Catherine’s Story: Military Spouse (Part 4 of 4)

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The story of my husband’s and my meeting was published in a short story titled A Story Book Romance by Guidepost, True Stories of Extraordinary Answers to Prayer, edited by James Stuart Bell, copywrite 2011.

After I left my job in 1976 and became a full-time housewife and mom, I was accepted into the Billy Graham’s School for Christian Writing conference (I was pregnant with my first child at the time). Just when I thought my writing career was going to “take off” so speak, my grandmother needed a place to live, and I heard God whisper to my heart, “take her in.” She was from the south too, and I thought why not? She stayed with us for twelve years until she left to go to her heavenly home.

I felt God’s prompting to write. What I learned in Hawaii was partly the reason I decided to write historical novels. I did write a novel about the Vietnam Era, but did not purse publishing it. At the time Vietnam was something no one wanted to read about. I wrote the Destiny Series, inspired by my grandmother’s stories, and started writing for magazines, newspapers, and then Arcadia Publishing picked me up and I wrote two books for them. I branched into historical romance, because I decided I wanted to write happy endings! 

Many Americans do not know the truth about our American legacy. Our history is being rewritten, distorted, and often times the truth is subdued by progressive historians. On my business cards, I have “Writing America’s Story One Truth at a Time” I feel that is what God wants me to do with the knowledge I reaped during my years of travel. So, after my Arcadia books made it to print, I wrote, The Wind of Destiny (now out of print). CrossRiver Media Group picked me up and I wrote Wilted Dandelions, and the series, Swept into Destiny, Destiny Whirlwind, Destiny of Heart, and Waltz with Destiny. My latest novel is the Amish futuristic, Love’s Final Sunrise. I also do a history blog the 16th of every month on HHHistory.com

Check out my web page as I continue to write America’s story one truth at a time www.CatherineUlrichBrakefield.com

I shall never forget what John 15:7,8 taught me. Pray believing. The desire of our hearts could be a heartbeat away.

Thank you Catherine for sharing your story with us!

Catherine’s Story: Military Spouse (Part 3 of 4)

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What did you learn to eat that you didn’t eat before entering the military life?

Grits. I always eat them with our eggs to this day!

What habit did you learn in the mlitary and still do?

I learned to pack efficiently and in a hurry!

Any Friends do you remember? Do you still keep in touch?

Yes, I made many new friends. However, we did not keep in touch. My husband’s family welcomed me into their home and were are all very close.

Missing home–how did you cope?

I was never away from my home for long, we decided on a plan of making a new life after my husband’s service time, that I would keep my job and save up for a house.

How did military life change you for better? For worse?

Dancers in Hawaii from my time there.

I shall never forget when I lived in an apartment next to a group of marines. We were not married at this time. He lived on base. President Nixon had just closed Hanoi, North Vietnam ports. Those Marines cheered! I watched some tanks roll down the streets, and what people knew about this, lined the sides of the streets cheering. We all felt it in the air–that the war had a chance of finally ending. And it did, sadly, not to what Americans hoped for.

I never even knew at the time that Russia and China were using those Nam ports to arm the communist soldiers. I learned a lot in Hawaii about the Vietnam War and will never forget this. I think fake news really began its conception back in the 1970’s.

How do you think the military life affect your kids?

My children and grandchildren have learned from our experiences during the Nam era.

Would you advise your kids to join the military?

If they feel God prompting them to do so, I would not stand in their way. However, my grandchildren do not endorse President Biden, so I doubt this will happen.

Thank you, Catherine! Stay tuned for Part 4!

Catherine’s Story: Military Spouse (Part 2 of 4)

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Tell us about Love in the Military

I met my husband flying from Los Angeles to Hawaii on vacation. He had visited his family in Birmingham Alabam, and was on his way back to the Main Island, as he called Oahu.

We got married while he was on active duty, at Our Lady of Sorrows church in Wahiawa, Oahu, Hawaii. My family came and we had a wonderful reception at the Polynesian Palace where Don Ho sang. From our balcony we had a lovely view of Diamond Head.

Tell us about Faith in the Military

When we met, I saw no way our marriage would work. After all, he was from Alabama, and I was from Michigan. It took a believing faith to think a marriage like ours would succeed. John 15:7 was my sustaining verse, “…if you remain in Me and My words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you w ill be My disciples.” (NKJV)

After a year or so of letter writing and he spending his leaves with my family and I with his, some fifteen months later, we decided to get married on June, 1972. A thte time he had one year left in the service. I tel l about this faith-experience in depth in my published short story, and I shall explain more in depth in part 4 of these interviews. Through trials, tears, and our fifty years, God has been our Faithful Companion.

How do you think the military life affected your marriage?

It made us both aware of family more. And we cherished the time we spent together. We also became more conscience about current events and voting for Christian beliefs are a valuable commodity to American freedoms.

Thank you, Catherine! Stay tuned for part 3 of Catherine’s interview!

Catherine’s Story: Military Spouse (Part 1 of 4)

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What Branch of Service and When?

My husband, James was in the Navy for four years, as a Cryptologic Technician, E-3. He is retired now.

Where You Able to Have a Career While He Served

I was able to work as a Purchasing Agent while my husband served.

How Long Have You Been Married?

We have been married for 50 years. We were married for a year when my husband served in Naval Intelligence during the Vietnam era. During the last six months of his duty, he was stationed on the Ticonderoga and was involved in the historical event when the Apollo 15 astronauts David R. Scott, Alfred Wordeo, and James Irwin splashed down successfully after twelve days from their moon landing mission.

How Did You Deal with Fear/Stress of deployment?

My husband was well protected due to his naval status. He was not allowed to go to Nam during his four years.

During the Viet Nam era, everyone had a limited time of duty. Navy was four years; Army was two years. It was not like World War I and II when your service man had to stay in duty until the war’s end and my husband was not in a war zone.

Best Advice to Give a Young Spouse with Kids?

Write letters and send photos. Calls might not be possible but letters are the lifeblood of every serviceman as it is yours.

Best and/or Worst Thing About Being a Military Spouse and Why?

The lost time together. it is hard to plan for your future when part of you is deployed in another part of the world.

Where did You and Your Spouse Live Before He Joined the Service? Where Do You Live Now?

My husband was from Birmingham, Alabama and I was from Warren, Michigan. Now we live in Addison Twp., Michigan.

Were You Ever Stationed with Your Spouse During His Military Career?

I stayed with my husband for a couple of weeks first in Hawaii, and later, when we were married, in San Diego.

What Did You Do to Make Your New Quarters “Home?”

I brought throw rugs and lots of pictures ot make the apartment and our bungalow more “homey.”

What Traditions Did You Continue No Matter Where You Lived?

Going to church and enjoying date times.

Duty Stations: Best and Worst.

Our favorite place to live was San Diego. It was a little bungalow that was close to the beach. We had a Christian family which really made us feel at home.

Favorite Memory

When he was stationed in Hawaii I got to see many off-tourist sites. For instance, the place the Japanese flew over to bomb Pearl Harbor. There was a huge white cross erected in its place. I remember feeling like an ant staying next to that. I also watched many natives do impromptu dances. They were so talented! I could never sway my hips the way they can.

Thank you for sharing Catherine! Stay tuned for part 2 of 4 of this interview!

Conversation with a Vietnam Era Navy Wife – Catherine Brakefield

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Please forgive the audio on this video. Had a bit of a snafu on my trip back to Colorado from Texas. When I got my normal microphone out 45 minutes before the interview, I realized it was bumped up. Yep. It was not going to work. So, plan B was a lesser-quality microphone.

