A mom in the military is all too familiar with the ways her job impacts her children. And we fear the effects of being a military child can be negative. We have a whole month celebrating our dandelion children in April. And military kids find ways to flourish despite the challenges they face. We are not blind to the fact that we sacrifice so much. And they do too.
The missed milestones, field trips, parent-teacher conferences, school plays, etc… Military moms understand the sacrifices of serving their nation, but what about the lasting impact on our military kids? Our service to our country can positively affect our military children. That is why I set out to capture one military brat’s story on how his mother’s career has impacted his life.
photo provided by Capt Carsen Cooper
The Effects of Being a Military Child
Here is what he had to say:
“I would not be where I am today if my mom had not served in the Air Force and taught me the crucial lessons that she did.” – Capt Carsen Cooper.
Colonel Deanna Cooper, USAF, (ret) originally commissioned through ROTC out of the University of Minnesota – Duluth, serving in the Air Force a total of 28 years as a logistics readiness officer.
One of her final assignments was as the 673rd Logistic Readiness Group Commander at Joint-Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. Col Cooper retired in 2014, once her son, Capt Carsen Cooper, was already in college. After retirement, she moved her family to Las Vegas, Nevada, to be closer to extended family. She earned a Ph.D. in Higher Education from the University of Nevada – Las Vegas, where she now works at the university.
When asked about the lasting impact his mother’s career had on him,
Capt Cooper wrote, “I moved cross-country a total of nine times before graduating high school. Not knowing any other lifestyle and inspired by her service. I decided to pursue a similar career path. My mom commissioned me after graduating from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Prescott in 2016. And today am a Captain in the Air Force serving as an Instructor Combat Systems Officer on the MC-130J at Cannon AFB, NM.
As an Air Force officer, the most significant impact my mom had on me was engraining in me the importance of taking care of others.”
Lessons From a Military Mom
Take heart that as working women, working moms, and female service members, our job leaves a lasting legacy on future generations. We inspire others to lace up their boots and serve their country. We teach essential lessons to that caring for others means respecting people who are different than ourselves. And we exude resiliency, edifying our children to press forward even when times get tough,
Mission First, People Always
“She was a firm believer in the lesson “mission first, people always.” Her daily actions as a leader demonstrated her commitment to that principle. I learned by her example that while accomplishing the mission is ultimately why we serve, we are strongest when we also prioritize the individual needs and welfare of our members.”
Value of how to treat others
“Similarly, her leadership style demonstrated the value of treating others, especially subordinates, with the dignity and respect they deserve. Regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender. ‘At the end of the day, we are one team fighting one fight,’ she would tell me. Because of her example, I have come to see the diversity of our force as one of its greatest strengths, not a weakness. By increasing inclusion and making sure everyone has a seat at the table to share their thoughts, we will only be able to innovate better and fight smarter.”
Resiliency
“Finally, my mom’s career taught me resiliency. Moving across the country nine times as a child had its challenges. Breaking into new friend groups and having to start over at different schools was difficult. But she was always there. [Showing] me what was truly important: surrounding yourself with good people, always trying your best, and the importance of family.”
These lessons Capt Cooper highlights are applicable for any career choice regardless of whether they chose to serve or not. One mother’s legacy inspired her son to pursue a similar career path. Her career provided valuable lessons that prepared him for adulthood.
Rather than focusing on the challenges our military kids face. We can celebrate the invaluable opportunities our children receive as military brats. Military kids have no say in much of what happens in their life, but their fortitude enables them to grow stronger as the years pass on.
About the Author
Cynthia Cline is a veteran of the U.S. Military, a Military Spouse, and a momma to two. She has a passion for books, coffee, and Jesus, and a desire to share her story to encourage women. You can read more from her on her blog, A Faithful Step, where she encourages and equips women in the area of Motherhood, Relationships, Military life, and Christian Spirituality. You can also connect with Cynthia on Facebook or Instagram.
