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 we 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 very soon.
So many of you may think....what is the purpose of this blog entry.....well it's very basic....stay connected. You will meet many people in your lifetime that may come and go but it is important that you take the time to stay connected. It is with these people that you have created and formed your lifetime memories. Cherish the gifts of friendship.
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 very soon.
So many of you may think....what is the purpose of this blog entry.....well it's very basic....stay connected. You will meet many people in your lifetime that may come and go but it is important that you take the time to stay connected. It is with these people that you have created and formed your lifetime memories. Cherish the gifts of friendship.