No worries if you don’t catch it all. We will be posting pictures and other questions in our blog very soon that Catherine so graciously shared with Susan and me.

As you can see we have Book 3 cover revealed. We can hardly wait for you to read Book 3 in the Rules of Engagement Series, a sweet military romance.

Hope you enjoy hearing how Catherine and her Navy husband became man and wife!

https://www.amazon.com/Operation-Allegiance-Military-Romance-Engagement/dp/1936501805

Operation: Allegiance is Available !

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We are honored to inform you that book 2 in our Rules of Engagement series released this week! Operation: Allegiance is available now!

Injured Alexos Sava wants nothing more than to get back to his Army helicopter unit in South Korea. At home to convalesce on his family’s ranch in Colorado, his faith has been as battered as his ankle. The last thing he expected during his recovery was to fall head over wounded heels for a lovely redhead.

Kobbe Cooper-Sanchez has vowed to never marry a military man. When her father is seriously injured in a military helicopter accident, she returns home to help her mother. Alexos catches her eye but when she discovers his career, all bets are off.

How can love bridge the obstacles between this stubborn redhead and determined Army helicopter pilot?

Find out in this military romance.

Jeff’s Story: The Military and Advice (Part 3 of 3)

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Is the military better or worse now?

It’s certainly different.  When I joined, it was a ‘family’.  At several of my duty stations, we all knew each other’s spouse, children, the layout of each other’s house, etc.  We had parties together; we celebrated births and anniversaries together.  Now, at least in my last few units, at the end of the day, it was a race to get out of the parking lot and get back home.  The family feeling is gone.

What advice you you give someone thinking of joining the military

The advice I would give anyone getting ready to join the military is this.  Every duty station is going to be what you make it.  If you go in with a bad attitude towards it, it’s going to be the pits.  If you go into it with an upbeat attitude, it will most likely be the best place you can remember.  Also, you can learn something from every supervisor you have.  Watch, listen and learn.  You will either learn how to do something, or how NOT to do something.

The branch of service is going to depend on their personality, interests, and skillsets.

Where was your favorite place?

Favorite place to live would easily be southeastern Arizona.  There’s pretty much something for everyone to do there.

What was the hardest time you had in the military?

Toughest time was when I was sent to Washington DC after the January 6 event.  I was there only 3 months, but saw more hardship than I care to remember.  Not hardship for myself, other than 12 hour long workdays and working strictly nightshifts, I had it pretty decent.  The hardship I saw were the many homeless camps all over.  I still wonder how someone could be in the position to do something about it and not appear to lift a finger. Some of these camps were just outside the fence surrounding the buildings of Congress!

Do you still have friends from your military days?

I still have several friends from the military that I keep in touch with.

How did you manage missing home?

The times that I did miss home were almost always around holidays and birthdays.  Phone calls and pictures were what got me through.

Thank you, Jeffery for sharing your story with us!

Jeff’s Story: Military Brat to Military Man (Part 1 of 3)

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What Branch of service are you connected to?

Air Force (13 years Active duty)

Army (29 years Natl Guard)

How are you connected to the military?

I was raised as a military brat and become a service member in both the Air Force and then the Army. I served from July 1979 – Aug 2021 and achieved the rank of E8 – Master Sergeant. I’m currently retired.

Why did you join?

I joined, because I felt a calling to serve.  My father was military from when I was born up until I was about 12.  You could say it was ‘in my blood’.

What did you do in the Military?

In the Air Force I did the following jobs: Titan II missile facility electrician,         Communication / Navigation Systems repair on B-52 and KC-135 aircraft, Flight line Maintenance Control, Instructor for Maintenance on Comm/Nav sys for B-52 and KC-135 aircraft

In the Army: TOW Anti-tank missile launchers repair, Heavy Tracked vehicle maintenance,    Satellite communications systems operator, Platoon Sergeant, Division level Signal operations control, Battalion level Senior Signal Non Commissioned Officer (NCO)

Were you ever deployed?

Deployments: 2 Both to Germany. The first I was flying supplies into Sarajevo during the Yugoslavian split (3 months) a nd the second was post 9/11 security for several US military facilities in Germany (9 months).

Thank you Jeffrey for sharing! Stay tuned for part 2!

Joan’s story: Military Spouse

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How was life as a Military Wife?

I did not have a career during my  husband’s  12 years of service because I was busy raising our children and we never knew when we would be transferred to another base.  People were hesitant to hire military spouses because of the expense of training and then we’d move on. 

Deployment was always in the back of our mind.  It was not a questions of if but when you would be separated and for how long.  Who would help us in time of need and where would we end up living because base housing was not available if the military person was gone. 

The best you could do for yourself was to plan ahead for the  “what do I do if’s”. Then when they happen you have an idea in mind and can proceed relatively smoothly. 

How was life when he was deployed?

When my husband was sent to Vietnam,  I moved from Pennsylvania back  to Wisconsin to be close to my family.  I got my own apartment and cared for my 2 kids.  He was gone for 1 year and I knew he was in constant danger.  He was good about sending a letter every week but at one point I didn’t hear anything for over 45 days.  That was the longest time in my life.  I contacted the Red Cross who located him to confirm he was alive but in an area that he could not get or send any mail. 

How was it when he would return?

When he came home we were sent to Fort Sam Houston Texas where we finally had some stability.  We bought our first home and stayed there for 12 years.  By then John had obtained the rank of Staff Sgt and was an instructor in the medical detachment.  At each place you live you try to make your quarters look like home but it never really happens because you don’t put a lot of money into decorations that you probably won’t be able to take to the next place.  The military would come in and pack your household belongings and ship them to the next location.  But they could take up to a month to arrive so you need help getting started again. 

What did you love or hate about being a military wife?

The hardest thing for me was making friends only to have to leave them behind.  But while you are together they become your family.  You celebrate holidays together and comfort each other through hard times.  It truly is a life you love or hate.  There is no middle ground.  You grow up in a hurry, find courage you didn’t know you had, and try to hold the family together.  You know that God is watching over you and that’s all you can really depend on.  It’s not a life for weaklings.

Thank you, Joan for sharing!

Interview with miltary wife – Bethany Jett

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Meet military wife, Bethany Jett, an example of a woman who is capable and able to live the military lifestyle while raising her boys. She proves you can have it all and be a Patriot. Being a military wife takes skills not taught in colleges… maybe they should be! lol

Because we know the military lifestyle and frequent moves take a toll on a spouses career. We wanted to introduce you to Bethany Jett. She manages to succeed doing a job she can pick up and move when necessary. It would be awesome if all careers were capable of doing the same. During and after Covid, many people have discovered their jobs are a bit more mobile and transferable than they ever imagined.

Watch the video to get to know Bethany who became a military wife when she married her college sweetheart and followed him through his stint in the Marines, as a youth pastor, and now in the Guard. She discusses the ways she and her Air Guard hubby stay connected.

Faith. Love. Military. All great topics in this interview.

To connect with Bethany the military wife, mom, and business woman go to her website at bethanyjett.com.

For more information, go to SeriousWriter.com to learn more.”The mission of Serious Writer is to build community, create networking opportunities, teach the most current industry information, and provide free and affordable instruction and training”.

Thank you Bethany for a fun interview and allowing our readers to get to know you!

