I am an AIR FORCE BRAT. I grew up around the world from birth to 18 years old, moving every 2 to 4 years. I was born in the no-longer existent Clark AFB, Phillipines, moved to Travis AFB, CA at 1 year of age, moved to Yokota AFB, Japan from 2-4 y.o, then to Vandenberg AFB, CA from 4-6 y.o., then to Mildenhall AFB, England through grade school, then to the no-longer- existent Homestead AFB, FL for 6th & 7th grade, then back to Clark AFB, Philippines, and then finally to Warner Robins AFB, GA, where I graduated high school with a bunch of strangers. I then got on a plane to fly to Los Angeles to start college at UCLA. What an amazing adventure! My father was in the Air Force for 22 years, working for the 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing for the Department of Defense. He retired a Master Seargent. Integrating into 'Civilian Life' was extremely difficult for him. His skill set was all about war planning! He tried being a mail-man and hated it. He did a couple of other things until he found a niche, being an administrator for Elderly Home Care services. He has since owned 2-3 Elderly Home Care facilities in Central California. Blessings to my Dad and Mom!! I will never forget my experiences as an 'air force brat'. I'm grateful for the skills I learned and the opportunity I had to grow up around all kinds of people and nationalities. I have respect for all the different communities of people out there. I also have respect for, and gratitude towards all the soldiers out there, risking their lives for the freedom we have today. Thank you and God Bless!

I’d like to share part of a beautiful poem on dreams written by Maureen Weider.

We have a dream inside ourselves,

A gift to us at birth,

To guide us and protect us

On our journey on this earth.

We all have something special,

Each one of us’ unique

You have to find the courage

To find the peace you seek.

So dream your dream and live your dream

Don’t be afraid to try.

Just take your soul by the hand

And let your spirit fly.