Telling others what my parents do is one of my favorite conversations to have. Not because they live a glamorous life of fame and fortune, but because both, my mother and my father, have dedicated two decades of their life to serving in the United States Armed Forces.
My dad began his military career in the Army, where his first assignment flying Cobra's, attack helicopters, provided him with the opportunity to travel and live abroad in Illesheim, Germany. After completing two tours in the Army, he then took an aviator position with the U.S. Coast Guard. Completing six tours, he retired as a Lieutenant Commander, serving a total of 21 years in the U.S. military. My mom attended Ohio State University's ROTC program and after receiving her commission went on to pursue a career in the Air Force Reserves. She now holds a Colonel ranking and is currently stationed at the Pentagon, with 19 years of service under her belt.
So, as you can probably assume, the military is nothing short of a familiar subject to me. Growing up a military brat has taught me many invaluable life lessons and a considerable number of "what it means:"
1. What it means to stay disciplined.
No matter what I was involved in growing up, my parents never let me quit until I had finished what I started. Discipline is one of the first things you learn in the military, and it's a trait I'm thankful for because it was ingrained into me at a very early age. Staying focused, not giving up, and ensuring you always finish what you start is a life lesson that has, for me personally, successfully paid off countless times throughout my life.
2. What it means to be brave.
When I was in the 7th grade, my mom deployed to Qatar. It was one of the most difficult times of my life, but her being across the world taught me how important it is to be brave, no matter how much I needed or wanted her at home by my side. She was doing her duty to our country, and I had to do my part as well.
3. What it means to respect others.
A hierarchical system of authority is the framework of the military. Showing respect to everyone at all times, especially to those in authoritative positions, is a widely held value by members of the military. A salute is a common gesture of respect, and just as servicemen salute one another, I was raised to "salute" those around me as well. Being respectful of yourself and others goes a long way, and it's a common theme you'll find amongst those who have, are currently serving, or were raised in a military family.
4. What is means to have patriotism.
I understand first hand what it means to be a patriot, and not just because my childhood home was covered in stars and stripes. 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.
The military and the values it instills in the families of those a part of it have helped mold me into who I am today. The importance of understanding what it means to remember the four things listed above is a direct result of growing up a military brat. 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.
