DRAFTED AT BIRTH

To suggest that military brats are owed some commendation for having forfeited an imaginary, stationary Donna Reed home life is arrogant. The military provided me with a challenging, experience-rich, maturing lifestyle. By the time I was 13, I’d had the privilege of living on three continents and of shaking hands with world leaders. I would not trade those times for any other childhood and I have a cadre of “brat” lifelong friends who would agree.

No, father is not a fearful word to me. It is an awesome word.

PAMELA KAISER

Pasadena