With over one million people serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, you are bound to know at least one person in the military. Maybe you are in the military or someone in your family is. For the majority of people in the military and their families, there will come a time when someone can get new orders. When that time comes, it's hard knowing that you will have to move somewhere new. The majority of the people I knew growing up were moved to Japan. The term “military brat” really does mean someone who has one or both parents who work full time in the military.

Living in the Hampton Roads area, my family was very fortunate to not have to move. With just about fifteen different bases in the area, Hampton Roads has become the world’s largest naval base. In a military family there are things that Mom/Dad aren’t able to tell you when they are on deployment, and it honestly sucks. Growing up military, I learned many things that have helped me as I've gotten older.

1. Friends come and go, but true friends find a way to stay in contact.

Moving is something that happens everyday for military families, and something that they know all too well. It sucks when it happens, but look at it this way: You or your friend gets to experience a new part of the world.

2. Deployment is normal for everyone, and it feels like a lifetime.

Deployment can be anywhere from six months to as long as 15 or 18 months. Things get hard back home when you don’t get to see your parent for so long. When it comes to communication with them it’s even harder. I can’t even count the amount of times I cried because I couldn’t see my dad for months on end.

3. Time is of the essence when you are with your family members.

You never know when it's time for your mom/dad to deploy for a long time. Take the time to be with them. They will appreciate it and you will too. Family bonding is the best.

4. Going on the base is awesome.

There are so many things to do on the bases, and many things to stop and see.

5. Having a military ID gives you MANY perks.

There are tons of benefits to having a military ID, and discounts are one of them. The majority of stores offer military discounts. Most of the time, movie theaters offer discounts as well.

6. You will find more in common with people than you thought.

I find that people with at least one parent in the military are more open-minded about things. That being said, we are easy to talk to.

7. You may find yourself more attracted to people in the military.

As people, we like to be familiar with things. Growing up in the military, you learn your fair share of information and it stays with you. You find that conversations flow a little more naturally with people that are familiar to you.

8. JET NOISE IS LIFE!!!

Air shows are the best thing ever, and you have probably been to at least one in your lifetime. When you are away from home, maybe at college, when you hear the jets fly overhead you are reminded of home. That is the best feeling ever.

A big thank you to all the men and women that have and are serving in the Armed Forces. Also thank you to my dad for raising me to appreciate the military and everything that they have done for our country.