that I can use to take my bike to the racetrack at Barker Motorsports in Birmingham,” Andy said.

Though they described their relationship with each other as similar to an annoying marriage, the brothers have enjoyed their adventure through flight school together.

 “I know we’ll be separated at some point when we get out to the fleet,” Andy said. “We’ve done the separation thing in college, so I know we’ll be fine.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Twins soar through NAS Whiting Field Flight School together

NICEVILLE — The EOD Warrior Foundation is raffling off a handmade patriotic quilt, with all proceeds going to their mission of improving the quality of life for Explosive Ordnance Disposal families. The funds provide emergency financial relief, scholarship opportunities, physical, social, and emotional support.

A drawing to determine the winner is Aug. 1.

Members of a sewing circle that originated in Washington DC — who at one time all worked for the Department of Defense — designed the quilt. The design includes an EOD badge and is the second quilt the group created.

One of the quilters, Anita Davis, said, "We have spent our careers supporting war fighters whose names and faces we will never know. Supporting EOD warriors provides us another way we can use our talents to continue giving back to the community we so much love.”

“We are honored that this sewing circle elected to design a beautiful quilt to support the EOD Warrior Foundation for the second consecutive year,” Nicole Motsek, EODWF executive director, said. “Their hard work and dedication that went into this stunning quilt is incredible, and it will be a beautiful addition in any home. We look forward to presenting the quilt to the winner in August.”

 Raffle tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at http://www.eodwarriorfoundation.org/events/events/view/183.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EOD Warrior Foundation raffles handmade patriotic quilt

PENSACOLA — Department of Veterans Affairs Vet Center staff members across the region (Biloxi, Miss., Mobile, Ala., Pensacola, and Okaloosa and Bay counties) will offer their free readjustment counseling services to interested veterans and active duty throughout the region during the month of June.

This is part of the ongoing Vet Centers’ outreach campaign, and include the use of the Mobile Vet Center outreach vehicle.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as follows in Pensacola and Okaloosa County:

●10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 7, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29: Blue Angels Air Show, National Museum of Naval Aviation, 1750 Radford Blvd, Pensacola.

●6-8 p.m. June 30: Heroes Among Us Event, Pensacola Veterans Memorial Park, Bayfront Parkway near 9th Ave., Pensacola,

For more information on Vet Center services or hours in the Gulf Coast region, please call the Vet Center in your area:

●Pensacola Vet Center, 456-5886

●Okaloosa County Vet Center, 651-1000

Learn more about VA Vet Centers at www.vetcenter.va.gov.

Veterans can speak confidentially with a Vet Center counselor at any time by calling 1-877-927-8387 (WAR-VETS).

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: VA provides free June readjustment counseling

PENSACOLA — Naval Air Station Whiting Field added a chapter to its history of supporting Naval aviation training May 9, when the Joint Strike Fighter began operations at the installation’s Navy Outlying Landing Field, or NOLF, Choctaw.

NOLF Choctaw had been closed to flight operations the past nine months to enable runway improvements to the airfield. The construction project placed arresting gear at the facility to provide the safety features required for fleet carrier landing practices. Pilots who will be attached to carrier-based squadrons must practice such landings on shore before deploying on the ship. This makes NOLF Choctaw one of three East Coast outlying fields with such a capability — and the closest to the F-35 Navy variant aircraft-based at Eglin Air Force Base.

NOLF Choctaw’s increased safety capability now supports requirements of the F-35 aircraft from Strike Fighter Squadron 101 (VFA-101) and Training Air Wing FIVE T-6B Texan II training aircraft. NOLF Choctaw is one of 12 outlying landing fields managed by NAS Whiting Field, and one of five outlying landing fields that support the T-6B aircraft. Others are NOLFs Barin, Evergreen, Brewton and Summerdale.

VFA-101 was reactivated and established as its current designation May 1, 2012 to serve as the Fleet Replacement Squadron, or FRS, for F-35C Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter. The re-designation included a homeport change from NAS Oceana, Va., to Eglin.

As an FRS, VFA-101 trains and qualifies F-35C aircrew and maintenance professionals to operate safely and effectively as part of a Carrier Air Strike Group at sea.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: NAS Whiting Field resumes flight operations at NOLF Choctaw

SHALIMAR — Veterans and active military members now have six new license plates from which to choose. There are now 36 military plates available in Florida.

The six new plates are: ●Combat Action Ribbon ●Distinguished Flying Cross ●Woman Veteran ●Air Force Combat Action Medal ●Navy Submariner ●World War II Veteran The plates differ from specialty license plates in that each has unique requirements that must be met, such as proof of service in the armed forces. Forms and documentation are required for each plate and fees are assessed according to vehicle weight. Some can also be personalized. The plates may be purchased at Okaloosa County Tax Collector Offices, including the one in the Newman C. Brackin Building, 302 Wilson St. N, Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa Tax Collector's Office: Six Florida military license plates released

NICEVILLE — The 47th Annual Explosive Ordnance Disposal Memorial ceremony will include the addition of six names to the memorial wall.