To read more of the military members, military wives and husbands, Brats, Gold Star Families and Military parents visit our blog from the beginning at https://rulesofengagmentmilitaryromance.wordpress.com/2022/07/29/coming-soon/

We want to interview you. And continue highlighting our military members, spouses (military wives or husbands), Brats, Gold Star Families, and Military Parents. Send an email to info@deedeelake.com. We’d love an opportunity to spotlight you, your business or cause!

April’s Story: Army Brat

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What Branch of the service were you connected to, how, and what years?

I was born in Atlanta, Ga January 1969 as an Army brat as my father was serving. In total my father served 20 years, 17 in Army and last 3 in Navy. 

Where have you lived?

When I was 3 months old we were stationed in Germany. We lived in Karlsruhe and Rusheim for 8 years.

What was your favorite tour of duty and why?

My favorite tour of duty was there in Germany. My Oma (landlady, as we lived off base until I started school) treated me like her own. She didn’t speak English and I learned German from her. I got to experience early in life another culture & history.

How do you answer when people ask, “Where are you from?”

We lived mostly on the East Coast when we were in the USA. When asked where I’m from I always say Atlanta, GA but I’ve called South Carolina home since 1984.

How has being a military brat influenced your life?

I’m definitely a traveler and travel domestically and internationally when ever I get the chance. I’m not a typical tourist as I immerse myself in the culture I’m visiting. My husband of 25+ years doesn’t understand my desire, no need to travel as he’s a homebody but he’s learned that’s just part of my makeup and travels with me.

Thank you, April, for sharing your story!

Korrina’s Story: Air Force Brat, Navy Wife

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Which branch of the service are you connected to, for what years, and how?

Dad was retired Air Force. He achieved the rank of SMSGT and served from 1955-1975 as a Crew Chief. He was deployed 3 times to Vietnam. He as near the DMZ but not in direct combat. His base was bombed. We came to Randolph AFB, Texas in 1970 and Dad retired here in 1974. He has since passed away.

My husband was in the Navy.

Brat and Spouse. I also have a nephew thar was in the Marines and
his brother who was in the Army and received a Purple Heart in
Afghanistan.

I’m a Brat from 1956 to 1947. Spouse from 2006 to current.

What was the best tour of duty location and why?

Prior to the Randolph area I loved being stationed at Clark AB.

I was a tween when we were stationed at Clark. Living off base at
Diamond Sub Division was fun as there were so many kids in my age
group. I loved the flowers!!

How do you answer the question “where are you from?”

I usually just say the I’m an AF Brat. If I’m out of state people assume
I’m from Texas as I’ve picked up the accent, lol.

Love in the Military

Mom and Dad got married when Dad got out of basic.

School in the Military

We lived off base at Randolph so I went to a local high school near the base, Judson High, Converse, TX 1974. I never lost my ID. I don’t remember all the other schools I attended. Two were military schools, on in Japan and one in Clark, PI.

I still have connections to many friends from that time.

How did your family cope when you missed your sponsor?

As a Daddy’s girl, I hated it when my dad went to Vietnam. We would always move back to Mom’s hometown. No military bases, all civilians. I was bullied and felt very alone on those occasions. And I hated the snow! We were always stationed in the tropics or the southern United States.

Most and Least Favorite Locations to live

Most was always SE Asia, Philippines, and Japan. Least favorite was Mom’s hometown in Indiana.

Advice for those families dealing with deployments and separations?

Stay close to a base where your children are comfortable. Don’t uproot their routine. When they area deployed, everything changes.

How do you answer the question: “Where are you from?”

I have lived 7-8 different places so I say, “I’m an Air Force Brat.” None of us take exception to being called Brats!

Where do you call home and why?

Texas.

As a Brat, home was just wherever we lived. As we moved I learned
that I do not like cold and snow and living in South Texas we rarely
get snow.

Thank you, Korrina, for sharing your story!

Nancy’s Story: Army Special Services Brat

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What branch of the military are you connected to?

My dad was Army Special Services in the Korean War.  His secret clearance allowed him to find jobs as a teacher/school administrator on Kwajalein Marshall Island and in Vientiene, Laos.

How are you connected?

Child/Brat

Where and what years?

Kwajalein – 1962-1967

Laos – 1972-1975

Best Tour of Duty and why?

Both locations were very memorable and happy. As a young child, Kwajalein was a tropical paradise, with beaches, water sports and friendships made that have lasted to this day.

As a High Schooler, Laos was an environment unlike anything stateside.

How do you answer the question: “Where are you from?”

Well, I was born in Idaho, but lived all over the place.

Where do you call “home” and why?

Home is where I presently live.  I have no roots in any one place. 

Thank you, Nancy, for sharing your story!

Juan’s Story: Air Force Brat to Navy Vet

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How are you connected to the Military and what years?

I was born into an Air Force family in 1956 until my father retired in 1972. I joined the Navy in 1974 and was discharged in 1976 due to a medical condition.

What was your best Tour of Duty and why?

Best tour of duty was at Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Puerto Rico. Best time of my life.

I was 18 years old and living in a tropical paradise away from my family. I was on my own and for the most part I was free to make my own choices. They were not all good but they were mine.

What do you tell people when they ask: “Where are you from?”

I tell people I am from all over. And I wouldn’t have it any other way

Thank you for sharing your story!

Karen’s Story: Navy Brat and Air Force Wife

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How are you connected to the military, and when?

 I have a more complicated but life-long association with the US military Here’s an overview for you to start on:

I’ve been mainly associated with the Navy through family and my own time in the Naval Sea Cadets as a teen, I was also married to a member of the Air Force and Air Force Reserves. 

I’ve been associated with the military since birth to the present day.

My father was a career naval pilot. Beginning in 1955 in Norfolk VI which is where I was born (June 1957). He did flight training there and at the next assignment in Pensacola FL.

My sister was born on this assignment. After pilot training, Dad went on board a number of ships so the early years were mainly with my mom.

Where were you stationed?

We were stationed at a number of locations: Lemoore CA, Sunnyvale CA and Oak Harbor Naval Air Station on Whidbey Island. While we were there the Vietnam war was raging and my father was sent out with his squadron to Vietnam on board a ship. This was 1968 and shortly after arriving off the coast of Vietnam he was shot down (October 13th 1968) and never recovered. Ten years after he was shot down we had him declared dead and had a ceremony at Arlington VI with full honors and a military burial.

Best tour of duty?

Although I wasn’t stationed there my favorite location was Wiesbaden as I loved being able to visit so many European cities the year I was located in Germany.

Love and romance in the military? Tell us about it.

A number of years later (1978) a budding romance happened with an Air Force Cadet which I later married. After leaving the Academy he was in the Reserves for six years.

We had an opportunity to work with the German Government in my early 20’s (1981) and lived in Wiesbaden spending time at the Army base there shopping and seeing movies in English.

After returning to the US we started a company which became a DOD contractor supplying high-tech products to a number of branches of the military

Do you have any other family members in the military?

My brother has been a career Navy man since his early 20’s stationed at  Barbers Point HI, Philippines, Japan, Lemoore CA, San Diego CA and a number of locations overseas for the Middle East conflicts. He has now retired from active duty but still works at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego.

How did this change your life?

This obviously, profoundly changed all of our lives in my family. At that point my mother was looking for support for herself and our family so we moved next to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs CO as they had a Big Brother type program for MIA and KIA military families. This was my late Junior High and High School years. I spent every weekend of those years with Air Force Cadets and officers from the base. I also attended High School at Air Academy High which was located on base. Pretty much my life revolved around USAFA events seeing lots of concerts, watching football games and even meeting a number of US presidents there.

