Twin Airmen from Russia follow identical path Published Feb. 3, 2011 By Susan Griggs 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Alyona and Marina Blizard have always been together ...from their birth in Russia 20 years ago, through their time in an orphanage and when they joined their adoptive family in West Virginia. They joined the Air Force and went through basic training together. Now they're at Keesler together, sharing a dorm room in Holbrook Manor and attending technical training in Thomson Hall. The twins arrived at Keesler Nov. 29. Alyona is taking the cyber systems operations course, while Marina is enrolled in the client systems course, both in the 336th Training Squadron. They'll finish their courses in March and remain at Keesler for additional training for a while. "It's a lot better here than at basic," Marina said. "It's a lot warmer here than at home," Alyona remarked. The sisters were adopted by Paul and Pat Blizard eight years ago and moved to West Virginia. Their adoption gave them U.S. citizenship. The Blizards have three sons and one other daughter. The twins also have an adult brother back in Russia. "The Air Force offers us a great career and wonderful benefits," Alyona said of their decision to join the service. "I like to travel and the educational benefits are good," Marina added. After completing tech school, Alyona is headed to Langley Air Force Base, Va. The twins would like to be at the same base, but Marina isn't sure what her assignment will be yet.