"Military Brat." This is a term used to describe children of service members. I am a military brat because my father was a Major in the United States Air Force. Most brats have traveled many places and been exposed to a wide variety of cultures, religions, ethnicities, etc. I am proud to say that I have been fortunate enough to have experienced all of the above. I believe it is what made me the person I am today.
When people ask me where I am from, the answer is complicated. I usually say "everywhere." I feel as if I have been everywhere. However, I was born in an especially awesome place. Guam. What's funny to me is that over the past 39 years, after people find out where I was born, 99% of people will have no clue what or where Guam is. That's not the case anymore. With continued threats from North Korea, my tiny birthplace has become worldwide news. The amazing native Chamorro people, immigrants, and military personnel on this Pacific island face an enormous threat of nuclear proportions. I know that they will be safe. The systems in place are solid and can handle the current threat, but it makes me sad. It saddens me that the reason people are learning about my birthplace is because of an unhinged dictator in the region. I want those of you who don't know about Guam, to know this...It is an American territory. 30% of those who reside there are military personnel. The Guamanians residing there are American citizens. The island is more than a strategic location in the Pacific and a base for submarines and bombers. It is BEAUTIFUL! The deepest part of the ocean, the Mariana Trench, is located there. The water is crystal clear. There are beaches, and mountains formed from extinct volcano. Waterfalls and wildlife are abundant. I have been to the Caribbean, Hawaii, and many other exotic locations. In my opinion, they can't compare to the beauty of my island home. I am far from my beautiful birthplace right now, well removed from the imminent threat that Guamanians face, but my heart is with the people of Guam. I pray that tensions will deescalate and that the world will seek to know this Marianna island as more than a target of North Korea. The island is full of history, culture, ethnicities, amazing food, and more. My dream is to go back one day with my children to teach them about the beauty of Guam. I am proud to be a Guamanian!
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorMarried mother of two, book lover, grant writer, teacher of firsties. Archives
October 2017
Categories |