There are many incredible personal assets I’ve gained throughout my life and military affiliations. Discipline, respect, and honor are a few.

How do you answer the question, “Where are you from?”

My typical answer is everywhere and nowhere. I’ve lived all over the US and world. When forced to list a location (such as social media) I put Colorado as that was my Junior High, High School and college location.

What do you do now?

I’m a business and life coach for entrepreneurs. I love my work and sharing it with others. Radio shows, podcasts, books, articles, bolgs, vlogs and other means of sharing who I am and what I can offer is especially important to me.

Thank you, Karen, for sharing your story with us!

Tommy’s Story: Army Brat and AF Service Member

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Which branch of the service are you connected to, how, and when?

I was an Army brat for 16 years and an Air Force Member for 4 years.

What was the best tour of duty as a dependant?

As a dependant, it would be Fulda, Germany. Made friends for a lifetime there.

What was the best tour of duty as a service member?

As a service member the best duty location was Bergstrom AFB in Austin. Unit felt like family.

How do you answer the question: “Where are you from?”

I usually answer that with a line from the Highlander movie. “Lots of different places.”

Where do you call home?

I call Hattiesburg, Mississippi home, because that was where I was born.

Thank you, Tommy, for sharing your story with us!

Marc’s Story: Army Brat

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Which branch of the service are you connected to, how, and when?

I was an Army brat from 1951-1963.

Best tour of duty location and why?

Fort Bliss, TX. First school where all the classmates were also Brats. Also summer vacation activities were great!

How do you answer the question “Where are you from?”

I just say I’m a military Brat. Most people understand.

Where do you call home?

I don’t consider anywhere “home.” I currently live in China, but that’s not what I consider to be my home. Any military base feels like home though.

Thank you, Marc, for sharing your story!

Bernard’s Story: Love in Army Officer Candidate School

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Welcome to Bernard Travis, our male protagonist in Operation: Camouflage Christmas. We decided to interview him for our blog.

How are you connected to the Military, and what branch?

My dad is a drill sergeant currently serving overseas. I’m now in Officer Candidate School to become a Psychiatric Physician’s Assistant.

What did you like and/or dislike about being a military brat?

My father was strict and life changed dramatically when he was around. Life was easier when he was gone. He didn’t show a lot of emotion. It was hard too when bad things happened that he wasn’t always there for us.

I didn’t mind moving around because I met interesting people and I guess the discipline my dad instilled in me helped me through college and hopefully through officer training.

What do you say when people ask, “Where are you from?”

I usually tell them I’m an American. I don’t belong to any one place.

Where is home for you?

Home is wherever my mom is. Someday I hope it will be wherever my wife is.

Why should someone read Operation: Camouflage Christmas?

Well, if you want bad poetry, by all means go ahead. I’m just happy my plan to woo Brooke worked. You’d need to read it to find out just how. I think God covered a multitude of my own weaknesses in the process.

CAMOUFLAGE CHRISTMAS RELEASE DAY! WOOT!

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If you read our “about” page you know that DeeDee and Susan became friends years ago (more than we want to admit because it makes us older!). They met at the Colorado Christian Writer’s Conference in Estes Park Colorado and Susan was on faculty and DeeDee was her first appointment. There as an instant connection and friendship that came out of that, probably because DeeDee can make friends anywhere. Part personality and part of being a Navy brat and an Army wife.

How did you come to write this book?

How can love blossom when dating is forbidden?

https://amzn.to/3THOFUF

Setting aside broken dreams of love and marriage, Samantha “Brooke” Cooper-Sanchez is determined to complete Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia, so she can be a nurse in the Army Medical Corps. She wasn’t looking for love. Then surprise Christmas gifts begin showing up. Who is sending them and how does this person know her so well?

Bernard Travis has been friends with Brooke since high school. They’d remained in contact over the years, and now for the first time, she is available to pursue, except dating is forbidden in OCS. When she doesn’t realize who her mysterious gift giver is, Bernard begins to doubt he’ll ever win her heart. Will God make his fondest Christmas wish come true?

Buy Operation Camouflage Christmas today and discover an engaging novella of love, trust, and faith.

Brooke’s Story: Army Brat to Army Nurse and love?

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Meet Samantha “Brooke” Cooper-Sanchez, the female protagonist in our first installation in the Rules of Engagement Romance series! Operation: Camouflage Christmas is a novella available in ebook and print format! We hope you’ll enjoy it, and Brooke’s interview.

How are you connected to the military? What branch?

My father is an Army helicopter pilot, which makes me and my sisters military brats.

Where was your favorite place to live?

I loved the adventure of living in various places. I have a particular fondness for Fort Rucker in Alabama. Probably our longest stay and I finished high school there. Got my first glimpse of Bernard who I had a huge crush on.

What was the best thing about being an military brat?

I loved the traveling and seeing different parts of the world and immersing myself in culture. Probably one of the reasons I joined the Army myself.

What was the hardest thing about being a military brat?

Leaving friends behind when we’d move was always difficult. Thankfully I can keep in touch with most of them. My sister is a twin so I had a built in best friend with me wherever we went.

Where do you call home?

Wherever my mom is, that’s home.

What do you tell people when they ask, “Where are you from?”

Sometimes I say ‘Bama because that’s where I finished “growing up.” Most military brats don’t care where they’re from. We are more concerned with where we are right now.

Any advice for sponsors and families of children in the military?

Make home a priority and don’t sacrifice your children. Make every moment together all the more special. Life is uncertain and precious. Work hard, yes. Do your duty, absolutely, but make sure your family knows how much they are loved. My dad was great at this.

Why should people read Camouflage Christmas?

I lived it so maybe I’m biased, but the events in that story took me by surprise but God worked it all out in the best possible way. I don’t want to give away any spoilers but I for one am living a happily-ever-after moment with Bernard… remember the guy I met in high school? Yeah, he was there and it ended up being wonderful.

Doug’s Story: Brat to Soldier

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Which branch of service are you connected to? For how long?

I was an Air Force Brat for 27 years and an Army Soldier for 21. Now retired.

What was your best tour of duty location and why?

RAF Bentwaters/Woodbridge. Friendly people, great scenery, and great food.

How do you answer the question, “Where are you from?”

All over the world.

Where do you call home?

I call Virginia home because it’s the longest place I’ve ever lived.

Thank you, Doug, for sharing your story!

Min’s Story: Army Brat

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Which Branch of service are you connected to and which State?

Army. Maryland was the last place.

How are you connected? What years?

Army brat. 1979-1994.

Best Tour of Duty location? Why?

Maryland. Weirdly enough I liked the area and my uncle was stationed there with my cousins who I’m really close to. I didn’t hear many people who grew up with extended family members nearby.

How do you answer the question: “Where do you come from?”

I’m from all over, but consider my home to be my current place.

Where do you call “home” and why?

I believe Maryland will always be my forever home, but San Antonio is starting to be. I finished school in San Antonio, TX, started my career there, met my partner here (also a military brat), and his family and my family are here.

Thank you, Min, for sharing your story!

Jolene’s Story: Army Veteran, Spouse and Raising Military Brats

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How are you connected to the military?

I am an Army Veteran, Army spouse, and raising to amazing military brats! It all started in 2010 and continues to this day.

Best tour of duty location?

That is a tie between Fort Wainwright and Fort Carson. Alaska was amazing. Truly a once in a lifetime experience. Northern lights and 24 hours of lightness cannot be described. You really need to see it to believe it. Fort Carson is amazing because of all the mountains but all the friends I’ve made there really made all the difference.

