veteran’s corner
Tom Krabbenhoft
April is the month of the military child. In my own circle I know very few that haven’t left kids behind.
As a military child and retired military member myself it holds extra meaning.
Being uprooted twice in my life at a young age to Seattle and then later to Washington DC area I recall the culture shock.
Seattle had beautiful terrain and pleasant weather. Where we lived was dense with people compared to the little house on the prairie here. Starting school there was a whirlwind. Both sets of grandparents visited. One of my funniest memories is when snow fell from the tall pine trees burying my Grandfather. I would testify this where I learned every cuss word in two minutes.
DC was a bit different. There was no internet back then. No real way to tell what you were getting into. Price wise we anticipated the place we were going to stay was going to be nicer than what we were used to. I will just say oops. Elvis died while we were there.
Always trying to fit in was tough. I’m grateful for the experience and grateful I did not move every couple of years. Many kids do.
My dad left for a while to attend military school leaving my poor mom with my brother and I. The term “wait til your dad gets home” became more clear and real as time went on. I know it wasn’t easy on her having him gone.
Military families suffer much higher divorce rates. The kids are unfortunately along for this ugly ride.
Here is a poem for the military child:
The official flower of the military child is the dandelion.
Why? The plant puts down roots almost anywhere, and it’s almost impossible to destroy. It’s an unpretentious plant, yet good looking. It’s a survivor in a broad range of climates. Military children bloom everywhere the winds carry them. They are hardy and upright. Their roots are strong, cultivated deeply in the culture of the military, planted swiftly and surely. They’re ready to fly in the breezes that take them to new adventures, new lands, and new friends. Experts say that military children are well-rounded, culturally aware, tolerant, and extremely resilient. Military children have learned from an early age that home is where their hearts are, that a good friend can be found in every corner of the world and that education doesn’t only come from school. They live history. They learn that to survive means to adapt, that the door that closes one chapter of their life opens up to a new and exciting adventure full of new friends and new experiences.” ~ Author unknown
This week is dedicated to the military child.
Comments, story ideas or to submit a Veteran of the week please contact me @ 11btwk@gmail.com