Growing Up as a Devil Dog’s Daughter
For me, as the daughter of a United States Marine, it means growing up with constant change, adventure, and learning how to be resilient.
I was born in Okinawa, Japan, eleven years ago. A few years after that, we moved to Germany. Living there was exciting, but sometimes hard. I made friends from many different places, but I always knew we might have to say goodbye sooner than I wanted.
I especially remember visiting Belleau Wood in France, where U.S. Marines fought bravely in World War I. It was there that Marines earned their famous nickname, the “Devil Dogs,” because of their courage. Walking through the quiet cemetery, surrounded by tall trees and rows of white crosses, I felt proud, yet also a little sad, thinking about the sacrifices military members and their families make.
Later, we lived in Virginia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though that time was uncertain, living in America was still exciting because I got to explore new places and feel closer to family.
One amazing part of being a military child is traveling. By now, I have lived in or visited 29 countries on four continents (in some countries more than once). Living in different places has taught me how to be kind, open-minded, and respectful toward other cultures.
Now I am back in Okinawa again. I am thankful for this chapter, especially reconnecting with my Okinawan nanny, Aika-san. Military life is not always easy, but it has made me open-minded, grateful, and resilient.
AloJapan.com