The ceremony is 9 a.m. May 7 at the EOD Memorial, Range Road, Niceville, across from Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal.

The men and women whose names appear on the wall represent the 314 fallen EOD warriors, who have died while in the line of duty since 1942.

The names of six EOD technicians will be added to the memorial honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

Those personnel are:

●Army 1st Lt. Mack T. Jarret, killed in action Nov. 22, 1943 while serving in World War II.

●Army Tech. Sgt. Louis Brovetto, killed in action July 30, 1944 while serving in World War II.

●Army Pvt. Clinton E. Mullenix, who died May 15, 1943, during a training exercise while serving in World War II.

●Marine Staff Sgt. David B. Lyons, who died July 29, 2014 of wounds received in action while deployed in 2010 to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

●Navy Lt. J.G. Gardner T. Hutchins, killed in action May 11, 1945 while serving in World War II.

●Navy Chief Aviation Ordnanceman William C. Meadville, killed in action Oct. 1, 1944, while serving in World War II.

The original memorial's dedication was June 12, 1970.

After Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal was consolidated at Eglin Air Force Base, the original memorial was disassembled and redesigned.

The structure consists of four white cenotaphs, one for each branch of service; Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force. A bronze tablet with the names of the fallen is attached to each centograph. A brick from one of the original cenotaphs was incorporated into the current memorial by entombing it within the concrete wall.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: These 6 names will be added to the EOD memorial wall May 7

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE — Corvias Military Living and Eglin Air Force community are celebrating the grand opening of the first of 747 new homes on the base, as well as the unveiling of the Warrior Landing Community Center.

The May 3 ribbon cutting included participation from Brig. Gen. Christopher P. Azzano, commander, 96th Test Wing; Heath Burleson, senior vice president, and Stan Morehead, business director, Corvias Military Living; and, Eglin residents Master Sgt. and Mrs. Kenny Ketchum.

The ceremony took place at the newly-constructed Warrior Landing Community Center, a 12,000-square-foot facility featuring a club room, fitness center, children's play area, gym, yoga studio, as well as an outdoor entertainment area with a kitchen and swimming pool.

"We are proud to provide so many families with a welcoming and state-of-the-art community to call home," Burleson said. "Our service members and their families deserve comfort, convenience and quality amenities, and we are committed to bringing these improvements to our residents at Eglin."

Eglin has been in service since its initial construction in the 1930s and is the largest base in the Continental Group, a collection of six Air Force installations across the country, and

"Quality of life for our members and their families has just improved exponentially thanks to the Team Eglin members who worked so diligently for so long and to our privatization partner, Corvias Military Living," Azzano said. "Providing quality, comfortable and safe homes, as well as a community atmosphere, helps promote a sense of wellbeing for our airmen and their families."

All of the homes, which being constructed in the Warrior Landing and Indian Trails neighborhoods, will exceed the Air Force's square footage benchmarks. The homes will range from 1,600 square feet (designed for junior service members) to 4,000 square feet (for general officers). They include two-car garages, modern appliances and energy efficiency.

The first 38 homes are complete and occupied.

Corvias is in the process of demolishing all of the existing homes on the Eglin base, with the exception of 126 homes in the Hidden Oaks neighborhood, which were constructed in the early 2000s.

Due to the Corvias principle of giving back, the construction team has donated household items from demolished homes, such as sink vanities, kitchen faucets, light fixtures and cabinets, to support the housing program of Habitat for Humanity. Corvias donated more than $30,000 worth of items in 2015.

MILITARY HOUSING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

Congress established the Military Housing Privatization Initiative in 1996 to improve the quality of life for service members by improving the condition of their housing.

The MHPI was designed and developed to attract private sector financing, expertise and innovation to provide necessary housing faster and more efficiently than traditional military construction processes would allow. Through MHPI, Military Services are authorized to enter into agreements with private developers selected in a competitive process to own, maintain and operate family housing via a 50-year lease. For more information, see www.acq.osd.mil.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Ribbon cutting celebrates Eglin housing revitalization

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE — Runners, walkers and teams can join the Team Eglin community for the 31st annual Gate-to-Gate Memorial Run.

It begins at 7 a.m. May 28.

Participants may register for a 4.4-mile run/walk or a 10K run. The competitive races are open to the general public, and to all ages. The free kid's fun run starts at 9 a.m. at Unity Park, with T-shirts for all participants and awards for the winners. No registration is required.

