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Texas twins conquer initial training at separate military academies

Story by Jennifer Spradlin, Aug. 18, 2019

Aubrie and Emma. Emma and Aubrie.

From birth, the Kuhrt twins from Wichita Falls, Texas, have been a tight pair, so much so that both were more comfortable saying ‘we’ than ‘I.’ This summer was a big milestone for the young women as each began a rigorous phase of military training at separate service academies.

Aubrie chose the U.S. Air Force Academy while Emma selected the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

“As long as we can remember we have wanted to join the military,” Emma said. “In about seventh grade, our teacher asked if there was anything in the world we could do, what would it be? And number one on both our lists was to serve in the military.”

“We didn’t even plan it that way, it happened naturally,” Aubrie added. “We both had this love for service.”

The twins learned about service academies through a leadership seminar their freshman year in high school. Inspired by the opportunities at the academies, the two charted a course that would take them far from home and each other.

“They have always wanted to serve their country,” said Shannon Kuhrt, their mother. “They started and completed the application process on their own. It was their passion, their dream and they did it. People ask what we did to have [both daughters accepted to an academy], and other than the fact that we raised them to be strong and independent, it wasn’t us, they made this happen for themselves.”

The twins said it was important to start building their own identities and opportunities, and that each academy suited their different personalities and interests.

“We have always slept in the same bedroom, had the same experiences, and now it’s going to be different, but there will definitely be a lot of letters,” Aubrie said.

“Long letters,” Emma agreed.

The twins said they could also rely on their faith as they navigated the toughest parts of the training. They were inspired by a Bible passage, Isaiah 6:8, which they each wore on a necklace as a reminder to persevere.

“I believe God has plan for me, and everything has aligned perfectly for me to be here,” Aubrie said.

Some eight weeks later, both have conquered their basic cadet training phase, and Aubrie has started the academic semester.

“It was difficult to adjust at first, especially since I was unable to talk to Emma, but I made some really awesome friends and kind of found my place here,” Aubrie said. “I learned that I am stronger than I thought possible … whatever limit I thought I had, it can be broken, and I can go further.”

The Kuhrt twins hope to reunite at the Air Force vs. Army football game on Nov. 2.