How do you answer the question: “Where are you from?”

I tell them I’m from Minnesota but then will add all the places we’ve been.

Where do you call home?

Home is wherever we are all together at.

Thank you, Jolene for sharing your story!

Caitlin’s Story: Once a Brat, Always A Brat

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What branch of the service are you connected to?

Most recently, the Air Force. Although, in doing genealogy, I am connected to all branches except the Coast Guard and the new Space Force.

Caitlin in the early 1990s wearing gear from the motor pool at Fort Bragg. The sneakers were from when Free Willy released.

How are you connected?

I am a proud Air Force brat.

What years were you or are you connected?

1986 to 1996, although I believe once a Brat, always a Brat.

Caitlin’s dad at Fort Bragg when they lived off base. Late 1980’s.

What was the best tour of duty location? Why?

Fort Bragg was my favorite. That’s where most of my memories are. There was so much a kid could do there. When Dad was gone, Mom took care of us – my sister and I. I feel she did the best she could. The late 1980’s – early 1990’s were pretty heated, and he was gone a lot between TDY, Gulf War, Haiti and general trainings.

How do you answer the question, “Where are you from?”

I ask them “do you mean currently, or historically?”

Where do you call home and why?

Home was wherever our mom and our stuff was. It’s still that way now that I’m a mom as well. We’ve moved a few times (non-military) and I always tell her that home is wherever I am for her.

Thank you, Caitlin for sharing your story!

Seth’s Story: An Army Helicopter Pilot Gives Advice

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Do you have any regrets?

I don’t really have any regrets. It was a different time.

Were you ever in combat?

Not officially.

What advice would you give someone who is planning to join the service?

Know what you want to achieve and have an idea of what your next thing after service is going to be.

What branch of the service would you advise them to join? Why?

That depends on what you want to get from it. If you want quicker promotions –  join the Army. If you want shorter deployments – join the Air Force.

Seth and his wife DeeDee enjoying a treat after a wedding. They now live their happily-ever-after in Colorado.

Would you want your kids to join the military?

It’s not something that I would want to recommend but I would support their decision.

Have any of your kids joined the military? If so, what branch?

No, but our daughter married an Army Master Sergeant.

Do you have any family members in the service or have served?

Yes. My oldest brother, Bob, served 20 years in the Air Force. My middle brother, Rick, served 4 years in the Navy. My dad, John, served in the Army Air Corps.

Do you think the Army is better now than when you joined? Why or why not?

It is not better now. Because the quality of life; increased deployments, and long-term combat requirements on the soldier and their family’s life.

Thank you Seth, for sharing your story!

Seth’s Story: On Love and Faith in the Military

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Did you get married while on Active Duty? Tell us about that.

No. We married between the time I was National Guard and Active Duty. We met while I was going through flight school. We didn’t have much time to get serious, so we played a lot of games (tennis etc.).

Experience

Besides being able to meet and marry my wife, we were able to adopt our first child in Panama. Our second child while at Fort Rucker, AL.

When I graduated from Officer Candidate School (OCS), I was commissioned and had to pick a Branch. I chose Signal because of my enlisted background as a Avionics Technician. During the two years between graduating from OCS and attending Flight School, I was required to attend a Combat Arms school as a commissioned officer.  I was stationed at Fort Sill, OK – the Home of Field Artillery.

Flight School Graduation Ball
DeeDee pinning on Seth’s wings

Upon graduation from Helicopter Flight School, I was awarded Aviation Branch wings. (See the picture of DeeDee pinning on my wings.) I was in the first class to graduate when Aviation became a Branch. I trained and was stationed at Fort Rucker – Home of Army Aviation several times throughout my career.

Faith: How did your faith change, how was it challenged, and how did it grow?

I was able to experience God in a deeper way based on where I was stationed. I accepted Christ during basic training. I grew in my faith in Panama. I matured in my faith in DC.

How did military life change you for the better or for the worse?

It changed me for the better. It gave me something to work toward and compete with others around the country. I learned about military traits – honor, respect, honesty, duty – that helped me to be able to improve my personal growth.

DeeDee sitting in front of Seth – Visiting DeeDee’s family during a family reunion in Blue Springs State Park, Blue Springs, AL 1990; on mid-tour leave from South Korea

Stay tuned for Seth’s advice!

Seth’s Story: Army Helicopter Pilot Service Deets

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How are you connected to the Military?

I am a retired Army pilot. I achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4. I served 21 years Active Army and 9 years Army National Gard and Reserve.

Why did you join the military?

I was frustrated with civilian employment.

What types of helicopters have you flown?

TH-55 (training helicopter we only flew in flight school. (red helicopter shown)

 UH-1 (later in flight school and later on for approx. 3 years);

Ch-47 B/C model and then transitioned to the CH-47 D model for the remainder of my career.

Deployments or Duty Stations

I was never deployed. I did have duty stations in the following places:

  • PA Army National Guard
  • Fort Sill, OK
  • Fort Rucker, AL
  • Camp Humpries, South Korea
  • Fort Kobbe, Panama
  • CA National Guard – Stockton
  • National Guard Bureau, Washington, DC

Best and Worst Duty Assignments and Why?

Best was Panama. Getting to fly in paradise. Hottest and wettest I’ve ever been My favorite memory is flying over the ocean in Panama. Fort Clayton, Panama, was my favorite place to live

Worst was Korea. Difficult staff. Coldest I’ve ever been.

What foods did you learn to eat that you didn’t eat before joining the military?

Kimchi. Squid ceviche. Tofu. Curry. Chicken Bog. Sushi (real sushi). And MRE’s (meals ready to eat – an oxymoron)

What customs or habits did you learn in the military that you still do?

Watching, reading, reading and predicting the weather like any good pilot does. Measure distance based on dopler sound when I hear artillery. Short hair cuts. But…I don’t shave every day.

Any friends you remember? Do you keep in touch?

1Lt Dennis Wiebe – nope. Not since I retired.

Cpt Bob Barrett – yes. Through FB.

Why did you leave?

It was time to go.

Stay tuned for some more of Seth’s military life memories!

Eddie’s Story: Army Specialist

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Welcome back Eddie Mingus as he shares his experiences in the Army.

Tell Us About Yourself

I was a Specialist (SP4) in the United States Army from 1984-1989 and served as a military policeman.

Why Did You Join?

I was old enough and needed to get out of the house and get a job. Our family has a long history of Military service.

Where Were You Deployed?

I went to Rock Island Arsenal in 1986. I was assigned to an Ordnance company in Cakmakli, Turkey.

Where Were Your Duty Stations?

I was at Ft McClellan, AL; Seneca Army Depot, NY; Ft. Leonard Wood, MO; Cakmakli, Turkey; and Ft. Knox, KY.

Me in the Army – far left.

What Was Your Best Assignment, and Why?

I was always partial to Ft. Leonard Wood. I had many great assignments and met several people whom I’m still friends with to this day.

Worst Assignment?

Turkey. The unit I was assigned to seemed to hate MP’s.

How Did Military Life Change You?

I’m proud of my service. It was a good decision for me.

Where Was Home Before You Joined the Service and Where is Home Now?

I never had an attachment to my dad’s hometown since he was in the Navy and I traveled around a lot as a kid. I currently live in Tampa, Florida.

Were You Ever In Combat?

I never did while I was in service. Back in 2008 I retired from my job and did some private contracting work for the Department of State in Afghanistan.

What Did You Learn to Eat that You Didn’t Eat before Joining the Military?

