During some recent conversations with constituents, I was asked about how familiar I might be with the challenges that some students face because one or both parents are serving in the military. So, I thought it might be appropriate to give you some idea of my life experience in this area.

I was raised as a Marine Corps brat. Spent three formative years on O’ahu while my father served in Vietnam. Moved somewhat frequently. I spent eight years as a Navy wife. Enlisted. Started on the day of my marriage. Of our five children, three were born during that time. We had the really good fortune of never having to deal with a deployment, as my husband was stationed aboard U.S.S Merrill (DD-976), which was taken out of the normal deployment rotation in order to be the test platform of the surface-launched version of the Tomahawk Cruise Missile. We separated from military service after two terms as the prospects of deployment loomed and we had three little ones. So many great experiences. Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right?

So, do I understand what students and spouses might be dealing with at home? Absolutely. Perhaps there is something we might do together to nurture the students that deal with this.