Aloha from Hawaii. Born and raised into my military family has been a standard my entire life. And it’s cool how the community respects my dad’s integrity. We aren’t famous, we merely regard all families with decency whom both experience happiness and troubles in their world. I’ve only known to grow with my military lifestyle. It was a daily routine to see my father going to work in his OCP uniform was normal. He coming home was without interruptions. My parents were sure to provide the safest home for all of us. As a young child when my father deployed overseas, I initially felt he would be home soon without a hiccup. Mom kept the home in order and busy, then days turned into weeks and into months. My mind wondered on when dad would be back to play on the weekends. Those days were lonely. I kept myself occupied with fishing days with my brother or shopping trips with my mother. It was all to do without dad home. I didn’t comprehend the gravity of dad not being home until, he came home! He hugged on us and made sure we were happy and secure again. He didn’t talk about his work much. I think he didn’t want to trouble us, or merely he couldn’t. An extension of his work upon us was visiting many memorials. In 2024, my town was fortunate for The Wall That Heals. We were sure to share our respects. My family traveled to visit the Mighty Mo, Arizona Memorial, saw bullet holes in Hickam AFB buildings, and many times to Ford Island for Aero exhibits. Mom made sure we understood all people’s sacrifices at their young ages. So now I ask myself, ‘how has the military impacted me and my family?’ High school is all about growing into my own person, get a good education, and to be an industrious citizen. Sports games, music concerts, and extracurricular events are important to me right now. These activities have opening ceremonies with the National Anthem and Hawai’i Pono’i. I began to notice a lot of fans stood in silence for the National Anthem yet harmonized loudly for the State song. Some people didn’t even remove their caps in respect. Do people not know our men and women's national sacrifices? Well, I’m fortunate to have a family home with dads Veterans Administration funds. I’m fortunate to have my military dad, who allows me to grow into my young adulthood with hope and dreams. I’m fortunate to experience military bases across the country that welcomed us no matter where we were from. And surely very fortunate to have my military family keep me in check and in respect for families who are without. I wouldn’t change who I am. I am a military kid from a proud military family. Thank you.