KING WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) - Four brothers from King William County who sacrificed so much are being honored this weekend.
The Fowlkes brothers all served in the U.S. military and their years of service totaled nearly a century.
“They were good down to earth country boys,” Daniel Wright said. “I knew they spent that much time in the service, but I didn’t know how much.”
Bobby, Johnny, George and Reggie Fowlkes grew up on a farm and joined the military in the 1950s.
“There was no question. You got out of high school and I’m joining the Navy. We all did,” said Reggie.
The four boys from King William followed each other into the military and served during war and peace.
Bobby served in the Navy for 22 years. Johnny was a fighter pilot in Viet Nam and served 22 years as well. Reggie served a combined 21 years in the Navy and Air Force. George served in the Air Force for 25 years.
“Between all of us I think its 92 and a half years," said Reggie. "It was a job to us and we just did our job.”
That averages to 22 years in the military for each Fowlkes.
Dan Wright, a life-long family friend, is shining the spotlight on the Fowlkes’ shared sacrifices.
“It is long overdue and they deserve to be recognized," said Dan. "It wasn’t hard for me to do something like this. Young people in our country need to see role models and these guys fit the bill.”
On Saturday at the King William Ruritan Club, hundreds of people from King William and beyond are expected to attend.friends and family are rolling out the red carpet with video tributes and proclamations from the State Capitol to Capitol Hill.
Reggie is humbled by the recognition and said it is something the boys never expected.
Johnny and Reggie, the two surviving siblings, will attend and share memories of Bobby and George.
For an emotional Dan Wright, the man spearheading the celebration, the tribute is a way to give back to friends who have given so much. “We’ll never forget them. They just need to be honored.”
All four brothers lived through their military service.
