Military Families Spotlight: Month of the Military Child

Each April, we celebrate Month of the Military Child. Children of our servicemen and women play an important role in the military-connected community. This year, we are celebrating by highlighting our team members who are also military children. 

Barrett Y. Bogue, President & Founder, Evocati

What does it mean to you to be a military child?

My father participated in Air Force ROTC in college and served with the United States Air Force. His service took place before I was born, but he always credits his military service with opening up opportunities that were otherwise unavailable to him. He grew up in poverty, but thanks to his time in the U.S. Air Force, he was able to access higher education. I’ve always associated serving in the U.S. military as a gateway to a better quality of life. He was an inspiration for my own decision to join the United States Marine Corps. 

How did growing up in a military family affect you?

I didn’t grow up in a military family per se since Dad was already out of the military by the time my siblings and I were born. I can definitely point to Dad’s proclivity for packing light and getting up early in the morning which had an impact on me at an early age. I still struggle to wake up as early as he did. 

Why is it important to support military children? 

Military children are the most important member of the military-connected family. Their worldview and impression of America are shaped by the experience one or both parents have in the military. We need to make sure they are fully supported. 

Stacey Taylor, Graphic Design Consultant, Evocati

What does it mean to you to be a military spouse and to have military children of your own?

Being a military spouse and family is a tremendous honor. I am filled with pride to have married someone I admire so greatly. My husband’s commitment and dedication to his family, country, and profession has always amazed me. To serve our country all while raising a family has to be one of the hardest things in the world for our servicemembers. 

How has being a military family affected you and your kids?

My children and I are so proud of my husband! The kids love to bring him to school for Veteran’s Day programs, make special care packages for him while he is away for training or a deployment, and make his homecomings extra special. Being a military family definitely has its challenges such as being apart for long periods of time during deployments and living in different states when we were not able to PCS with my husband. The beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic posed a lot of challenges for our family when my husband was unable to come home for several months. Long periods of time apart is probably the most difficult things for a military family. The adjustment back to normal life and new routines can be hard for families as well. As any military family does, we adapt and overcome and are stronger for it! You value and cherish every moment together. 

Why is it important to support military children? 

It is extremely important to support our military children as they are faced with having to be adaptable to an ever changing world. From moving or having a parent move every few years, changing schools, and coping with the stress of missing a parent during deployments, these children are as resilient as they come. They definitely need support, encouragement, and compassion from family, friends, educators and their community.

Lauren Cole, Marketing and Communications Intern, Evocati

What does it mean to you to be a military child?

My father is a United States Navy veteran. He served before I was born but his service has always meant a lot to me and my family. My fathers service took my parents to California right after they got married, at 18 and 19, and they still talk about how much they grew during that time in their lives. Without the Navy, my father may not have gone to college and gotten a degree. I truly credit my fathers military experience to the man that he is today. He is the best father and husband and I think that growing up and hearing stories of his service has given me a different level of appreciation for our servicemen and women.

How did growing up in a military family affect you?

Thankfully, my dad was done with his service before I was born and so I never had to experience the hardships of deployments that some of my friends did as their parents were actively serving. Like Barrett, I still see the long lasting effects of the military in my dad when it comes to being an early riser and packing. My dad is always the first one up on a Saturday morning, even on family vacation.

Why is it important to support military children? 

Military children are affected so much by their parents' service. I grew up admiring my father for his service to our country and hurting for my friends that had active duty military parents. Supporting military children is so important because they are our future and one day, they may be the ones serving.