Family builds legacy by numbers Published June 10, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Claire Behney 193rd Special Operations Wing HARRISBURG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Pa. -- They met at the 193rd Special Operations Wing in 1992 when she was working as a secretary in supply and he was a telecommunication specialist. He reported in her office to repair a computer and the rest, as they say, is history. Well, not quite. Meet Chief Master Sgt. James K. Foy Sr. and Master Sgt. 1st Sgt. Sherri L. Foy, the proud but humble foundation behind what has recently become a six-and-a-half member family tradition of service to the Air National Guard. Not only have they combined for nearly six decades of service, but their dedication to community, commonwealth and country has inspired their offspring to cross into the blue. "They are two people who have given their lives to the military and raised children at the same time," said Capt. Angela D. Stateler, commander of the 193rd Mission Support Flight. "Now those children are giving back to the military and it's just a great thing." First from the nest was Tech Sgt. James K. Foy Jr., a 193rd electronic communication specialist who commutes quarterly from Alabama where he lives with his wife Staff Sgt. Amanda D. Foy, a personnel specialist with the 280th Combat Communications Squadron, Ala. "At the time of his enlistment, Junior had hair about to his shoulders and metal in his face," said Chief Foy of the 271st Combat Communications Squadron. "He did a complete 180." Recently, 1st Sgt. Foy was elated when her son, Kristopher C. Bratcher, came to her with questions about enlisting. She knew the Air National Guard would provide her son the direction in his life that he needed. On Feb. 3 Bratcher became the fifth member of the Foy family to join when he raised his right hand and recited the Oath of Enlistment at Fort Indiantown Gap, the same location 1st Sgt. Foy took her oath nearly 24-years ago. "She said she's glad she enlisted because it's taught her a lot about discipline," Bratcher said of his mother. But the lessons learned and love of service would continue to spread. Just ask son Kevin, who recalls a time when he witnessed someone see his father in uniform and thanked him for serving. Kevin said that hit the mark for him. "I've always been very proud of my father and I always knew I wanted to enlist, it was just a matter of when," said Kevin. On Feb. 6, Kevin M. Foy, the sixth Foy to join the ANG took the oath right alongside his fiancé, Alica Hamme. As for Alice, she remains the "half" of the equation. First Sgt. Foy explained she titles Hamme "the half" until she and Kevin are married - it seems attention to detail just can't escape in the family. Hamme will then count as the seventh Foy enlisted in the Air National Guard. "I'm excited to share the experience with Kris and my fiancé and the rest of the family," Kevin said. While Kevin, Hamme, and Bratcher are all currently waiting orders for Basic Military Training and technical school, 13-year-old sister, Tabitha N. Foy waits reluctantly in the wings. Tabitha already claims she will not be enlisting, said 1st Sgt. Foy. Nonetheless, as 6.5 Foys prepare to report to drill, they will do so with a love for service and a legacy still to be written.