For me it was Turkish foods. I have come to really like a lot of their food such as doner kebap.

Advice for Those Planning to Join the Service

See the world and live your life. Take chances. Meet new cultures. Take lots of pictures. Get out of your comfort zone. Jump from airplanes. Test your limits.

Love in the Military

When I was in the service I had not dated much. I went overseas to Turkey and met someone who I thought had good family values. It wasn’t so. After about eight years we got divorced. From that relationship I became the father to a little girl. Best thing that ever happened.

Eddie now – in Tampa Florida

Thank you for your service Eddie! And thank you for sharing your story! God bless!

Eddie: Navy Brat Living Overseas

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Welcome Eddie back as he shares his experiences traveling as a Navy brat.

How Do You Answer the Question: Where are You From?

It has always been a tough one if you haven’t been part of the military life. Sadly I do not have a place I call home. I like to claim to be from Hawaii. It’s easier to say than trying to explain my background and why I look the way I look. if people push, I tell them my mother is Japanese and my father is from Kentucky.

What Did You Like Most About Living Overseas?

The freedom of just being a kid with no responsibilities.

How Many Elementary/Middle and High Schools Did You Attend?

Five elementary, two middle, and one high school.

The Best Place Your Parents Were Stationed?

Yokosuka, Japan.

Eddie in the blue hat, 2 unknown girls, Jessie and his brother. My dad knew Jesse personally and my dad would give him magazines he enjoyed. As a thank you my dad’s friend arranged for us to go to Jessie’s sumo stable for a tour and we met him personally.

How Many Times Was Your Sponsor Deployed and How Was That Experience For You?

I remember my dad going to the Philippines and Korea a lot. It was always great because he’d come home with lots of comic books, shoes, and clothes. My dad went on two six month deployments. One to Kenya and the other to Australia.

At the time I didn’t appreciate living in seven different places. All of them had a uniqueness about them. I have lots of good memories, however, I hated moving and leaving friends behind. Looking back it was a great experience as I saw a lot of the world. It gives me an appreciation for things I have now. I’m lucky to still have friends from back then.

Did You or Any of Your Siblings Join the Armed Forces?

My brother went into the National Guard as he could not join the regular Army because he had flat feet. I went into the Army but wanted to go into the Marine Corps. The recruiter for the Marines didn’t show up so I joined the Army.

Favorite Memories?

Some of the best memories I have are from recent years. After having not lived in Hawaii for forty years or so it was nice to go back. I went there in 1999 and was able to see my old home and even go inside to look at it. Not much had really changed in the home. It was smaller than I remembered. The cactus my dad planted was huge and taller than the house. I went back again in 2015 and the home was gone. Everything had changed in the neighborhood and I did not recognize anything.

Stay tuned as Eddie returns to talk about his life in the Army.

Eddie’s Story: Military Father and Son

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Welcome Edward “Eddie” Mingus to our blog! Today he shares his father’s experience of serving in the Navy.

Why did He join?

The way my dad tells it, his mother told him he was old enough and needed to leave the house and get a job. My family has a long history of service to the Armed Forces.

Edward “Donnie” Mingus (father) and Edward “Eddie” Mingus (son)

All About Dad

My father was a Chief Petty Officer (CPO) in the United States Navy from 1957 to 1979. I don’t remember how many deployments he had but he has been to Vietnam, Cuba, Philippines, Korea, Kenya, Australia, Johnston Island and probably others I don’t recall. He was stationed at: Great Lakes, Sasebo, Johnston Island, Hawaii, Camp Lejune, Subic Bay, Yokosuka, and San Diego.

Best and Worst Assignments?

Dad considered his best assignment to be Yokosuka and being on the USS Midway. He would like to return to Sasebo someday.

HIs worst assignment would have been Vietnam. He doesn’t talk much about it.

Favorite Memory

I think it would be his time on the USS Midway. He talks a lot about it. Of all the Navy hats he wears it always has something to do with the Midway.

Favorite Place to Live?

My dad would say either Yokosuka or Sasebo.

Toughest Time?

My dad would say retiring from the Navy was the hardest.

Is the Military better now than when you joined?

In some ways I think my dad and I would agree that there are parts which are better. There is an overall problem with leadership.

The biggest reason is there’s a culture of wokeness developing within the military. It’s become a social experiment where the focus has been on feelings and personal enrichment, whatever that may be. This is the US Military. It’s for one thing, and that’s defense of this country and war.

Why Did He Leave?

My dad retired because he was ready to go home. He loved the Navy and regrets retiring when he did. In retrospect he would have liked to stay in longer than he did.

Where’s he at now?

My dad is living in Cloverport, KY. He loved the name and regrets retiring when he did.

Staying Connected

My dad doesn’t really keep in touch with anyone. He doesn’t use a computer and many of his friends are in bad shape.

STAY TUNED as Eddie shares his experience as a Navy brat and then his experiences in the Army!

DeeDee’s Story: A Military Brat Part 6 of 6

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How Many Times has my Sponsor Been Deployed?

My dad didn’t go out to sea much the second half of his twenty-year career. I remember he went out when I was about ten years old and I don’t think he did again after that. I was so sad since I was supposed to take care of his fish and they died. I cried that I had let him down. When he returned he understood and we went to a store that only sold fish. It was in the Spanish town with cobbled streets and centuries of history on display wherever we went.

Did Any of My Siblings Join the Armed Forces?

My brother, John joined the Navy became an Air Traffic Controller. It wasn’t a good fit. Then they sent him to nursing school. That was good for him. He married a sweetie from MN who didn’t understand the military lifestyle, so he got out. He loved his time on active duty. As for my sister, she did not want to live her life as a military member or spouse. She took root in the south and is glad she did.

My brother Johnny, rocking that 80’s mustache. 2nd on the left, front row.

Did I Say Mam and Sir?

Yes Sir I did. Still do. I don’t think it was because my dad was Navy. I think it was because I had super, uber southern parents that believed a child had a role to live and it wasn’t as an adult in the family. We were taught that polite children use their manners and southern polite children better say mam or sir. Lol

Are Do Still have Contact with your Brat Friends?

Tammy and Me

Yes. Absolutely yes. I met, Tammy, one of my best gal pals when I was in 7th grade. She married her high school sweetheart (Jay is a brat too) and our husbands are friends too. Here’s where I visited her in FL.

Me, my hubby (the beardless one) and our friend Jayson.
Me and Gena
Wow, we look just the same as we did in 1990!

Gena, my bestie in high school in Rota, was in my wedding. I was in hers. We live states away from each other but still keep in touch. Here’s a pic from when she came out to CO.

I still connect with our maid/nanny we had during my dad’s first tour to Spain. Here is a couple of pics from out times with Juani. She is a blessing in our lives. Like a big sister.

THANK YOU DEEDEE Lake for sharing your military brat experiences! We will be hearing more about her real life military romance in the future. I’m thrilled to be part of helping bring DeeDee’s military romance novel ideas to the page. Stay tuned! First book releases November 1st! Camouflage Christmas!

DeeDee’s Story: A Military Brat Part 5 of 6

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Where Are You From?

Answering the question, “where are you from” still stumps me. I wonder are they asking me where I was born? Where I lived last or longest? Where I connect with the most? Where my grandparents live or where do I currently live? Eventually, I think most of us develop a quick pitch we throw out to help someone connect to us. Here’s mine.

My dad was in the Navy. I was born in VA but only lived there a few weeks, I think. Mostly, I grew up in Spain and Florida until my dad retired in my junior year of high school. We moved to where he was from originally in Alabama.

