A Family Full of Airmen

  • Published
  • By Courtesy Writer: Abigail Kinder, Northern Sentry
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

When Darin Frye entered the United States Air Force, he never could have imagined that someday, all five of his children would follow in his footsteps and become service members themselves. 

MSgt. Darin Frye retired in 2008 after 23 years of service in Explosive Ordnance Disposal. Today, he continues his work in public service for the Department of Homeland Security. His wife, Heather, also grew up accustomed to military life as a military brat and spouse later on. Together the Fryes have five children, all of whom are following their father’s example in the military. Their oldest son, A1C Darik Frye, is Security Forces AGR (Active Guard/Reserve) at Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield, Mass. SSgt. Melissa Frye works under the Defense Intelligence Agency at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington D.C. SSgt. Robert Frye is full-time Security Forces with the Maine Air National Guard in Bangor, Maine. A1C Darin Frye works in Aerospace Ground Equipment under the 5th Maintenance Squadron and is stationed here at Minot Air Force Base, N.D. 

“I’m very proud. The fact that they’re all in the Air Force… I would have been proud of any service, but I definitely love the Air Force and I’m glad they chose it,” said Mr. Frye. He was also a part of a military-heavy family, with his older brothers joining the Navy, the Army, and the Air Force. “It was kind of expected that I would join the Marines, but I decided to join the Air Force,” he said. “And I’m glad I did!”

“For me, my dad was in the Air Force. I spent most of my time in Germany and I knew I wanted to have that lifestyle for my children to be able to travel,” said Heather. “I always thought it was fun. I can’t speak for my kids, because sometimes I had to hear the ‘I have to move on my birthday again’ complaints.”

Being surrounded by the military lifestyle had some effect on the Frye’s decisions to enlist. Heather and Darin’s oldest son, Darik, was the first to join the Air Force. He originally planned to be pararescue but unfortunately was unable to complete the training. He transitioned back to civilian life, but his passion for the military never faded so he re-enlisted years later. “For Darik, he wanted back in. When he first joined, he really wanted to go for it. After some soul-searching, he realized that was the best place for him so he made it happen through the Air National Guard,” said Heather.

“My daughter joined about nine years ago. She did go to college for a semester and at that time she realized that it wasn’t what she wanted to do. After that, she came to me and said that she was going to join [the Air Force]. That was a way for her college to be paid and for her to have a steady job,” she said. Mr. Frye elaborated, saying, “She joined initially for college and then once she was in, she ended up being very good at it and she now loves her job.” Robert and Darin followed suit soon after.

Now that four of the five siblings are in the military, having a normal family life is out of the question. “I can’t remember the last year we were all together. Usually somebody comes home but somebody is missing for one reason or another,” said Heather. Melissa, who is usually tasked with coordinating with the siblings to get everyone home, said it has been at least nine years since the family has been together all at once. 

“The most difficult part of it was when I had two children deployed around the same time. That was difficult for me to deal with,” explained Heather. At the same time, her son Darin was in Basic Military Training in San Antonio, Texas, “So I was happy for one, but on the other hand I was kind of worried about my daughter and my other son being deployed. But I like the fact that my kids are in different places, that way we can go see them.” They try to visit their children when possible, and have traveled to bases all over the United States. 

Despite the challenges that arise due to their military careers, the Fryes have a special dynamic that many families don’t get to experience.

“I definitely think it strengthens the bond within our family. I think as they go through their military careers, they’ll understand what we went through during my military career, so they’ll face some of the same challenges,” said Mr. Frye. “Once they start further in their careers and start PCSing to different places and raising their families, they’ll really understand the challenges and rewards of raising a family in the military.” 

Darik and Melissa plan on making a career out of the Air Force. Robert is playing it by ear, and his mother says “he enjoys what he’s doing and has no intention of getting out, but he’s keeping his eyes open.” With Darin, it’s too soon to tell, but he says he already enjoys his job and is keeping his options for the future open.

The Frye’s youngest son, Daman (Stu), will be leaving for BMT after he graduates high school this year, and just like his father and siblings, he will carry on his family’s Air Force legacy into the next generation.