We All Serve

A moving and inclusive tribute to our youngest servicepeople—known as “brats”—honors the bravery, resilience, patience, and adaptability of US military families. When at least one of your parents is in the United States Armed Forces, you’re a military kid. Some say “military brat,” which stands for Born Resilient and Tough. Brats look like other kids but don’t live like other kids. In a military family, if one person serves, everyone serves. For Navy brats, making friends all over the world—learning to say, “So long till next time”—is another act of service. Staying brave on the home front when your dad, a United States Marine, deploys overseas is another act of service. And when one of your moms is stationed in Greenland, serving means celebrating Christmas late, among the daffodils, during her leave. Born to a mission that their parents chose, military kids are hardy like dandelions, always ready for the winds of change. Some even help care for wounded warriors or support parents with PTSD. Together or apart, at home or abroad, in peace or during war, military families boast heroes of all stripes. Illustrated with warmth and empathy by a former Army brat, this nuanced portrait captures their strength and sacrifice with grace and compassion.