Honoring Month of the Military Child: “Military Brats” at Service CU Share Their Stories
Growing up with military parents is full of challenges, but also unique opportunities. In honor of the Month of the Military Child, which underscores the important role military children play in the armed forces community, we are spotlighting some former children of our own, right here on the Service Credit Union staff.
Brandy Polanco
Member Services Representative, Ansbach Branch
Who in your family was in the military?
My dad is retired from the U.S. Army and my husband is currently active duty U.S. Army.
How many states and/or countries have you lived in?
Hawaii, North Carolina, Georgia and Germany. Hawaii and North Carolina throughout my dad’s career, our parents mostly normalized things for us with my mom staying put with the kids while my dad traveled where he was needed. North Carolina (same base), Georgia and Germany so far with my own little family throughout my husband’s military career.
What was your favorite place that you lived in and why?
As a child, Hawaii.
As an adult, Germany. Hawaii has gorgeous oceans, the weather was always nice and warm, and it’s a place that holds some of my best memories. Germany has so much history and the country itself is just stunning. I wish I could say we’ve traveled a lot throughout Europe since being here but I can’t. We arrived two weeks prior to the first Covid lockdown over a year ago and haven’t been able to experience as much as we would like. We get out as much as we can and what we have been able to see has been incredible. While North Carolina wasn’t my favorite place to live, it holds most of my childhood and early adulthood memories, and is where I met most of my friends, so it will always hold a special place in my heart and be considered “home.”
What was the most challenging part of being a military brat?
The most challenging part was moving, leaving friends, and having to start over with each move. However, I have managed to keep some lifelong friends that have been with me for 20+ years, so I wouldn’t change a thing.
What was the best part?
The best part was being able to see the world and experience new cultures.
How did it shape who you are today?
I’ve learned to never take things for granted, to take advantage of every opportunity, and to appreciate everything I have.
What advice would you give to other military children?
Make the best of every opportunity. Find the good in every place you go and you’ll enjoy it.
Jaime Yates
Community Relations Manager
Who in your family was in the military?
My dad, Senior Master Sergeant Dennis Yates, served in the Air Force for 22 years.
How many states and/or countries have you lived in?
I was born in Las Vegas but have been in New Hampshire almost my whole life, so only two!
What was the most challenging part of being a military brat?
I don’t recall it being challenging because my parents normalized it. My dad would travel and that’s just the way it was. I hear stories now from my mom about how hard it was taking care of three kids by herself, but as a kid I never knew it was a challenge for her and that’s what was so incredible about my mom: she never let it show.
What was the best part?
The best part was being able to travel. My dad worked on Pease and when the KC 135’s needed to refuel jet fighters or move cargo there would often be seats available and my family was able to go to various locations including Hawaii, Alaska, Scotland and California. There was one time I actually got to go down with the boomer and watch as the KC 135 refueled a fighter jet. It was pretty incredible.
How did it shape who you are today?
I have never appreciated my Dad’s service to this country more than I do now as an adult. Growing up, I didn’t understand what it meant for him to serve and the sacrifices my mom had to make as well, and now I have a deeper appreciation and understanding of it.
What advice would you give to other children of military?
Appreciate the sacrifice being made not only by you but to the parent(s) who is serving and the military spouse as well. Be proud of your family even when it’s hard, appreciate the time you have together!
Shannon Mora
Assistant Manager, Community Relations
Who in your family was in the military?
My father was in the Army.
How many states and/or countries have you lived in?
I lived in Hawaii, Louisiana, New Jersey, California and Georgia, as well as Germany.
What was your favorite place that you lived in and why?
Hawaii, because of the weather, the food, the culture — and the beaches, of course!
What was the most challenging part of being a military brat?
The constant moving — I moved during my junior year of high school and completed my senior year in another high school. There were opportunities missed due to the constant moving that were afforded to those who stayed put.
Additionally, not keeping friends for more than a couple of years — It was always fascinating to hear people were friends since elementary school, and weird to hear some of my friends and family still live in the same house they were born in.
Lastly, being asked, “Where are you from?”
What was the best part?
Getting to meet different types of people, experiencing different cultures and getting a fresh start every couple of years.
How did it shape who you are today?
The experiences have taught me to become resilient and adapt quickly.
What advice would you give to other military children?
Research your new duty station prior to your arrival, and know there are other fellow dependents who are in the same situation as yourself.
Cyndi Graniello
Assistant Vice President, Foreign Exchange
Who in your family was in the military?
Dad – Army; Mom and Stepdad – Department of Defense civilians
How many states and/or countries have you lived in?
I have lived in two countries and four states.
