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Lance Cpl. Patrick Becker and Sgt. Michael Losey, both crew chiefs with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, met at Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Fla., and later became brother-in-laws when Becker met Losey’s sister.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Paul S. Martinez

Brothers in arms become brothers-in-law

16 Aug 2013 | Lance Cpl. Paul S. Martinez Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms

One week after completing Marine Combat Training, then Pfc. Patrick Becker stood wearing green-on-green in a schoolhouse building in Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla. When the instructor asked for a class leader, Becker watched as then Cpl. Michael Losey volunteered, unaware that this Marine would later become his brother-in-law.

Almost a year later, Lance Cpl. Patrick Becker, crew chief, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, would continue training with Sgt. Michael Losey, crew chief, HMLA-367 in the cold, harsh environment at Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Evasion training school. They then moved onto crew member chief training and their first duty station together with HMLA-367, at Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

The two Marines would become further acquainted through the operations of their shop. As a Marine in the lateral move program, Losey was new to the air wing.

“We were on the same page, same level,”  Losey said. “We’d ask each other questions and set each other up for success.”

One night out in Honolulu, resulted in Becker meeting Losey’s younger sister, Allison.

Allison had moved to Hawaii to study at Hawaii Pacific University, while steadily maintaining contact with her brother.

“We went out to do some shopping, and stopped at a place called O’Toole’s to go see a reggae artist,” Becker said. “We were going to get picked up by (Losey’s) sister.”

“We told her one more guy was coming,” Becker said. “She threw a fit about how her car was dirty and she wasn’t expecting another person.”

“She shows up and she’s yelling at (Losey) about me being the extra person,” Becker said. “That was the first impression I got of her.”

As the group celebrated their night out, Becker and Allison spent time talking and eventually dancing together.

By the end of the night, the two exchanged numbers, despite Becker’s hesitation. He was worried because Allison was his sergeant’s sister.

“He mentioned he got her number and asked if it would be okay for him to take her out,” Losey said. “Everything from the first (meeting) until they got married was always respectful.”

“Our first date was chaperoned,” Becker said. “By Sgt. Losey.”

“I didn’t think she would ever end up with a Marine,” said Losey. “But I also didn’t think I would end up in Hawaii.”

From there, Becker and Allison began a relationship that led to engagement. The couple married in January of 2013.

“I explained to (Losey) that things were getting serious with her,” Becker said.

“She’s the best woman I could find and she takes good care of me,” Becker said. “She was the one for me.”

Shortly before a range visit, Becker was surprised by huge news; his wife was pregnant.

“How do I bring up that his sister is pregnant?” Becker said. “It was a nervous week for me.”

Becker continued with his assignment on the range, keeping things as per the usual. When he broke the news, Losey revealed that his wife was also pregnant.

In the months that followed, both men learned they would soon be first-time fathers of girls and the expected date for the birth of their children is one day apart.

“I’m nervous, but my wife works at the child development center,” Becker said. “I’m going to do my best to help her out however I can.”

“I was nervous about being a parent, but as time went on, I got more prepared and read the baby books,” Losey said. “I can’t wait to meet my daughter.”

The upcoming birth of Becker’s child has influenced him to stay in the Corps, hoping that the resources available to Marines will help his daughter’s future.

Losey, whom has recently hit his six-year mark in the Corps, is pursuing a career move to recruiting duty.

Both Marines are hoping for a joyful future as they welcome children into their lives, all while continuing their duties as fellow crew chiefs.

“I’m looking forward to seeing my daughter and Becker’s daughter grow up together,” Losey said. “They potentially might be one day apart, and hopefully we are still relatively close to each other as far as distance goes.”

Becker continues to work with Losey, seeing him not only as his brother-in-law, but as his mentor.

“You think about going to work and seeing your own brother-in-law,” said Becker. “But it’s good to have him for direction. He looks out for his Marines.”

“(Becker) is a hard worker,” said Losey. “I know the job that he’s doing is going to be done well.”
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Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms