Wingmen: Twin brothers take twin careers in Air Force Wingmen: Twin brothers take twin careers in Air Force (July 09, 2003)

Father, too, joins the act

By Camille Ricketts
Special to the Almanac

There's no time for sibling rivalry in the military, but this doesn't seem to be a problem for Woodside twins William and Jonathan Dunn, who are identical in both their appearance and passion for flight.

The brothers were commissioned as second lieutenants in the Air Force following their recent college graduation. While William graduated from the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Jonathan completed the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona.

Looking at the Dunn family, you might think the boys were inspired by their father to pursue careers in the military. Christopher Dunn, a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force, is currently serving in Afghanistan as a physician on an aero-medical transport team, helping transfer patients from field hospitals to more advanced facilities.

In fact, William was the first to join the military when he chose to attend the Air Force Academy four years ago, followed by his brother, and finally his father two years ago. Christopher was awarded with the higher rank due to his medical expertise.

"I think my dad saw it as a service and chance to give back to others after spending so many years as a doctor," Jonathan said. "He knew we might be out there someday with the possibility of being wounded, and he realized these soldiers are other people's kids who could really use his help."

Both Jonathan and William attributed their early interest in flight and the Air Force to their grandfather, Edward Arntsen, who worked much of his life as a pilot for United Airlines.

"He got me looking to the skies and all the opportunities available in aviation," William said. "That, combined with the first Gulf War, was my inspiration to look into military aviation."

The boys began flying during their junior year of high school after receiving flight lessons as a birthday gift from their grandfather. By age 18, both Jonathan and William earned their pilot licenses, training continuously at the San Carlos Airport.

The precision and adrenaline of the military lifestyle appealed to the brothers, who are both considering full careers as officers in the Air Force even after completing their 12 years of mandatory active duty.

"We're identical in a lot of ways, so naturally our interests and dreams are very similar," William said of his relationship with his brother.

"We spent an enormous amount of time together, always wanting to be in the same classes in school and outside activities," Jonathan said. "Our friends hate playing Pictionary with us because I can draw one line and William can know what it is immediately. We have a connection like that."

Graduates of Woodside High School, the twins have two other brothers, Brian, 19, and Robert who is getting married later this year. Their mother, Martha, expressed her hope that Christopher will make it home in time to attend the wedding, but his return date remains unknown.

Jonathan is currently in pilot school at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Georgia, where his brother will be heading next July. In the meantime, William plans to work in an operational support squadron, performing miscellaneous tasks at the Warner Robins Air Force Base, also in Georgia.