America the Beautiful: 96-year-old twin veterans celebrate America’s 250th
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Identical twin brothers Bob and Dick Gibbs recently celebrated their 96th birthday, marking a milestone after dedicating three decades of their lives to military service for the United States. Their celebration coincides with a lifetime of patriotic commitment, having served in both the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
The Gibbs brothers served for 30 years, contributing to the nation's defense across various capacities and gaining a global perspective on the importance of their home country. Their extensive military careers highlight a deep sense of duty and patriotism that shaped their lives from an early age.
Bob and Dick have shared a remarkable life journey from the very beginning. Dick, a retired Air Force colonel, recounted their unusual entry into the world, stating, “When we were born, we didn't have electricity. The doctor came and delivered us on the kitchen table. They knew not at the time that we were going to be twins.”
Dick is 15 minutes older than Bob. Bob, a retired Army lieutenant colonel, playfully responded to questions about his later arrival, saying, “Well, I'm slow.”
The brothers were too young to serve in World War II, but learning about the conflict instilled in them a sense of duty and patriotism. Bob said, “That's kind of where we learned we live in a good country, a great country. We want to respect it.” Dick jumped in, adding, “And then along came the Korean War.”
Their military paths diverged in the Korean War. Bob, who is a Purple Heart recipient, began as an infantryman. He later shared his experience, “I got tired of walking in the mountains in Korea. I looked up, and I saw those little helicopters. And I says, that would be more fun than walking.” Bob subsequently became a helicopter pilot in Vietnam
Dick served as an F-86 jet pilot in Korea and flew F4 jets in Vietnam. During his career, he completed 100 missions.
Throughout their careers, the brothers were stationed across the globe, experiencing places from Argentina to Germany and extensively traveling throughout the United States. Bob was stationed in Fort Carson in the early 1970s and has resided in Colorado Springs ever since. Dick relocated to the area a few years ago.
Having witnessed other nations firsthand and fought for their country, the upcoming 250th birthday of America holds profound meaning for them. Bob noted, “We were stationed all over the world, really. And we saw how other countries were. And we learned that this country is by far the greatest country in the world.” Dick added, “Can't get much more special. It's totally special. Yeah. This is the country we love and we served.”
The twins are celebrating their birthday in style, wearing American-themed shirts, including a personalized one commemorating both their birthday and America's birthday.
They fondly recalled experiencing America's 200th birthday 50 years ago. Reflecting on the passage of time, Bob said, “It doesn't seem like fifty years.” Dick concurred, stating, “Life moves fast.”
The Gibbs twins were recently honored by Honor Flight of Southern Colorado. The organization provides an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for veterans to visit the monuments built in their honor.
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