Kellen, Garrett Dano serve their country

MOSES LAKE — Kellen and Garrett Dano came together last Christmas to tell their father some news.

Both would begin their young adulthood serving their country. Kellen would join the Navy and Garrett the Marines.

“I was pleasantly surprised when they told me their decision, Garth Dano.

“I am very proud of them.”  

Garrett, 23, considered law school but decided becoming an officer in the Marines would help him reach his dream of working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He graduated from Gonzaga University in Spokane this May with a major in criminal justice and a minor in Spanish. He left for officer candidate training in Quantico, Va., two weeks later.

“Garrett has been on this path for some time,” Garth said. “He has always been very disciplined, serious and responsible.”

Kellen, 19, headed to Great Lakes, Ill., a week prior to Garrett, to train to be a sonar technician for the Navy. He will transfer to San Diego, Calif., in October to start work.

“Kellen knew he wanted something fast-paced and he’s always been science and math-oriented,” said sister Nicole Prentice. “His job is highly sought after and you have to be incredibly precise.”

A sonar technician manipulates, controls, evaluates and interpret data of surface sonar and other oceanographic systems.

Kellen will be responsible for identifying the type of submarine approaching, the missiles it is carrying and what country it is from, based on a blimp seen on a small screen, said Nicole.

“I have never felt so proud of them,” Nicole said. “I’ve always felt maternal toward them because I am older and it is so great to see them become such beautiful gentlemen.”

The brothers have family from both sides that have served in the Navy and Military. Garrett solicited the advice from his aunt and uncle, Meredith and Jim Olson, who are both involved in the Central Intelligence Agency.

“That definitely peaked their interest and had a big impact on them,” Garth said. “I also tried to instill in them the importance of giving back and not just taking.”

Although Kellen and Garrett are following similar paths, that’s where the comparison ends said family.

“They are very different boys,” said mom Karen Druffel. “Kellen is more laid-back and funny while Garrett is more serious and disciplined.”

Personality quirks determined how each son chose their path.

Garrett’s decision to join the marines was part of a long-term plan to succeed in the FBI.

“Garrett has been on this track for some time,” Karen said. “He volunteered at the Spokane Police Department every weekend while he attended Gonzaga full-time.”

It was more of a quickly-developed plan for Kellen, who enrolled in Big Bend Community College when he decided he wanted to experience more discipline, said Nicole.

Kellen graduated from basic training in the last week of May.

“It was so great to see him become a young man who has blossomed and is proud of himself,” Nicole said. “He took of his hat and linked arms with me to escort me to my seat when I came in for the ceremony.”

Despite differences, the brothers have two hobbies in common as well as a similar experience laying ahead.

“They are both computer nuts and serious sports guys,” Garth said. “Both of them will receive valuable life experience as they visit different parts of the world and meet new people.”

Training hasn’t been easy. Kellen and Garrett must work hard and are only able to call home once a week.

“I admire their courage,” said Nicole. “It is a huge selfless sacrifice to offer everything for your country.”

 Family members will support them throughout their experiences.

“As a mother it was very hard on me at first, especially since they enlisted one week apart,” Karen said. “But I’ve always been a strong supporter of the military and believe that what they are doing is extremely important.”