Being a “military brat” comes with a cost.  Children of servicemembers rarely choose to be in the unique situations that they find themselves in.

As a son of an Army veteran and a father of four, I know personally what this means.  I was deployed to Afghanistan shortly after my first child, Magnum, was born into our family, and while he was too young to remember it, I know there are millions of children in similar situations who wish their parents could be home for birthdays and family dinners.

Many children give up their schools, their friends, and comfort in the familiar because their parents took an oath to protect and serve this nation.  Some of them don’t even know what it’s like to have their dad or mom at their first basketball game or a father-daughter dance.  But I can tell you that they earn a unique sense of strength, an ability to adapt, and pride knowing that they are part of America’s history of military service.

I’m honored to help recognize April as the Month of the Military Child and take a chance to recognize and appreciate all of these children and the sacrifices that they make.  Our nation will not forget their dedication.