CAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq -1st Lt. Joe K. Maddux, Staff secretary for 1st Marine Logistics Group, and his brother First Sgt. Dave L. Maddux, first sergeant for Tango Battery, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, smile during an interview here, June 27. The two-and-a-half years separating the brothers has not severed the bond they share. With their current deployment to Iraq, the brothers turn to each other to share personal stories and solve problems.,Cpl. Tyler B. Barstow

The Maddux brothers are prime examples of the bond of brotherhood that transcends the blood they share. 1st Lt. Joseph K. Maddux, staff secretary and protocol officer for the 1st Marine Logistics Group and his older brother, First Sgt. Dave L. Maddux, first sergeant for Tango Battery, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, have a strong connection between themselves and their families only further strengthened by the Corps.

ìItís not just a band of brothers in the Marine Corps, itís also in the family,î Dave said, the oldest by two-and-a-half years and first to join the Corps.

ìI remember going to his graduation from boot camp,î Joe said. ìOn the ride home, his question to me was ëwhen are you going to go?íî

A high school sophomore at the time, Joe had no interest in the military but eventually joined after learning more from his brother.

ìI talked to him about it and knew that it was a good thing from him.î

Being able to talk to his brother and share ideas continued throughout their time in the Corps. Travelling around the world and throughout the Corps, the Madduxes have left their foot print everywhere and now find themselves in Iraq. Throughout their various exploits, they both had a confidant they could rely on to discuss things that no one but a brother would understand.

ìNo one wants to ask the stupid question,î Dave said. ìInstead of talking to a guy in the battery, Iíve got my brother that understands everything and probably has dealt with it too.î

The relationship works for Joe as well. Serving his first deployment to Iraq, he understandably had many questions. Questions he could turn to his brother for and receive a more personal answer.

The respect is there, but the situation hasnít presented itself to put them in the position. Now in Iraq, they can put it off for a while longer.

ìIíd feel weird. It took a while to get used to (being saluted) anyway, much less from my older brother,î Joe said. ìOne of these days Iíll get him.î

Joe has a small window of time left to receive his salute. With his 18-year-mark approaching, Dave faces his next obstacle: retirement.

ìI personally am (afraid of retiring).î Not in terms of getting another job, he explained, but of missing the Corps, his Marines and the lifestyle that goes with it.

ìI donít necessarily lose that when I retire because heíll still be in the Marine Corps,î he said, referring to Joe.

Living vicariously through the younger brother, the Maddux Marines will continue to be present through out the Corps. Carrying on the tradition will be left up to other generations.

ìWeíre not trying to start a tradition but if it does start, so be it,î Dave said.

Theyíve been through a lot together and through their careers have managed to overcome many obstacles. Dave, in particular, has dodged the ultimate bullet of saluting his younger brother.