Then I pause. Without fail there are follow up questions that help us connect in some way.

How Many Places Have You Lived?

I don’t have a ready answer for that one but I do know the house I live in now is the 50th house I’ve lived in. Yeah. You read that correctly. 5. O. I’ve loved every single place. Although, some more than others.

Oh the places I’ve lived. Here is RGH – off base housing in Puerto de Santa Maria.

How Many High Schools Did You Attend?

Three. I went to three high schools in my junior year. I don’t recommend it. Lol.

Prom

Favorite Place to Live as a Navy Brat?

Hands down, Rota. I love living by the ocean even though my husband and I retired to gorgeous Colorado next to Pikes Peak.

Favorite Memory?

Wow. There are so many. I suppose one that stands out from our time at Homestead AFB was chasing huge toads. When the streetlights turned on, the time we should have been home by, the bugs, gnats, mosquitoes, etc. would hang around them. The toads were smart and they would come there too. Now, who wasn’t too smart were the kids on my street. We would take long sticks and tap behind the toads to get them to jump. We tried racing them but they never went toward the finish line. The toads seemed risk free unless they peed on you. The huge toads would only tolerate a few taps behind them before they would turn and start to jump in the direction of the tormentor. We would scream and run like the Chainsaw Massacre dude was after us.

I hear Homestead isn’t there anymore due to one of the many Florida hurricanes. That was the place I learned to be terrified of storms. Man oh man, it can do some storming in southern Florida.

What Activity Do I Miss From Living Overseas?

The connection between all of us as Americans. The community, the bond we shared is something hard to describe but you know it when you are living it. Because there are no extended family to help you, we truly had to be neighbors helping neighbors. It was good.

I miss the castles and cathedrals we explored. The wineries, the coast, camping, and eating delicious seafood. I miss being patient while trying to communicate with someone who’s native language is not the same as my own. Experiencing history that is still in the making. Walking in the footsteps of people we studied from centuries ago. The smells of cooking from the huge doors that opened into lovely courtyards.

What Traditions Did We Keep?

My mom is the queen of holidays. You never had to doubt what season or holiday it was if you came to our quarters. She truly made each one an event. I hadn’t really thought about all the effort she must have had to use to get it done. Great question. We kept every single tradition my mom could think of including some from the places we lived. For example, after living in Spain, we must celebrate Three Kings Day, Jan 6th. No one in my family is allowed to take our tree down until Jan 7th. Needless to say, we only use artificial trees since we have to put them up during Thanksgiving weekend. I’m going to go tell my mom, well done! She created tradition for a family who moved a lot.

On Three Kings Day we would leave our shoes out.

Stay tuned for the final post by DeeDee on September 20, 2022.

DeeDee’s Story: A Military Brat Part 4 of 6

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Misconceptions About Military Families

There are misconceptions about military families. When we see movies portraying service men as hard-core drill sergeants with their family, we know it is rarely true. And I can’t imagine a family member chewing out their sponsor’s commander. Yeah. I can’t even picture that.

Sacrifices

Also, a Brat sacrifices daily in ways that the world will never witness. Often, we grow up too fast as we stand in the gap as a pseudo parent. We put other’s first as we long to be seen and heard. We know the pain of loss and the joy of celebration on a level unheard of in the halls of civilian schools. We celebrate our friends and strangers as they are reunited with their military member, while we long for our own reunions. We hold and support the Brats who are lonely as they miss their mom or dad who have been gone too long, or perhaps gone forever.

Us three kids in matching sweatshirts.

Measuring A Life

We measure our young lives not by years but by “tours”. You’ll hear as the Brats gather how they start speaking about an event like this: “When we lived in Germany, ….” Or “When Dad was stationed in Japan, we …”. We choose not to measure the years, I suppose because we have to watch a calendar far too often before we PCS, before we see or talk to our loved ones again, or before we live under the same roof again with all of our family.

Me at a Bullfight in Spain

Instant Connection

We connect immediately with other Brats and soon find commonality in the places we’ve lived, people we know, or things we’ve done. It brings us to a place almost like “home”. We don’t grow up with a permanent address other than our point of contact person, usually a grandparent. Our home we carry in our hearts. Our home is where we are planted for the season. We make places better because we connect quickly and understand life is fleeting and we try not to waste today longing for yesterday.

Me and my siblings washing the Pig

We believe the last place we lived was the best place ever until it is time to leave the installation we currently live. We see the beauty in the future and in what we’ve left behind.

We live with hope that the next place will hold amazing moments we can share with new friends in new places. Often, we graduate from a high school that may have been our third or fourth one. So instead of celebrating a school, we celebrate the people we’ve gathered in our lives over the years.

Prom 1979

My Feelings About Being a Brat

It’s a privilege. I’ve been introduced to cultures I would never have experienced had I lived in one place my entire childhood. I learned skills like being able to unpack or pack a house lickety-split. I never meet a stranger and I’m blessed with a world view. Connecting and being empathetic come easy when you’ve grown up everywhere. When I hear our national anthem my heart is full of love for the commitment and sacrifices of our people.

I’ve left a part of my heart in every place I’ve lived. However, I’ve grown and learned to love more than I could have ever imagined. Social media opened the door to re-connect with friends that may have been temporarily misplaced, like luggage or household goods. Lol Truly, I can say I have friends all over the world. Because I do, it makes me care more for what happens near and far. I’ve experienced sunsets in four continents, flown over two oceans, swam in the Mediterranean Sea, watched a bullfight, and made a lifetime of amazing memories. I wouldn’t change one thing about the way I grew up.

I’m proud to be a military Brat!

Stay tuned. DeeDee continues her story on September 15, 2022.

DeeDee’s Story: A Military Brat Part 3 of 6

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Things I’ve Learned as a Military Brat

  • I am proud. Blessed. Honored to be a Navy Brat. Just like you, I wear my “bratness” as a badge of honor that I’ve earned through the moves, schools, tears, laughter, making new friends and missing ones left behind.
  • I am the person I am today because of the amazing experiences I had as a kid living all over our beautiful country and abroad.
  • I am patriotic to my core and stand when our American flag is raised.
  • I’m accepting of others because I’ve walked with many cultures as I created my own.
  • I love people not for what they can do for me but because they are unique and each one has an amazing story.

The Specialness of Military Brats

Being a military brat is special. Some of us love the military lifestyle, others hate it, and then there are all those who have a love-hate relationship with the military. Life is hard when you miss your “sponsor”. The service member misses so much but so does the military child. Birthdays. Heartbreaks. Science fairs. Holidays. And much, much more.

Still a Military Brat After All These Years

I’m still a Navy Brat after all these years. For example, often I begin to stand before the movie starts to play in the theater. I’m sure I’m not alone in that. And I feel safe when I’m on base or post. It’s familiar even if I’ve never lived there before.

Drive in theater in Rota, Spain We enjoyed going to the drive-in and sitting in the stands.

Structure is good; it’s part of our lifestyle that gives us healthy boundaries. The routines aren’t meant to stifle us; they are in place to support children who live all over the world. Brats need structure to help them know their boundaries. They help us to be strong in new and unknown environments. It’s one of the things we pack up and take with us from tour to tour.

Stay tuned for more of DeeDee’s story on September 13, 2022.

DeeDee’s Story: A Military Brat Part 2 of 6

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Change Inevitably Happened

Looking back to 1980, our entire family was unknowingly, unprepared for civilian life. I suppose my parents had a better handle on it since they were both born to civilian parents. (Mom’s dad had been in WW-II when she was born). As for me and my siblings we could have used some coaching before we were planted in land-locked, southern, rural Alabama beside Fort Rucker (an Army post).

