Learning to Cope<br>Airman recruited by one brother, instructed at Keesler by the other Published April 7, 2010 By Staff Sgt. Kimberly Moore 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- After being recruited by a Staff Sgt. Cope, one Airman found himself in technical training being instructed by another Staff Sgt. Cope.Staff Sgt. Creighton Cope, 334th Training Squadron air traffic control instructor, explained how he and his student figured out that they had his older brother in common. "On the first day of class we do introductions," Sergeant Cope said. "When I got to Airman 1st Class Shawn Menssen, he said he was recruited out of Kansas City. I told him my brother was a recruiter outside Kansas City. He later asked me what my name was and said 'Oh yeah -- your brother was my recruiter.' That's never happened before." Sergeant Cope said he called his brother after finding out his new student was his recruit. "My brother, Christopher, told me Airman Menssen was a good guy and a family man," Sergeant Cope said. Sergeant Cope, a family man himself, explained how he and his brother both ended up in the Air Force. "I joined the Air Force first and my brother came with my family to my basic military training graduation," he explained. "After touring Lackland (Air Force Base, Texas.) and talking with me, Christopher decided to join as well." Sergeant Cope said his four-year-older brother joined the Air Force six month after he did. "We're both staff sergeants constantly challenging each other in our career progression," Sergeant Cope pointed out. "Even though I outrank him, he offers me much-needed older brother advice." Airman Menssen, who graduated from technical training March 31, is headed to his first duty station, Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C.