There's a special group of kids living a life unlike anyone else they know. We call these kid's "military brats". Most people recognize the sacrifice veteran's make while serving the country, but most fail to realize how hard it can be on their family, especially children. I am one of these children, who grew up in the most unique of ways, as my father served 20 years in the United States Navy. These are 11 things I find to be most true of growing up as a military brat.
1. Not knowing what to tell people when they ask "where are you from"?
Personally, this one is the most true for me. I have lived in six different states and out of the country, so I haven't particularly "grown up" anywhere. Every few years we moved to a different place with a new house, so I can't really claim that I'm from one specific place. Instead of asking where we are from, when you meet a military brat, ask "which place did you like the most" or "which place did you live longest". Those questions I can answer.
2. Using your military ID always throws people off.
I've known how to identify one of these things since I was ten, as that's the age I received my first military dependent ID. For some reason, as I have gotten older, I use this as a form of Identification when needed, and everyone I hand it to gets a perplexed looked on their face. I then have to explain that my ID is a military ID and further explain where all the information is located. So. Frustrating.
3. You grew up shopping at the Commissary and the Exchange.
Living on a base is a special kind of experience. Along with going to movies on base and going swimming at the base pool, we got the privilege of shopping at the commissary and the exchange. To be honest, until I was much older, I didn't realize people shopped regularly at Wal-Mart for groceries when the commissary seemed so much better.
4. Packing up everything you own and moving completely across the country is completely normal to you.
Hearing the words "we are moving" from mom and dad is nothing new. Every few years, or months, you put everything you own into boxes, load up the rental truck and head on out to a new state or even country sometimes. When you're a military brat, there are no limits.
5. Some of your stuff never even leaves boxes.
Along with packing up every few years (or months), some things you own take months to come out of their boxes. Other things don't ever even leave the boxes. That's okay however, because in a short time, you'll be loading it into a truck and heading for a new home. So unpacking is really a waste of time.
6. Military homecomings aren't just sad videos to you.
Every year around veteran's day and various other holiday's, people have military homecoming videos all over their news feeds on social media. For military brats, these aren't just sad videos of soldiers coming home, they're flashbacks to when mom or dad came home after so long away. I've been the little girl with a welcome home poster and an American flag in my hand while dad's ship pulled up to the pier after months on end. These videos can bring extremely strong emotions along with them when you're a military brat.
7. You understand the importance of thanking our veterans a little more than most.
As with anything, when someone has a personal tie with something, it becomes a little more important within your life. This is true with the kids of military men and women and knowing how important it is to thank those who serve our country. I know how much my father gave up as I grew up and I know so many others did the same thing. A little thanks can go a long way.
8. You grew up with a passion for the USA.
You'll never find a military brat that's not true red, white and blue. We grew up watching someone put it all on the line for our country and their passion comes down to us. We have been taught to love our country and be proud of where we come from.
9. You own several shirts and other things that display your connection to a certain branch.
For me, it was Navy. I owned, and still do own, things that simply say "Navy" on them. Shirts, sweatpants, hats, you name it, I had it. Not only did I own all these things, but I wore them with pride. Military brat's defend and support a branch of the military like a favorite sports team. We grew up knowing nothing but, so whether you have a million Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Marine, or Air Force T-shirts, I understand.
10. You have friends all over the United States.
Since you've lived in several area's of the U.S. you continue to have friends all over the country. I attended eight different schools before I graduated high school and made groups of friends in every one. Not only did I move away, but eventually so did they. Leaving me with connections all over the United States.
11. As hard is it may be, you wouldn't trade your military brat experience for anything.
Growing up isn't easy, but growing up a military brat can be even harder. The countless goodbyes to people you love and the constant uproot of your life is not an easy life to live, but we do it for the sake of service to the United States of America. No one understands the truth about the life of a military brat, than us military brat's.
