I was an Air Force Brat, and now I have been married to my husband for over 10 years who is also, you guessed it..Air Force.

Throughout the years I sometimes focused on what the military has taken away from me: my home, my family, friends, my ability to plan, oh and constantly taking away My HUSBAND!

But recently, I flipped the narrative, what has the military given me?

The Military Has Taken Me to Places I’ve Never Been

Fisherman’s Bastion- Budapest, Hungary

I have traveled all over the United States and some Countries because of the military, and fell in love with new places I thought I’d never visit or come to love.

The Military Has Given Me Friends I Never Would Have Had

Yes, it has taken me away from the ones I love… BUT I have met and made lifelong friendships with people (and animals) ALL OVER THE WORLD! I wouldn’t have that if it weren’t for the military.

The Military has given me Independence

Yes, I know we’re dependents and yes the military has taken my husband away a lot… BUT I have gained Independence, strength and a sense of confidence to be the one who holds down the fort. It has taught me how to handle everything when he is gone, which is a lot!

The Military Has Given Me Flexibility

Planning? What’s that? Sure, the military gives us the inability to plan but because of that I have learned to be flexible and LOVE spontaneity, and I guarantee that’s because of the military.

The Military Has Made Our Family Super Close

Because of the military lifestyle, it has made our family a close knit unit. When we move, we are all each other has, during times of transitions and hard times… this above all is my favorite thing the military has given me 🙂

The military has made me the person I am today, and I am thankful for that. And yes, sometimes there are many inconveniences and annoyances but I try and remind myself it’s so worth it!

What has the military given and taken from you?