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What it Means to be a Military Kid

By Military Kids

April 3, 2012
We asked kids from all branches of service across the country what it means to be a Military Kid.  Here are just a handful of their honest replies:

Kayla, an Air Force military kid shares, “It’s not fun. ‘Cause we move so much!  And, it’s sad when Dad deploys.  The only good part is shopping on base, ‘cause there’s no taxes.”

Two Navy kid sisters share their feeling on what being a Military kid means, “I’m lucky that my dad is in the Navy and saving the world,” shares 9-year-old Emily.  Her sister, 11-year-old Chandler lists that being a Military kid means, “Learning to deal with heartbreaks, supporting my dad, respect for the flag, learning to try everything and having amazing experiences.”

To Navy kid, Tyler, it means “that we get to travel a lot and I get to make a bunch of new friends.”  Tyler shares he is proud of his dad for being in the Navy, and that being a military kid makes him proud too!

Leisel says, “It’s great to have new experiences, but it stinks when you have to leave your friends.”

Army teen Darryl thinks, “Being a military kid exposes you to new situations constantly.  I think this is good and helps make you a better rounded person.  And I am really thankful when my dad comes home from Afghanistan, my mom seems to lighten up.”

Siblings Christian and MacKenzie agree that being a military kid makes them feel good and special.

Marine daughter Abby gets frustrated at times, “It is funny when people find out that I am a military kid then ask, ‘so, where are you from?’  I want to say, ‘What do you mean?  Didn’t I just tell you that I am a military kid!’ They don’t get it.  I hate having to say, ‘Well, I was born in California, then we moved to … “

We heard mixed emotions from an Army set of siblings:  Jack, age 12, says “Being a military kid makes me feel special because I know my Dad is helping to protect my country everyday.”  Sam, age 14, shares “It means my Dad is gone, a lot,”  and little brother Abe states, “I don’t like moving.”

Our final comment comes from a Marine mil kid who says, “I feel special because I can get on base and get to go to the Exchange!”

We want to know how your child responds when asked, "What does it mean to you to be a military kid?" Leave his/her comment below.