One of the first things I tell people about myself is that I am a military brat. The reason for this is two-fold: 1) It's easier to answer the question, "Where are you from," this way, and 2) I'm proud to be one.
My dad when he first entered the Marine Corps more than 20 years ago
My dad, Major J.Ed Christiansen, is a retired JAG officer for the Marine Corps. He served our country more than 20 years. Ever since I can remember, he's been a Marine--when he'd put my siblings and I to bed, he'd sing the Marine Corps Anthem as a lullabye. I now have it memorized and can play it on the piano. And, although he's retired now, it's still a part of him. You can take the man out of the Marine Corps, but you can't take the Marine Corps out of the man.
My first and only Marine Corps Ball. I think I was like 10?
My dad was a JAG. That means, he was a Judge Advocate. He advised officers on ethical and law-based decisions. He was also a military criminal law attorney, and has fought in many court cases. I never had the opportunity to see him fight in military court, but I've been to the court rooms. I remember many times as a little girl, going on base with my siblings and mom. While dad was finishing up work in his office, my sister and I would sneak away down the hall to the court room and play "Court."
Coming home from Iraq after almost a year-long tour
There were other perks to being a military brat. We could shop at the Commissary--very inexpensive groceries. We could go on base for very inexpensive bowling and $1 movies. We had military IDs at age 10 and could get military discounts at restaurants, movie theatres, and malls. We even were allowed free entrance into the theme park Busch Gardens one time a year! We also moved all over the place, so we got to know different sub-cultures in America.
In 2004, my dad volunteered to go to Baghdad, Iraq. But, he didn't fight while he was there. Yes, he carried a big, automated weapon, wore bullet-proof vests, and had to do the run, drop, search outside. But, he was there as a lawyer. He taught Iraqi soldiers how to hold a fair court of law and due process.
Though retired, he still dresses in Marine Corps swag, even to my little sister's dance recital.
Dad retired from the Marine Corps shortly after I got married in 2012. My parents then moved up to Farmington, Utah, where my mom grew up, only 35 minutes from where I live now. However, Dad is not done working. He now uses his law experience as a civilian lawyer. He still helps with some military law, but now he mostly does family law.
But, he is a Marine. He is part of the few, the proud.
So, dad, thank you for your service. You are a true hero. I love you very much!
Sorry for my short break. It's been super busy, then I had a day and a half to relax with no responsibility and I took it.
However, yesterday was the Marine Corps birthday.
On November 10, 1775, Captain Samuel Nicholas formed two battalions that would act as Continental Marines--soldiers who would fight on both land and sea--during the Revolution.
They now fight on the air, land, and sea.
My dad was a Marine for a long time. He is was in the Marine Corps from before I was born, worked as an officer and a JAG, and retired last October (2012). He never actually fought with weapons, but instead, with law and democracy. He went to Iraq. He survived 9/11. He is my hero, and the perfect example of a true patriot.
I am so very grateful to the Marines, as well as all the other veterans. Today, my charter school is hosting a Veteran Salute. We've collected pictures of veterans from the students' and staff's families to hang on the wall, regardless of time or branch. Living veteran relatives are invited to our school this afternoon as we honor them and salute them. I'm excited for my dad to get honored by kids who care about their country and are grateful for the heroes they have.
So, to all of you veterans out there, thank you.
Thank you Grandpa Christiansen and Grandpa Roberts for your service in the Army during the Korean War.
Thank you cousins Jeff and Sara Roberts for your services in the Army in Iraq.
Thank you Dad for your service both in peacetime in the US and in Iraq.
I've always been proud to be a military brat, and I know a few military wife bloggers who are proud of their husbands. Check out their blogs in honor of their husbands' service today! Wifessionals Army Ever After
