'What does it mean to you to be a military child?'

By Sienna Burch, Aliamanu Military Reservation Youth Center Club MemberApril 25, 2014

Military Child survey
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Aloha, my name is Sienna Burch. I am 14 years old. My father has served in the U.S. Army for 15 long years.

We are currently stationed in the majestic island of Oahu. We have the most beautiful beaches and incomparable weather. I love it here!

Being a military child is a great experience and opportunity; it is a lifestyle that not everyone will enjoy.

It is awesome, but terrifying. It means that no matter where a Soldier is deployed, there is always a hero out there risking his/her life for our freedom.

It means they are willing to fight and give the U.S. citizens their best efforts. They are out there to help protect us by risking their lives, sacrificing for all families!

Some spectacular things about being a military child are meeting new people, traveling to different places in the world, starting a new life and journey, getting the ability to go help your parents and go to their promotions. These things are the crowning glory of my life as a military child. I treasure these moments.

Let us not forget that our parents are the living heroes who protect our freedom and country. I am very privileged to have my dad as my hero and the role he plays in protecting our rights and liberties.

Of course there are things that I really dislike about our lifestyle. But do I really have a choice? Like I said, it is a lifestyle. Here is a list of challenges that I have faced over the years:

• Leaving the place you have grown to love and the friends you have made there.

• When will you be able to see those friends again?

• Can you visualize having a family member gone to fight in another country?

• How about the sleepless nights of wondering if your dad is safe?

• When will dad come home again?

• Will he be here on my birthday and other special occasions?

• Most fathers are there when their children are born, but mine was different because he was not there. I cannot complain any further because I love what my dad does for my country.

Being a military child is really difficult. We are resilient and have overcome many difficulties. We are responsible.

We help our mom raise our siblings. We are flexible and easy to get along with. We have tremendous stories to share and a life to live!

Life as a military child can be rough at times, but also rewarding. That is my story of being a military child.