FORT BENNING, Ga., (Jan. 7, 2015) -- Retired Sgt. 1st Class LeBronze Davis credits 20 years of service in the Army for his discipline and strong work ethic. However, he isn't the only member of his Family who wore a uniform. In a Family of 16 children, Davis and 10 of his siblings all served in the armed forces.
"You probably won't find many Families like mine," he said.
With a combined total of 158 years of military service, Davis said five of them served until retirement.
Davis, 66, and his siblings grew up on a farm in Wetumpka, Alabama. He said their parents, Ben and Hattie Davis, stressed the importance of hard work and devotion to Family.
"My parents taught us above everything to love each other, and if you love each other you can love anyone else," Davis said. "They taught us discipline and to be responsible, no matter what you do in life."
The only options after graduating from high school was to continue working on the Family farm or enter the workforce, he said. Davis chose to move to Detroit until he was drafted during the Vietnam War in 1968. He and his brothers have various reasons for their service, but Davis said he personally appreciated the maturity he gained from the experience.
"Once I went to Vietnam I thought about getting out, but I went to sergeant school instead and was a drill sergeant for three years," he said.
Davis served many years at Fort Benning as an instructor for the Infantry Basic Officers and Basic Rifle Marksmanship courses. He retired from the Army in 1988 and later worked in civil service on post. Davis now resides in Phenix City.
"I am so glad that I was in the military and I still say today that it's a good stepping stone for young men and women," he said.
Davis also has several nephews and a niece who are current or former military service members. He said his Family takes pride in serving their country and hope the tradition will continue through future generations. Although the Davis Family is spread throughout the country, they still gather each year for family reunions.
"It is unique to have that many years of service from one Family," Davis said. "We're very close and there's a lot of love."
Davis Family military service
Army
Alphonza, 72
Years of service: 29
Edward, 85
Years of service: 20
Lebronze, 66
Years of service: 20
Washington, deceased
Years of service: 6
Nathaniel, 70
Years of service: 3
Frederick, 63
Years of service: 2
Octavious, 76
Years of service: 2
Air Force
Augusta, 62
Years of service: 29
Julius, 68
Years of service: 13
Navy
Ben Jr., 88
Years of service: 33
Calvin, 78
Years of service: 4
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