The Marine Corps offered a little more to these brothers than just a challenge, it gave them the chance to develop their personal relationship. “I was in good with my oldest brother, but Jeremy and I were pretty much at each other's throat when we were younger, but the Marine Corps has definitely brought us closer,” said Mark. “It gives us something to relate over, both of us can understand the things we go through within the Marine Corps,” said Jeremy. “Friendship is saying ‘me too,' and we definitely say that more now.” Trina Thiry, Mark and Jeremy's mother, said, “The Marine Corps has given them that sort of common ground; like going through boot camp, you know there's nothing like that.” While the two brothers have grown closer as a result of their Marine Corps careers, their sibling rivalry has not faded away. “There's always going to be that brotherly competition,” said Jeremy. “Growing up we had the little-brother big-brother fights so I would say that we definitely try to outdo each other,” said Mark. Their mother described them as always wanting to show each other who was better. Outside of their ongoing sibling rivalry, Mark and Jeremy hold a great deal of respect and admiration for each other. “He really cares about people and their well being, and he's not self-consumed. He's a genuinely compassionate person,” said Jeremy without hesitation. “He's driven in what he does; he's had a lot of life experiences so he's really able to help people fix their problems. Maybe it's just me but I think he can fix anything,” said Mark. For some servicemembers their computer screens and phone receivers are as close as they'll ever get to their loved ones while deployed. The Thiry brothers on the other hand, have been able to enjoy each other's company while deployed, as well as strengthen their relationship through their experiences in the Marine Corps. | 
