What is it like to serve as a Military Child?
Riley Lin Gautier, 10 & Sully James Gautier, 7
U.S. Army dependants
Hometown: Fairbanks, Alaska
Hobbies: Riley likes gymnastics, “The Wonder Years†and cleaning; Sully likes wrestling and video games
“At first it’s really sad when my dad leaves. The worst thing about my dad being gone is when I have to help my mom get the house ready for him to come home. The best thing about him being gone is that my mom goes easy on us because she knows what we are going through and she wants us to be happy.†–Riley
“It’s difficult to be a military child because I never get to see my dad. When he’s gone I’m always the man of the house and do his jobs. I worry about him too. Things will be good when he gets home.†–Sully
Christina Aquilar, 17
U.S. Air Force Reserve dependant
Hometown: Pasadena, Calif.
Hobbies: baking, cooking, biking, singing, dancing and band
“Growing up as a military child has always been difficult, especially with my father having to leave for annual tours and such. Despite my sadness of him leaving, I felt proud that my father was serving our country. Whenever my father leaves, I pick-up the responsibilities of cooking meals for my mother and sister. Serving as a military child has led me to be confident and a leader among my peers without any doubts. I knew that there were some aspects of myself that needed improvement which is why I decided to follow the key essentials of the military, not only because of my father, but mainly for myself!â€
Mackenzie Nicole Welz, 15
U.S. Air Force Reserve dependant
Hometown: Corona, Calif.
Hobbies: swimming, water polo, dancing, singing, hanging with friends
“Living as a military child is good except when my mom leaves for long periods. She understands me a lot more than my dad. Kids who don’t have military parents need to know that our parents deploy to help others, not because they want to get away. I have learned to survive without her for long periods. The worst thing about my mom being deployed is not getting her help with my problems that dad can’t help with. I’ve learned to just breath and call her when I can.â€
![AAPIHM_13_FNL6_poster[1]](http://www.aerotechnews.com/marcharb/files/2013/05/AAPIHM_13_FNL6_poster1-260x152.jpg)
What is it like to serve as a Military Child?
U.S. Army dependants
Hometown: Fairbanks, Alaska
Hobbies: Riley likes gymnastics, “The Wonder Years†and cleaning; Sully likes wrestling and video games
“At first it’s really sad when my dad leaves. The worst thing about my dad being gone is when I have to help my mom get the house ready for him to come home. The best thing about him being gone is that my mom goes easy on us because she knows what we are going through and she wants us to be happy.†–Riley
“It’s difficult to be a military child because I never get to see my dad. When he’s gone I’m always the man of the house and do his jobs. I worry about him too. Things will be good when he gets home.†–Sully
U.S. Air Force Reserve dependant
Hometown: Pasadena, Calif.
Hobbies: baking, cooking, biking, singing, dancing and band
“Growing up as a military child has always been difficult, especially with my father having to leave for annual tours and such. Despite my sadness of him leaving, I felt proud that my father was serving our country. Whenever my father leaves, I pick-up the responsibilities of cooking meals for my mother and sister. Serving as a military child has led me to be confident and a leader among my peers without any doubts. I knew that there were some aspects of myself that needed improvement which is why I decided to follow the key essentials of the military, not only because of my father, but mainly for myself!â€
U.S. Air Force Reserve dependant
Hometown: Corona, Calif.
Hobbies: swimming, water polo, dancing, singing, hanging with friends
“Living as a military child is good except when my mom leaves for long periods. She understands me a lot more than my dad. Kids who don’t have military parents need to know that our parents deploy to help others, not because they want to get away. I have learned to survive without her for long periods. The worst thing about my mom being deployed is not getting her help with my problems that dad can’t help with. I’ve learned to just breath and call her when I can.â€