Category Archives: Military Life & Stories

Real stories and experiences from military brats, spouses, service members, veterans, and families.

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!

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!