2023/Ava-

Being a Military child has many struggles, but the experiences and advantages that come with it are extraordinary. I was born into a Navy family back in Virginia Beach, Virginia in 2008 and was only 6 months old when my dad deployed for 9 months. Once my dad got back we lived there for another year before moving out to the middle of nowhere in California: Ridgecrest. My dad didn’t have to go on long deployments while there but instead he would go on short trips every other week. After almost three years we moved back to Virginia Beach, Virginia where I started elementary school. Once moving there I had to get used to my dad leaving for long deployments again but I adapted. After 3 years we moved to Atsugi, Japan, which was the first time I lived on a base and attended a DoDEA school. Living in Atsugi, the deployments were unique, instead of one long deployment, parents would go on a few for a shorter amount of time, so it felt easier that way. Living in Japan was unique due to the location and culture. It was super safe, and since Japan is located where it is, you could go to plenty of different countries for portcalls. After two and a half years, we moved to Kailua, Hawaii. There my dad had his short tour, so he never left on deployment, but instead would go on short trips every so often. After Hawaii we moved here to Iwakuni, Japan. Now my dad does the few shorter deployments and life is pretty simple. So while there are the cons of being a military child like deployments, moving, and being far from family, being a military kid comes with amazing experiences that I wouldn't trade for the world!