FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — When Pfc. Brayden Sumare’s bus pulled into Fort Leonard Wooden, nothing may have ready him for the coincidence that awaited him simply contained in the doorways of the forty third Adjutant Basic Reception Battalion.
The 18 12 months previous graduated from primary fight coaching at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, in the summertime of 2023, between his junior and senior years of highschool. He arrived at Fort Leonard Wooden in July, to finish his preliminary entry coaching.
Sumare, a local of Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, stated he arrived at Fort Leonard Wooden at about 3 a.m., and there was one thing oddly acquainted about his bay chief, a trainee everyone known as “Pops” — he exchanged a number of lingering glances with him — however didn’t assume a lot about it.
“The following day, I used to be laying down in my bunk because the bay chief was strolling round getting all the brand new folks’s names for the roster,” Sumare stated. “When he received to me, he requested my final identify, and I stated ‘Sumare.’ After which he requested, ‘Brayden Hunter Sumare?’”
Sumare stated he was bewildered and returned the person’s query with one other query, “How do you know that?”
In accordance with Sumare, he was “shocked” on the man’s response of — “I’m William Reeves” — his organic father.
Pfc. William Reeves stated he’ll always remember the second he realized he was trying into the eyes of his organic son.
“It was unbelievable,” Reeves stated. “What are the probabilities we each joined the Military and had been at Fort Leonard Wooden on the similar time for our coaching?”
Sumare stated he thought they didn’t acknowledge one another as a result of they each seemed very totally different than after they met for the primary, and solely, time about 4 years in the past.
“Once I met him, he had lengthy hair and a full beard. Once I noticed him at reception, he had a buzzed haircut and was cleanly shaven,” Sumare stated.
So as to add to the unbelievable happenstance, Reeves stated he had been nicknamed “Pops” earlier than Sumare even arrived on put up.
“I’m nearly 40; I’ve life expertise. My friends lean on me for that. They began calling me Pops and it caught,” Reeves stated.
Amanda Sumare, Brayden’s mom, stated when Brayden known as her to let her know he made it to Fort Leonard Wooden and inform her Reeves was additionally there, she was awestruck, and it took her a minute to wrap her head across the coincidence.
“I used to be so very shocked. It’s the craziest factor ever,” Amanda stated.
Reeves, from Poteau, Oklahoma, stated he and Brayden’s mom had been younger after they came upon she was pregnant.
“It was surprising. We did a DNA take a look at when he was born, and he was mine. Our lives had gone in several instructions and Brayden’s mom was residing in Wyoming, engaged to the person who finally grew to become Brayden’s adopted father,” Reeves stated. “I supported him financially however determined I didn’t wish to be too concerned and upset Brayden’s stable household unit.”
The 2 spent a number of days collectively at Fort Leonard Wooden’s reception battalion, ready to go to their separate coaching models.
“Over the subsequent few days, as I watched him work together with different folks, I noticed acquainted mannerisms. It was like trying in a mirror,” Reeves stated. “I received to study so much from him, and I believe that’s actually cool.”
Since Brayden had already attended BCT and earned the title of Soldier, Reeves stated Brayden was in a position to assist the brand new trainees on the reception battalion put together for it.
“Brayden taught me tips on how to Ranger roll my uniform. And never simply me, he confirmed us all how. He additionally confirmed us what to pack earlier than we left for our models and what to purchase from the Alternate once we received an opportunity. I loved watching him lead others. I’m happy with Brayden. He has a brilliant future,” Reeves stated.
In accordance with Brayden, operating into his organic father was, “a kind of bizarre life issues,” and he was glad he was there to assist Reeves put together for primary coaching and need him properly.
“I received to inform him goodbye, good luck and provides him a hug,” Brayden stated. “I believe it’s superior that he joined.”
Amanda stated she is impressed by each of them and their need to serve.
“The Military is an effective match for Brayden as a result of he isn’t one to simply sit again and watch the world go by. He desires to be concerned. He has a robust love and fervour for our army and all the time has. He has a lot potential. I’m very proud to be his mama,” Amanda stated. “I’m additionally happy with William for stepping as much as serve our nation. I want him the most effective future.”
Brayden is in the course of six weeks of superior particular person coaching, with Firm C, 58th Transportation Battalion, studying the army occupational specialty of 88M Motor Transport Operator. Reeves is with Firm D, thirty fifth Engineer Battalion, for 14 weeks of 1 station unit coaching to develop into a 12C Bridge Crewmember.
“My fingers are crossed I might be able to attend his commencement subsequent month,” Reeves stated. “I wish to joke — I’m going to construct the Military’s bridges, and he’s going to drive his truck over it.”
By Melissa Buckley, Fort Leonard Wooden Public Affairs Workplace
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