FORT HALL - Phillip and Bruce Baldwin both knew as young children they would follow in their mother's footsteps and join the U.S. military.

Vickie Baldwin is a Navy veteran who is now with the Air Force Reserve, attached to the 419th Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Her full-time job is in medical supply with Indian Health Services in Fort Hall. For the Air Force Reserve, she assists with medical logistics.

Phillip and Bruce are now in the Marines and have a new found respect for their mother. And Vickie is proud of her sons' patriotism and their service for their country.

The brothers both joined the Marines within a month of graduating from Highland High School, and they're both anticipating deployments soon to Afghanistan.

"When I was in the Navy, they were born overseas in Whales. They just kind of grew up with that military background and being military kids," Vickie said. "They've always had that inside them. They wanted to be in the Marine Corps. That was always their goal."

Her youngest son, 16-year-old Alan, still attends Highland High School but also plans to don a uniform. He's considering the Air Force.

Pfc. Phillip Baldwin recently graduated from Marine Corps Recruit Depot with the First Battalion, Charley Company, Platoon 1050, based in San Diego.

Lance Cpl. Bruce Baldwin is stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C., and operates tactical vehicles, Humvees and 7-ton trucks.

"I'll probably be on convoys," Bruce said of his pending deployment. "I'm excited. I'm anxious to go."

Bruce admits it's tough to have to spend time apart from his family. He won't be able to make the trip home for Thanksgiving, for example, because of his military obligations. But the military has given him a new perspective on his family and his mother.

"I didn't really know how important her job was until I came into the Marine Corps and I knew what her rank meant," Bruce said. "Then when I came back after boot camp I wasn't talking with her as mom anymore. I was seeing her as a master sergeant."

For Phillip, a radio operator, serving the country has meant spending time apart from his 7-month-old daughter, Jasmine.

But Phillip believes serving in the Marines is a good way to support his little girl.

"When we were little, we always used to be outside playing with little toy guns and stuff. I guess it just came natural. I've always wanted to defend the country," Phillip said.

"I feel pretty confident. So far, the training is helping me a lot. I know when I get deployed, I'll be confident in whatever situation I'm in."