Last stop: Arizona

Our next, and last, military move was to Arizona and it was very different from our other homes.

It was the furthest away I had been from my family. The cost of going home went from a tank of gas to the cost of flying and there were no amusement parks anywhere in the state of Arizona.

Arizona

At first we rented a home because we didn't know how long we were staying in Arizona. Once we knew we would be there for a long time, we found a house for a good price.

It took us a couple of months to find it, since my whole family had to decide on a house that we all liked and would be willing to live in.

It wasn't easy, but in the end we found a house that had what we needed and we were all satisfied.

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Arizona is where my dad retired. After my dad got out of the military, he continued to work for the government. His job now still deals with money. Both of my parents are working full time, however, we never went back to Friday night being pizza night every week.

I would say my life overall as a military brat is pretty good. I have learned and seen a lot from living in different states and I see now that it is a big privilege.

Privilege

Some kids don't even get out of the state they were born in until they're in college.

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I think being a military brat has also helped me witness how prices can change from place to place for activities I liked to do, as well as the different perspectives people can have.

My Future in the Military

Some people ask me if I would ever join the military; seeing how my dad was, I have a mentor and I somewhat understand what it takes to be a soldier.

My answer to that question is yes. I could see myself joining the military if I don't receive an athletic scholarship.

I told my dad this and he is against it 100%. He feels that the military isn't what it was 20 years ago when he joined. He believes that it is all about war now and if I were to join I would spend most of my time overseas.

Stay strong and keep busy.

What do you think about the military? Would you join?

Being a military brat is definitely not an easy thing to do when it's just your mom, your brother, and you in the same household.

It was hard not talking to my dad every day and just hoping and praying that he was OK.

Cherish the Time

In this photo, I was 5 and my brother was 9. My dad coached both our teams to undefeated seasons.

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Being a military brat made the times I was able to spend with my dad the most cherished.

My advice to other teenagers whose parent(s) serve in the military is to stay strong and keep busy so that time will fly by faster for you. What would your advice be for teenagers that have a parent or parents in the military?

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Age,16
Sahuarita, AZ

WRITTEN BY:

Aric

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