Thomas R. Wood, Sr. and William Charles Wood III

Thomas R. Wood, Sr. and William Charles Wood III are a rare breed for the United States military. Twin brothers, they came into the world together and remained inseparable. So it was no surprise for their family when they decided to enlist in the military together. Both are driven by their desire to protect the freedoms our country espouses.

Thomas and William entered military service in 1988, attending boot camp together at Parris Island, South Carolina. In 1990, the brothers were called upon to serve their country in the first Gulf War. Thomas served as part of an amphibious task force aboard the USS Nassau, and William served with a forward combat unit, Romeo 5/11.

Both men received many awards for their exemplary service, including: Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and Liberating Kuwait Medal. William also earned the Southwest Asia Service Metal with two Stars, National Defense Service Award, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and Rifle Sharp Shooter Badge. Thomas was awarded a Meritorious Mast for his actions during a helicopter crash in South Korea, as well as an Overseas Ribbon with four Clusters.

In 1992, these two distinguished Marines were honorably discharged at the rank of Corporal. From there, they continued to serve their community. Thomas and William have been involved with youth sports and as members of the American Legion for many years. They have been firefighters for the LeRoy Fire Department for more than two decades, serving in many leadership positions. William has been named Firefighter of the Year twice. More recently, Thomas received the Department’s highest honor, Medal of Valor. William and Thomas have dedicated their lives to bettering society, and together they have achieved so much more than any one man can.

William and Thomas celebrate their family lives as well – William and his wife Kathy have two children, Alyssa and Riley, while Thomas has two children, Chelsie and Thomas.