As of Jan. 31, the Defense Manpower Data Center released that close to 1.4 million Americans serve in the armed forces. Meaning .4 percent of America is active military personnel. Not only are those 1.4 million serving, but their families should also be included in some sort of number. Families definitely have their share of service as well -- trust me, I've seen it.

Growing up in a military family, things are a lot different than what another family may experience. Moving every two to three years, deployments, traveling, living on and off base, calling everyone by their last name, and so much more. Growing up in a military family you learn many things about yourself, your family, and your country.

Respect

Having a father in the military has taught me so much respect. For myself, my father, my family, and for all those who have served or is serving in the military. They put their lives at risk just so the rest of us can sleep safely at night. They leave their beloved families, to protect other families they don't know, nor will they ever meet. Many lose their lives, so that we can live a free one. The respect that I have gained for all military personnel has been directly influenced by my own father and his service. Without him being in the military I may not have been taught why to respect those who are.

Strength

One of the hardest things about being a military family are those seemingly never ending deployments. These can be a couple months, to a couple years in length. You just never know. When I was younger and my dad was deployed, there wasn't Facetime, iMessage, or anything like that. I remember talking on the phone with my daddy as a little girl, counting down the days until I could wrap my arms around him again. I missed him, and I knew my family did too. The military forced us to be strong, and independent. Although deployments suck (without a doubt) they make those involved stronger.

Appreciation

After my dad came back from Iraq, I realized how much I appreciated spending time with him. I realized even the lazy days at home were some of the best days, just because I was with him. I know my dad came home and appreciated everything he had a little bit more too, from a home cooked meal, to going to bed at night with his family safe at home. Appreciation for the little things became a much more profound idea.

There's so many more values the military teaches us, but those are just some that have affected my life personally. Although the military is hard, challenging, and painful at times -- it teaches all those in the service valuable aspects about life. Which they go and teach their families. Respect, strength, and appreciation are only a few.

I want to thank all those in the service, and those who have served. God Bless.