Being an Army brat is an experience I would never trade. I was born an Army brat and my dad is Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Jack Stumme who has been deployed to Iraq, South America and the Philippines. My dad, mom, three siblings and I have lived all over the United States and even in Okinawa, Japan. It has been an exciting life so far and I know that what I have learned as an Army brat will always serve me.
Traveling and meeting new people are my favorite parts of being a military brat. Because I have lived in eight different states, I have moved frequently so my world view has been expanded and I see things differently than I think I would if dad had been a civilian.
Many assume that the life of a military brat is a difficult one and it can be, but I am thankful to God for both the benefits and the difficulties and how they have made me into who I am.
Of course, the long hours that dad pulls and some of the longer deployments that he has been on, are my least favorite aspects of being a military brat. But they have helped to teach me how to act responsibly and have helped me to grow as an individual. They allow me to appreciate what other military brats go through and instill in me a gratitude and deep respect for men like my dad who do travel so far from their Families for so long to protect our country.
Living in a military environment, be it on post or with other military Families, has always been a great learning experience. The attitudes of our military personnel and the jobs they do make me second-guess any other job to which I could ever aspire.
I am thankful for my dad and for all our Soldiers' selfless service. Being a military brat, I have seen honor and sacrifice and not just from Soldiers -- I have learned a lot from watching military Families as well. The military environment is a unique one and I am thankful for having been allowed to be a part of it.
Being a military brat is one of the best things to ever have happened to me. The experiences, the joys, even the hardships, have had a profound influence on me and I know that whatever I do as I foray into the rest of life, I will never forget the deep effect that these brave men and women have had on me.
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