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, you learn many things about yourself, your family, and your country.
Respect is a big lesson I've learned through life. Having a dad 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 have to leave their beloved families, to protect our families they don't know us, nor will they ever meet us. Some 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. I understand first hand what it means to be patriotic. When you have a parent in the military, you are innately forced to become passionate about it too. Service men and women put their country before themselves each and every day so that we can have the freedoms many of us so easily take for granted. As the daughter of two of these individuals, I've been raised to always remember and appreciate that the military plays a huge role in keeping the country we call home a safe place for us all
One of the hardest things about being a military family is the seemingly never ending deployments or TDY's. These can be anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple months, to a couple years in length. You just never know. The military forced us to be strong, and independent. Although deployments suck (without a doubt) they make those involved stronger, it's time that allows your family to become stronger as well. Adaptability is key. After being deposited from location to location, I’ve learned how to become a chameleon of sorts and adapt quickly to my surroundings. As a result, I’ve developed a set of “social survival skills," I've learned how to make friends quickly, embrace unique cultures, and appreciate different perspectives. Change is one of the few constants in life. After everything I’ve experienced, I’ve learned that there is nothing that I can’t make it through with time. Life will throw obstacles at you. If you have the mental fortitude and willpower, you can conquer anything, and I mean absolutely anything!
After all, any seasoned military brat knows that when your parents serve, you serve too. And I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. I'm thankful for every opportunity I have been given through life, and none of it would be possible if my dad hadn't enlisted. So, here's to you dad. Thank you.
