Face of Defense: Sibling Rivalry Adds Edge to Competition

By Army Spc. Michael Giles

100th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

BASTROP, Texas, Feb. 10, 2015 – When the Texas Air National Guard first joined the Texas Military Forces Best Warrior Competition in 2013, then-Air Force Staff Sgt. Matthew Renteria proclaimed that he would "win it all." Though he did not end up winning it all in 2013, he finished a close second in the competition’s noncommissioned officer division.

Now a technical sergeant, he returned to compete in the 2015 Best Warrior Competition at Camp Swift, this time bringing a lifelong friend who helped him forge his competitive spirit: Air Force Senior Airman Michael Renteria.

The fraternal twins share a reputation as highly motivated airmen, with an intense drive to surpass each other in all pursuits.

"They are both outstanding individuals," said Air Force Master Sgt. Justin Tassin, a Tactical Air Control Party supervisor for the brothers in the 147th Air Support Operations Squadron. "But when you put the two together, you can see the sibling rivalry, and it pushes them harder to perform."

Always Competitive

Competition between the brothers covered all aspects of growing up. "Everything we were doing, we were doing at the same time," Airman Renteria said. "We competed in getting the girls, school and sports. It keeps us going. It keeps us battling."

The brothers also credit their father and their role in the military for their drive to excel.

"He's my hero," Airman Renteria said. "He did a lot for us growing up."

Sergeant Renteria explained that their roles as tactical air control party airmen require high standards of physical and mental readiness, and this keeps them working to stay sharp. "Primarily, my concern is the mission," he said. "If something were to pop off, I want to be in combat shape to go and do my duties."

Both brothers earned bragging rights in their categories during this year's competition. They each achieved the highest event score during the interview portion, and they both scored among the top three in the obstacle course. Sergeant Renteria earned the highest score on land navigation, and Airman Renteria succeeded in earning the highest overall score among the junior enlisted service members.