Alabama to Wildflecken (Germany) to Hohenfels to Grafenwoehr (Germany) to Montana to Alabama to Ramstein to Virginia to Ramstein to New Hampshire!
What was your favorite place that you lived in?
Germany!!!! Besides the obvious food, nature and culture, it’s the first place I remember. Altogether, I spent 20 years of my life there. I grew up there and spent my childhood in the small villages of Germany riding my bike and playing with friends in the woods, streams, playgrounds, and around horses and lots of other farm animals. I attended German school from K-5 which is a key reason I still speak German today. Living in Germany, allowed us to travel to many different countries and experience different cultures.
Least favorite place?
Alabama. Ironically, this is where I was born and where my mom is from. She found out she was pregnant while living in Panama and opted to fly home while my dad was deployed to have me. My dislike of Alabama was the humidity and tornadoes, but I have family there so it was nice to reconnect with them. You can’t beat the Magnolias and southern hospitality.
What was the most challenging part of being a military brat?
Leaving good friends behind. Sometimes, it was hard fitting in, especially when you are the new kid at a school where everyone around you has been friends since kindergarten, their family is nearby, and even their parents were friends. It turns you into an outsider real quick. It was easiest when we were in Germany the second time. I was already integrated into American schools so I attended the military high school with kids like me.
What was the best part?
Seeing different parts of the world, being submersed in a culture and really experiencing a place and its peoples’ customs and cultures; oh and, of course, the different FOOD! I found this is even relevant in the USA; things are very different from Montana to Alabama. Living in Germany allowed me to travel to a lot of the surrounding countries multiple times and my time in the U.S. meant I was able to see many of the states.
How did it shape who you are today?
You mean, how didn’t it? It’s the cause of my wanderlust! It makes me open and adaptable to change. Most of all, I believe travelling changes your outlook and broadens your perception on things and people. This made me more open to different ways of thinking and curious about other cultures. As a result of being a “new kid,” I am not shy and generally like to approach people and strike up conversation.
What advice would you give to other military children?
To children of the military as well as everyone, I’d say to get out and explore the world you live in. Take advantage of the situation and everything it has to offer. If you look for the good in a place, you are likely to find it.
Alyssa Ellis
Member Service Supervisor, Grafenwoehr Branch
Who in your family was in the military?
My dad was in the Army for around 25 years.
How many states and/or countries have you lived in?
I moved 10 times across 2 countries and 5 states.
What was your favorite place that you lived in and why?
Fort Bliss (Texas)! The desert weather, Mexican food, and amazing people really left an impression on me. I also believe our family were the only ones to enjoy Fort Drum (New York).
What was the most challenging part of being a military brat?
The lack of stability. Creating emotional ties to a person or place knowing it had an expiration date was very trying. Even now I can get anxious if things remain static for too long.
What was the best part?
I’ve had the opportunity to meet some wonderful people across the country and the world. While our friendships didn’t have the opportunity to burn long, they certainly burned bright.
How did it shape who you are today?
How didn’t it shape who I am today? I feel as though I’ve been given an adaptability and open-mindedness that opens a literal world of opportunities. I think about the future and nothing is off the table; no place or opportunity is too far. As difficult as it was growing up, it is a blessing to know that I can start over from nothing and be happy wherever I end up.
What advice would you give to other military children?
It’s okay to be conflicted about this life. It’s okay to hate leaving your friends while being grateful for the different opportunities you have. It’s okay to want stability while being excited for something new. It’s a life of juxtaposition, and you have to learn that struggling through the many challenges is just as valid as appreciating the positive aspects.
Kiersten Custer
Assistant Manager – Ramstein Branch
Who in your family was in the military?
At one point both of my parents were active duty Air Force. My mom got out shortly after I was born, and my dad stayed in until 2014.
How many states and/or countries have you lived in?
I was born in Holland, moved to England, and then we’ve lived in Germany since 2000. So only three countries.
What was your favorite place that you lived in and why?
Germany. It’s where I have the most memories. This is where I grew up, so this is where I call home.
What was the most challenging part of being a military brat?
For me, it was seeing everyone leave. I didn’t relocate too often, but meeting new friends in school, and then watching them go, was hard.
What was the best part?
The travel! Especially here in Germany. It’s such a central location that you can literally drive two hours in any direction and chances are you’re in a different country.
How did it shape who you are today?
I would say it made me more appreciative of friends and family. It’s made me more receptive to change. You experience so much especially culturally and it truly humbles you.
What advice would you give to other children of military?
Learn to be flexible! See every change as an opportunity to grow. It’s hard, but family always sticks together, and as long as you have your family, you’ll do great! Friends you meet become family who stay with you for life. And the experiences and memories will last forever.
