I never knew how much came with the saying “I’m a military brat” until I moved to a small town where people were born, raised, and rarely left. I was shocked at how different life was being off and away from a base. Being away from that lifestyle showed me how much I learned growing up being a military brat.

1. Military Brats Are More Welcoming!

We knew how intimidating it was to be the new kid and tried to make everyone feel better as they came in. Uprooting again and having to try to fit in was the nightmare we faced. When I lived on a base or in the military community, I was always greeted by kids in the neighborhood with smiles and invitations. We were never told to do this, it just was understood and became a natural thing. EVERYONE was welcomed at our house!

2. Military Brats Value Friendship.

I was very uneasy as I saw how easily these kids switched friends and turned their backs. Friends were the closest thing we had to family since ours were states away. With that fact, we knew that we shouldn’t ruin that. We never knew if our neighbors would still be there in a month or even two weeks, so we learned to make the most of every minute together. We might have fought once in awhile, but chances were we back to playing together the next day.

3. Military Brats Know Distance Doesn’t Matter.

I lived most of my life 1,000 miles away from my family so I learned early on that distance doesn’t define how much we love. I mean my grandma still seemed to love me the same! It just made our times with them more special and memorable. Phone calls and letters were the highlight of my days! Being grown up in my own relationships now, I am fine with being away from loved one. I don’t take advantage of the small moments and never miss a chance to say “I love and miss you”.

4. Military Brats Are Grateful For Their Parents.

Of course, everyone thinks their parents are the best and I am no exception! I grew up watching my dad put on his uniform and saying his good mornings at 5 a.m. or his goodnights as he heads to work at 11 p.m. Although he missed some important times, I understood that he was doing his job to keep us safe, free and fed. Not everyone can say that their hero is the own parent. I also was lucky enough to witness the strength of my mother as she raised us without the help of family and sometimes even my father. She put on a smile and put us first.

5. Military Brats Get To See The World.

I am so lucky to have grown up in so many states and experience a variety of environments. Many of my classmates were never out of the state, which seemed crazy! I was given the opportunity to explore the world further than my backyard. Nothing contributed more to my knowledge and education than being able to go visit the Smithsonian and various museums on a weekend trip to Washington D.C. The excitement of seeing the Iditarod and learning the Native history of Alaska firsthand was something I couldn’t wish away.

6. Military Brats See The Tests Of Love

I learned of a love greater than distance. However, I didn’t have to watch a movie to gain this insight, I just had to walk into the living room and see my parents. They made it through his months at Basic Training. They survived the hard times of my dad’s deployment. This may not seem like a big deal now, but modern technology has boomed over the last 10 years. My mom and dad lasted this distance through a rare letter and maybe even the luxury of a phone call. How my mom kept her sanity while my dad was away for Desert Storm is beyond me! I learned to love with pure intentions and trust.

I never grew up with the hatred of being a military brat. I would have people feel sorry for me because I had to move so much as a child, and I could never figure why they felt bad for me. I loved being able to go out and see the world. I loved seeing how my parents went out on their own and made a wonderful life for themselves. There is an honor in being able to call yourself a military brat!