Dear Dad,

I have conquered my first week of college with the help of a great conversation starter. When I meet someone new, the first things they ask me are what my major is and where I’m from. The first couple of times I was asked this, I would freeze and wonder exactly where I’m from. I mean, I've lived in California, England, Hawaii, Virginia and now you're moving to Texas, so where exactly do I come from? Eventually, I just told them all that my dad is in the military and that I come from many places.

You made the choice that would forever make it hard for me to figure out where I come from when you were only 17 years old. You’ve been in the military for 25 years while I have been alive for only 18. You were younger than me when you joined the Air Force, starting your life as the big, brave soldier I've always known. I have to hype myself up just to go print something in the library, so kudos to you.

You're a great soldier and an even better dad. You were recently in Greenland for a year and I had a difficult time adjusting to your absence even though you've been deploying before I was a baby. This time was different because you were going to miss so many milestones in my life.

I recently found a letter I had written for you but had never sent. Reading the words ignited so much emotion in me. With my sloppy handwriting and numerous spelling mistakes, I somehow made both myself and my new roommate tear up just a bit.

I thought you weren't going to be there for my high school graduation, but you surprised me like usual. Mom rushed out of the house one night saying she forgot to pick something up. She came home and was acting so suspicious with a smile teasing her lips. I pointed it out and next thing I knew, you were standing there in the kitchen. I don't think I've ever ran faster than I did that day. I ran straight into your arms sobbing and crying because my dad wasn't going to miss my graduation.

When you were in Greenland, I had a tough time. I didn't have my dad around to hug and watch "Space Jam" with me when I was feeling down. I was limited to short emails and awkward conversations with you on the phone. Phone conversations and emails are okay and all, but it's nothing compared to you being home.

Today I told someone in one of my classes that I have moved quite a bit, and they told me how brave I was and thanked me for my service. I didn't know what to say; I'm not the one in the military, you are. I'm not the one that has been deployed to different countries. I'm not the one that instinctually questions every sound I hear for the fear of it being a dangerous weapon. I'm not the one that has served more than 25 years. However, I sat back and thought about it. I may not be enlisted in the military, but I serve too. I may not have been the one deployed to different places time and time again, but I was the one who stayed at home and had to explain why my dad wasn't in the country. I may not have served 25 years, but I've been involved with the military since the day I was born. I may not be the one questioning every noise, but I am the one who has to answer and say, "No dad, it's just microwave timer going off, not a bomb."

As a military child (or military brat, although I hate that term) I have had so many opportunities. I have met so many interesting people. The amount of times we have travelled due to your service is the reason why I want to be a journalist. You taught me how to be literate in many currencies, from sitting on the floor with me comparing the English pound to an American dollar, to bringing home foreign coins from countries you've been to. You have always been there for me (with the occasional 6 months or year-long absence), and I thank you for that.

You're my number one fan, always asking about my new articles and being the first to like them on social media. You make me laugh and were the first to give me my nickname only you and Mom are allowed to call me. You manage to cheer me on while serving your country, and I truly thank you. Thank you for serving our country and thank you for being my biggest supporter (along with Mom).

Love,

Hals