Registration ends May 16 for non-Department of Defense cardholders and May 20 for DOD cardholders. Register online at www.runsignup.com or in person from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 7 at the Air Armament Museum.

Cost for pre-registration is $25 through May 8 and $30 through May 20. There will be no registration available on race day.

A post-race celebration — featuring food and beverages, live entertainment and award presentations for top finishers in a variety of age categories — will be held at Unity Park.

Call 882-9127 for more information.

Note: This article was updated May 2, 2016 to clarify registration information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Eglin hosts 31st annual Gate-to-Gate run May 28

NICEVILLE — May is National Military Appreciation Month, making it a great time to show appreciation to active duty military members and veterans.

There are over 2 million active duty members of the military and reserves, and according to the U.S. Census Bureau there are over 19 million veterans in the country. There are millions of those who have served our nation, deserving the appreciation this May, and numerous ways to show it.

“The strength of our great nation comes from our military strength and the dedication of the men and women that serve, making it crucial that we do everything we can to show our support and gratitude,” Nicole Motsek, executive director of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Warrior Foundation. “We should show our gratitude everyday and May is a great month to make added efforts to support our active duty personnel and our veterans.”

Some of the recognition days this month include:

●May 1 — Loyalty Day (affirming loyalty to the country)

●May 6 — Military Spouse Appreciation Day

● May 13 — Children of Fallen Patriots Day

●May 21 — Armed Forces Day

Here are seven ways to show appreciation to active duty military members and veterans this May:

Support and donate to a charity. Choose a charity to support, such as the EOD Warrior Foundation, which helps EOD veterans and military families. There are a lot of military and veteran charities that fill important gaps that are government does not and none can accomplish their mission without the financial support of the public.

Donating a few hours per week or month helps takes the stress off of smaller organizations and allow them to accomplish more without outlaying salaries. Volunteering also often gives you a great feeling of pride.

Host a fundraiser. Find a specific cause that you care about, such as helping ensure children of fallen EOD Warriors have opportunities for higher education, host a fundraiser to support the EODWF scholarship program. There are several innovative ways to fundraise from community garage sales, pie baking cook-off, or other such events.

Hire a veteran. Many veterans have a difficult time transitioning back into civilian life. You can help make it easier by giving them an opportunity for a job. Veterans are well disciplined employees with great work ethic and commitment to mission success.

Support veteran-owned businesses. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 9 percent of businesses are veteran-owned. Seek out local ones in your community are and share the news with others.

Visit the VA hospital. If you have a VA hospital near you, stop in and visit the patients. There may be things you can do to brighten their day, such as reading to them, playing board games, or delivering some fresh-baked snacks.

Help a veteran or active duty family. Many active duty military servicemen and women away from home, there are families in need of help. Find a family in your community, and offer to deliver a home-cooked meal, make small home repairs, mow the lawn, or run errands.

“There are many things that we can do to help show our appreciation and support to those who help keep our country safe and free,” added Motsek. “If everyone just does one thing this month to help active duty members or veterans it would add up and make a big difference.”

For more information about the EOD Warrior Foundation, host a fundraiser or learn about volunteer opportunities in support of their mission, visit http://www.eodwarriorfoundation.org/take-action.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 7 ways to show gratitude on May military appreciation days

Two wounded warriors and former members of the 7th Special Forces Group, retired Sgt. 1st Class  Joshua Burnette and retired Staff Sgt. Bobby Dove, were guests of honor and graduation speakers for the Okaloosa Veterans Treatment Court on March 18.

Burnette, a Crestview resident, joined the Army at age 17 and served in Korea and two tours in Iraq before becoming a Green Beret. On June 27, 2012, an IED exploded, immediately amputating both of his legs. Burnette spent almost a year at Walter Reed Medical Center recovering.

Dove joined the Army in 2008 and earned his Green Beret in 2011. On June 9, 2012, he lost his right arm and leg in an IED blast. Dove spent a week in the ICU and three months in inpatient care. He returned to active duty seven months later and served a non-combat deployment of 12 months before medically retiring.

Dove founded “Hooligan Charters” and, with Burnette, provides inshore and near-shore fishing guide services.

Judge Patt Maney started the Veterans Treatment Court in 2010 to better serve justice-involved veterans. Maney, a retired Army brigadier general, is a combat-wounded veteran of Afghanistan and formerly was the deputy commandant of the JFK Special Warfare Center and School.

While the Okaloosa Veterans Treatment Court was the first in the state, there are now VTCs in 24 counties, including one in Escambia County. The outcome-based court handles misdemeanors and felonies.

The court can handle diversionary cases that result in charges being dismissed and post-adjudicatory cases as a condition of probation, and leverages resources of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide treatment.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview man among Green Berets inspiring Veterans Court graduates