Lynn Combs

I’m A Military Brat is a powerful personal reflection and cultural tribute that sheds light on the unique experiences of children who grow up in military families. Through a mix of historical context, personal anecdotes, and cultural commentary, this essay celebrates the resilience, adaptability, and global perspective of military brats—those who have called many places home but belong everywhere.

The story begins with the recognition of National Military Brats Day, established to honor the often-overlooked sacrifices and strengths of military children. From the origin of the term “BRAT” to the development of a proud subculture, the piece reclaims the label as a badge of honor and identity.

This story took 2nd Honorable Mention for the Published Newspaper Column or Blog Post contest at 2024 OCW (Ozarks Creative Writers) Conference.