They’re cousins, dads, buddies in war

BAGHDAD, Iraq – For two soldiers serving in Iraq with the 1016th Quartermaster Company, it’s more than just military duty.

It’s a family affair for Spc. James Beyeler and Spc. Stephen McGonigal.

The Pocatello residents aren’t just battle buddies, they’re also cousins who have new baby sons. Beyeler and his wife, Cora, have a 5-month-old son, Stetsyn, their first child, and McGonigal and his wife, Susan Pierson, have a new addition to their family, 2-month-old Jacob. They also have a 3-year-old son, Preston.

Pierson said it’s tough for her and the boys not to have dad around.

“The most difficult part is that we have two children and he’s missing out on a lot of their growing up,” she said. “I talk to him one or two times a week by phone, but it’s still hard.”

To make life easier, Pierson and Cora have moved in together while their soldier husbands are away at war.

“We moved in together for companionship. She’s my best friend,” Pierson said about Cora.

Pierson said the arrangement is working out, adding that their children get along with each other “as good as little kids can.”

Neither father has been able to spend much time with their new sons. McGonigal’s son was born on March 26, while he was home on leave. He said he’s spent “about three or four days” with his son.

Beyeler has spent a little more time with his son, but not much.

“I’ve only been around my son for about a month, month and a half, since he’s been born. He was born, and three days later I left for a combat lifesaver course,” said the 23-year-old specialist.

Want one more similarity? The cousins both joined the Army Reserve while in high school. Beyeler joined in 2000, looking for financial aid for college. He is thinking of pursuing a degree in either business management or law enforcement once the 1016th returns.

The Army Reserve outfit from Pocatello and Twin Falls is expected to remain here until spring.

“I did what they call a delayed entry – I joined, finished high school, then went to basic,” said Beyeler.

McGonigal’s reason for joining was simpler: A friend was joining.

Both men credit the Army, and their wives, with helping them mature and stay out of trouble.

“Before I joined the military I was sort of a rug rat,” said Beyeler, “getting into trouble and stuff. Ever since then I’ve been staying out of trouble.”

McGonigal tells a similar story. The military “gave me a sense of direction, a sense of discipline that I didn’t have before I joined the military,” he said.

And if that’s not enough of a bond for the two soldiers, having their wives living together has given them even more in common.

“When we went to Bliss we suggested the idea,” said McGonigal. Battle buddies, cousins, friends. The two soldiers and their wives wouldn’t have it any other way.

“That’s the great thing about being family,” said McGonigal. “I can say whatever I want, he can say whatever he wants, take it for what it is and leave it in the past.”

“Next day, we’re back to normal,” said Beyeler.