May is Military Appreciation Month! We love hearing from our Military friends at VLG! We’re sharing your stories of what it means to you to be a part of such a special community. As we celebrate Military Appreciation Month, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices and challenges that military families face every day. This blog post was originally written in the past by Brandi McKeown, a military spouse who was stationed in Europe with her family while her Husband served in Active Duty Army. Her heartfelt words capture the essence of what it means to be a part of this special community.
The Resilience of Military Families
“A picture can truly speak to you and symbolize so much without any words. While walking along the Rhine River we spotted patches of dandelions, and naturally, Alannah wanted to pick them. Little does she know this flower has come to symbolize her and most of her friends with so much figuratively in common.
I admire the bravery and resilience in Alannah daily, whether we are making a big move, on vacation, or simply just playing at a new playground. She gets excited about the opportunity to make new friends and enjoys their company in the moment. She knows we may not stay in one place for long, but we lay down our roots almost anywhere. Home is where our hearts are and the key to survival is adapting.
Her spirit is contagious and impossible to destroy, and no matter the storm coming our way she lets the wind carry her to a new adventure, new lands, and new friends. ”
The Language of Military Life
“Just last week Alannah was asking at what age she could drink soda or walk somewhere on her own. We jokingly told her 18, and she says, “When I am 18, I am going to walk to the PX and buy a soda and drink it”! Nathan says, “Maybe you can go to the mall with your friends”, she says “No Dad, the PX”. Moments like these remind us how deeply we live within the Military culture when words such as “the PX”, “Commissary”, or “Do you have your ID to get back on post?”, are normal for our child.
This life is challenging at times and expects a lot from families. At the end of the day, there is no community like it, and I am proud to not only be the mother of a Military brat, but the wife of a soldier who so humbly serves.”
-Brandi McKeown Loan Officer Spouse (U. S. Army)
Honoring Military Appreciation Month
We would like to send a huge thank you to Brandi and her family, for their service, and their sacrifices, and for sharing such special words which will resonate with us to celebrate and honor Military Appreciation Month.
