My father was a career military man. He served in the Air Force for 20+ years and then when he retired from that job he went back to work for the Armed Forces in a civil service position. Being a dependent in the military has it's own unique challenges and it's unique benefits which I never fully realized nor appreciated growing up as a kid. Now that I am an adult I can totally appreciate being a military "BRAT" as well like to call ourselves. When I was younger, I HATED the fact that we never stayed in one location for more than 3 years. But the timing was like clockwork...after I got settled, made friends, my dad would walk through the door and announce we are moving once again. Leaving my friends behind was an awful experience. And forget as I got older and started dating how awful it was to leave your high school sweethearts. And long distance relationships are soooooo hard to maintain. But even though those experiences were filled with lots of heartbreak and tears. I can now look back on them fondly. I have been very fortunate to have been able to travel the world, Europe, Asia, the United States thanks to my dad's military service. I have also been blessed to have met hundreds if not thousands of people during all those travels as well.
As a result of being a military "BRAT" I can report that there is a special bond and connection that all military BRAT's share that is unique to this special group. That bond is not something that can be described or explained it just exists. No matter where we all may have ended up, when we connect again it is like nothing has changed...time stands still. Those BRATS are my second family. We are there to support each other through anything and everything. This past week I got another opportunity to experience this unique feeling. A former high school classmate that attended high school with me while our parents were stationed at Clark AB, Republic of the Philippines, retired from the Air Force after 25 years of service and I was fortunate enough to be able to attend his retirement ceremony along with a few other classmates that reside in San Antonio with me. It was such a memorable experience. The fact that we could attend and support each other is amazing after 25 years. Truly a blessing. During this same week another former classmate that resided at the same air base contacted me via FB only to discover that we live miles from each other. I am looking forward to connecting with her this coming weekend.
I love all the "BRATS" that I have met along my lifelong journey and thank the heavens above that they were placed into my life. They have truly made my life better for it. So wherever you all are...I thank you for your friendship and for being a part of my life. You all will always hold a special place in my heart. MILITARY BRATS forever!
As a result of being a military "BRAT" I can report that there is a special bond and connection that all military BRAT's share that is unique to this special group. That bond is not something that can be described or explained it just exists. No matter where we all may have ended up, when we connect again it is like nothing has changed...time stands still. Those BRATS are my second family. We are there to support each other through anything and everything. This past week I got another opportunity to experience this unique feeling. A former high school classmate that attended high school with me while our parents were stationed at Clark AB, Republic of the Philippines, retired from the Air Force after 25 years of service and I was fortunate enough to be able to attend his retirement ceremony along with a few other classmates that reside in San Antonio with me. It was such a memorable experience. The fact that we could attend and support each other is amazing after 25 years. Truly a blessing. During this same week another former classmate that resided at the same air base contacted me via FB only to discover that we live miles from each other. I am looking forward to connecting with her this coming weekend.
I love all the "BRATS" that I have met along my lifelong journey and thank the heavens above that they were placed into my life. They have truly made my life better for it. So wherever you all are...I thank you for your friendship and for being a part of my life. You all will always hold a special place in my heart. MILITARY BRATS forever!
In honor of my friend that retired from the Air Force last week and to all my military "BRAT" friends this is for you. Proud of being a "BRAT".
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