An Army Brat’s Perspective: 2 Types of ‘Service Members’

An “army brat” gives tribute to her loving, hardworking, resourceful mom—who was just as much a “servicemember” as her military dad.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jonathan Carnell, 60th Air Mobility Wing public affairs specialist from Travis Air Force Base, California, and his spouse, Micah, pose for a photo with their daughters for the Military Spouse Appreciation Day campaign in Vacaville, California, on March 30, 2022. Christine Minoda/U.S. Air Force

Commentary

Servicemembers sacrifice more than enough for our country. This truth is recognized through the Veterans Affairs Department, Veterans Day, certain discounts, movies, books, and the list continues to grow. From what I’ve seen growing up as an Army brat, when the servicemember has a spouse and children, these children are ultimately raised by two different types of “servicemembers.”