Me as a Rota cheerleader, upper right in the back row
1980 – me and my besties!

Military to Civilian Life

My mom had spent her first twenty years of marriage as a Navy wife, then she was surrounded by Army lifestyle, Army personnel, Army wives, Army dialog, everything all Army. The rural environment was not her cup of tea. She had grown up between the Tennessee mountains and the Virginia coastline. Alabama was as foreign to her as it was to me.

Dad was originally from Alabama but his time away in the Navy had changed him from a country boy to a man who had traveled the oceans, crossed the Equator, cruised around the tip of Africa, lived in foreign countries, rode a camel, learn to speak two other languages, married a Virginia girl and had three kids. He had changed. Life for him was different from when he left in order to escape his father’s summer plans for him to work the land, cut down trees, and be the son who stayed.

As we all struggled to find our place, my little sister was often overlooked. The youngest, the quietest, the smallest she needed us the most. We didn’t see her forest for our trees. Life was not the same. It wasn’t bad. It wasn’t wrong. It was simply different than we had experienced and expected. We were no longer in a military environment living in the country.

Me and my siblings on a bunk. Our quartes were always a different size and my parents were pros at getting us settled in. We are sitting on the top of the bunk my dad made. It had three beds. We thought were so cool.

Military Brats are Comfortable with Change

Military Brats are comfortable with change. We know change is inevitable. What was hard to understand was in our own country – the one we’d always been so proud of were:

  • People who knew and lived near their relatives while we struggled to understand the role of a cousin.
  • Understanding county and state lines after years of studying the local history wherever we had lived.
  • Kids driving at a much earlier age with customs, sayings, and so much more different from we knew.

Stay tuned for more of DeeDee’s story of life as a military brat. Part 3 is September 8, 2022.

DeeDee’s Story: A Military Brat Part 1 of 6

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The Beginning

My story begins like so many of ours do. I was the second child born to my Navy dad and Southern mama in the Portsmouth Naval Hospital. The oldest, my brother John, was born in the same hospital just nineteen months earlier. I’m unsure how many moves my folks did between the time of mine and John’s birth. I do know, two years after me the third kiddo came to be. The baby of the family was born in Key West. The only child our dad was not at sea for the birth was Barbara, but he still missed her busting into the world. He had 24-hour duty and needed to get some shut eye.

Smith Family in Key West, FL
Mom keeps the dependents busy.

That’s me in the middle checking out what my brother is doing. Monkey see. Monkey do.

My Dad

I’m proud of my dad’s twenty-year Navy career. He was a CT-I (cryptologist, interpreter). He retired as an E-6 and spent most of his time between tours in Spain, Florida, and a ship. I grew up thinking everyone’s dad left for six months at a time because all my friends’ dads did too. My mom worked at different jobs wherever we lived. Most of her time and effort was focused on keeping the three “dependents” from running wild while holding down the home front. 

John and Nancy Smith on their wedding day

Where is Home?

As a Brat, I lived in or at

  • Fort Meade, MD
  • Rota Naval Station – Rota, Spain
  • Homestead Air Force Base – Homestead, FL
  • Key West, FL
  • Fort Devans, MA
  • Fort Ord, CA
  • Portsmouth Naval, VA
  • TN, AL, VA – when my dad was at sea – Mom took us to wherever her family lived. Her dad was a traveling bricklayer.
  • I know there are more places but these are the ones I know of. Some I remember. Some are only photos in albums labeled by place, date and names of people in our lives for a season.
My Dad in his white uniform. I remember him trying to protect his from my clumsiness. It never worked.

Dad did two tours (with extensions both times) in Rota, Spain between 1969 and 1980. We lived in Spain for nine of my sixteen years. Rota was the place I thought of as my hometown and still do. The last time I lived stateside I was eleven. I loved Rota and cried a lot of tears when Dad put in his retirement papers. I was in the middle of my Junior year of high school unknowingly unprepared to live as a civilian’s kid.

Mom’s Passport photo with kids

Stay tuned for part 2 of DeeDee’s Military Brat story releasing on Tuesday, September 6, 2022.

Coming Soon!

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DeeDee Lake and Susan M. Baganz are pleased to announce that our new series of inspirational romance novels and novellas based on military life (specifically Army) will be released soon.

The first book, Camouflage Christmas, is a novella and features Brooke and Bernard managing a romance, and life, at Fort Benning, GA, Officer Training School.

Whether you’re a fan of the military, a veteran, a family member of a military person, or a military brat, our hope is that these stories, although fictional, will resonate with you.

Stay tuned. Subscribe to hear real-life stories from military personnel and those associated with them.

James B. Pollard held his new daughter before leaving for war with no idea of where he would be heading. He had just become a father of two and never knew if he’d see them again.

If you are interested in being part of our mailing list we will offer you a free e-book copy of Journey to Lekhipani: G.I.’s Experience in WWII, from Amazon. These are the real-life writings of Susan’s grandfather during WWII. A short read, it will put you in India as a young soldier faces the realities of life during war and missing his family at home. Please email Susan at silygoos@gmail.com. This email list will only be used to inform you of upcoming releases. We will never sell or abuse your trust in giving us this information.

Operation: Reconnaisance due to release June 27, 2023!

Aside

For her, it was a marriage of convenience. He prayed she’d grow to love him. But their tragic pasts threaten to destroy any hope for their future together.

A tragic accident changed Rusty Sava’s life, and he battles daily with the consequences. Love wasn’t something he bargained for, but once he met Jane his heart was lost, and her little boy was an unexpected blessing.

The last thing Army Captain Jane Adams was looking for was a second chance at love. She wants to be wooed and desired—something entirely missing from her disastrous first marriage.

Can Jane’s love for Russ blossom with her in Korea and him in Colorado? But their tragic pasts threaten to destroy any hope for their future together.

Buy Operation: Reconnaissance, a sweet military romance, today.

Jeff’s Story: Military Life (Part 2 of 3)

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What was your best or worst assignment?

It is almost impossible to pick one for either of them.  They all had extremely great times and memories, as well as low points.  It all depended on the attitude you had going in to them. “The job is what you make it”.

Where is “home?”

Home before: Kirby Texas, then Hackettstown New Jersey.

Home now: Bridgeville PA.  Had never lived there before, but had visited on one of my Instructor TDYs. (Temporary Duty)

How did military life change you?

Military life does change everyone.  For me, it helped me learn to deal with adversity and hardship.  It taught me that not everyone comes from the same background and upbringing.  You rapidly learn how to adjust your point of view and try and see things from a different perspective.  You learn to try and ensure the mission is completed as quickly and as safely as possible, while still trying to ‘take care of the troops’.  Some things can’t be done safely.  There is always a risk involved.  All you can do is try your best to mitigate the risk.  It also made me learn how to put my feelings on the back burner sometimes.  That can be a bad thing at times, because you don’t think about the feelings of the other guy.  Sometimes you can’t.  The job needed to be done, regardless of conditions. This can make you appear as uncaring, and unapproachable. It got too easy to become ‘cold’.

Did you see combat?

I was never directly involved in a combat situation, for which my mother will be eternally grateful.  I do know many who were though.

Why did you leave?

I left because I reached mandatory retirement age.  I would have easily stayed longer if allowed.

Thank you, Jeffrey! Stay tuned for his final post on his thoughts about the military.