Growing up a military brat comes with a great pride. We are born into a culture that is instilled in us for the rest of our lives, long after the parents retire. There are several things you can distinguish between us brats or even just assume based on our lifestyle.

1. We have our own language

Have you ever tried to explain your weekend to your friends and you have to retell it in English? "So last night I went to the PX/BX and then hit the Class IV before the party and didn't get to bed until zero dark thirty?"

2. Our house is never always unpacked

Half of your garage is boxes of stuff you still haven't unpacked from your last move, probably because you anticipate the next one.

3. We are great at making new friends

But even better at it when the other person is a military brat too.

4. Bowling is our favorite past time

Okay so maybe not our favorite, but we've celebrate a birthday or two at the one bowling alley on base!

5. We HATE the word Goodbye

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From going deployments to constant PCSing (permanent change of station) saying goodbye to friends and family members is not easy. We tend to avoid this word for as long a possible by simply not saying it.

6.We are great huggers

The internet eats up the soldier’s surprise coming home videos. The best way to welcome home a loved one is by holding them tightly in your arms close to your heart.

7.We have fun parties

While others celebrate the first day of spring with spring cleaning, we throw a party!

that is….a GI Party of course.

8. Fourth of July is Always Lit

Fourth of July celebrations are always special on base. Bring on the fireworks, the hot dogs, the live music, vendors, and rides! No one knows how to celebrate freedom like our freedom fighters!

9. We’ve knocked a few places off our bucket lists

We are pros at navigating the airport. From Hawaii, Japan, Italy, Germany, you name it the world is at our finger tips. Oh the places you’ll go…

10. We’ve tried one of these before

….and probably didn’t poop for a week

11.Turning ten is a huge milestone

Turning 21, the day you get your drivers' license, your first credit card, none of them come close to the day you turn ten and you get you first military id card. You wait so long to hand that card to the guards at the gate and once you can it's like you're the cool kid in school. But loose it and you are toast.

12.We have no idea where we are from

Try asking a military brat where they are from and you will find out quickly it’s one of the hardest questions to answer. It usually turns into an long explanation of our life story. Home just turns into where ever your family is.

13. We take the national anthem pretty seriously

We are real sticklers when it comes to standing at attention. We practice it so much, we even play it before every movie and the movie theater.

14. By the way AFN, we aren't idiots

We never get tired of those commercials teaching us how to keep warm during the winter, wear a helmet, cross the street, or walk our dogs. And contrary to their belief, not all soldiers have gambling and alcohol problems.

15. I'M NOT A BRAT

Children born into military families are called "military brats." In the military "brat" is a term of endearment and connotes worldliness.

Overall we are very thankful for the knowledge, strength and understanding that we have gained throughout our experiences. I will acknowledge that with military families life is far from perfect. Having grown up myself as an army brat and with my five siblings I know too well the sacrifices one must make at a young age. I found a sense of maturity at a young age. In my experience, all the tears and changes were worth it. The opportunities that I have had, the places I have lived, the friendships I have made along the way, and the appreciation I have for life shaped so much of who I am today. I am eternally grateful for every experience I have had whether good or bad. Thank you to all of the military brats and service members reading. Your dedication and sacrifices for our freedom and safety is truly heroic.