Earlier this morning, I read something written by a young girl, it was about her hero.  Normally when you think of a child writing about a hero you expect to hear about Batman or Barbie or whatever sports star happens to be in their sport of choice...  This was quite different from that.  She is quite different than most children though, because she is what most would call an 'Army Brat'. 

I have learned something being around the military that I didn't know or understand prior to; although the soldier wears the uniform - the spouse and children also serve.  They stand in the silent ranks who say goodbye for their soldier to head off into training or combat and patiently wait for their return.

This 'Army Brat' wrote about her hero.  He doesn't wear a cape, he wears a uniform and in her eyes he is the greatest hero of all.  This is the reality for many military children, these 'brats' endure hardships that most people could not ever imagine.  When you marry a soldier, you have at least a partial understanding of what could come, but military kids never chose this lifestyle.  They pack up their toys and say goodbye to their friends every couple of years as they move from one post to another, sometimes to or from foreign countries, on a regular basis they are saying goodbye to their soldier parent, there are missed birthdays and plays, recognitions and sporting events. 

So yes, it's easy to say these kids are brats, because as you can see they are so spoiled...  These children sacrifice for our freedom, no different than their soldier parents and they do it with a sense of pride and without a complaint.  These brats have more courage at even just a few years old, than most people will ever have to show their whole life...

My Military Hero By Lillianna

'Who is a hero? Firefighters and police men (or women), and doctors but to me someone else is more special. Some people may think a superhero is a hero, but they aren’t real. My hero is courageous, helpful and caring. My hero is my dad, CW3 Trinidad Rodriguez Jr.

My Dad has lots of courage to go to war. Courage to me is being stron...g and having the ability to go to war without being scared. I think it also means to anywhere and fight for freedom. Every soldier must have courage because of what they do. That is why I think my Dad has courage.
My Dad is helpful to other people and his friends. He does things for others that help them not have a hard time. At work my Dad helps his friends when they have to go somewhere. Sometimes he helps me with difficult homework or just a project. I think my Dad is one of the most helpful people I know.
My Dad is a caring person. He takes care of us, but still does his work for the Army. Even though my Dad has lots of stuff to do he makes sure he has time for us too. He takes us to cool places and to the pool so we can swim. My Dad cares for us so much.

My hero will always be my Dad for what he does. My dad has the courage to fight for our country. He is always there for me and others. He’ll care for us no matter what. Now you know why I think my Dad is COURAGEOUS, HELPFUL, and CARING and my HERO.'  -