Cousins reunited through reserve duties Published Jan. 28, 2008 By Tech. Sgt. James Branch Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga., -- The saying, "It's a small world," became really applicable for two reserve members of the 94th Airlift Wing here. Cousins, Master Sgt. April L. Lee, services superintendant and Senior Airman April N. Lee, services specialist reunited after 20 years while working in the 94th Services Squadron here. Both are natives of Abbeville, S.C. "It was so good to see my cousin after all these years," Master Sgt. Lee said. "Because of my military travel, I hadn't seen her since she was five years old." Senior Airman Lee has been assigned to Dobbins for two years and works at base lodging during the UTA. She became curious when the name April Lee was announced as a newcomer to the unit a year ago. After meeting Master Sgt. Lee and discussing an upcoming family reunion, both realized that they were related. "We live 150 miles from each other, so we use the UTA as a chance to get together and catch up on things," Senior Airman Lee said. Master Sgt. Lee recently relocated to Georgia and was assigned to the 94th Services Squadron in January 2007 where she oversees day-to-day operations of the base dining facility, fitness center and lodging during the UTA weekend. "It's so good to have a relative to mentor you in your Air Force career," Senior Airman Lee said. "She encourages all of us to come to UTA with a positive attitude every month." Master Sgt. Lee brought 17 years of military experience to the services squadron. Senior Airman Lee recalled a trip to Fort Gordon, Ga., in Aug. for their squadron's annual tour and how Master Sgt. Lee took charge and helped to make it a successful exercise. "She really went above and beyond, and stood out," said Senior Airman Lee. "I was so glad to see her promoted to Master Sgt. in July. Her attitude and professionalism makes me want to stay in the Air Force Reserves and follow her footsteps." Both women were raised in a small town and were the only two members in their family to join the Air Force. "Being members of the Air Force Reserve helped us to reunite with each other and has definitely made us a lot closer," Master Sgt. Lee said.
