By J1 reporter Alyssa Isbell

Many families around the world are connected to the military in some way, shape or form. Whether it’s by the Army, Navy, Air Force or Marines many are connected directly or indirectly. There are things that can definitely be learned by their experiences.

Many families around the world and in the local community that are directly impacted by having a relationship with an active duty service member.

Whether it is a father, brother, sister, spouse, or mother those kinds of relationships are heavily impacted by the distance that comes with choosing to serve for your country. It forces you to really work at that relationship to keep your bond and/or love strong.

Marian Spanish teacher Ms. Jamie Demson has an older brother who is an active duty service member in the Marines, and it has affected their relationship/ bond over the years.

Demson said, “My brother and I are three years apart and our bond wasn’t as close before, but the distance added to it.”. Her brother has lived in more than five different places over his enlisted time. She said, “because he enlisted and is in Virginia, I unfortunately don’t get to see my nieces and nephews as much.” The distance has definitely impacted Demson and her bond with her brother, nieces and nephews.

Physics teacher Mr. Matthew Winterboer, is a retired Navy officer and he knows first hand how  his relationships with others were impacted by him being in the Navy. “

I went into the Navy because I wanted a new adventure outside of college,” Winterboer said.  During his time in the Navy, he was stationed in South Carolina, and met his wife. He ended up being shipped out to sea shortly after for two months. After that moment he decided he wanted to spend more time with his wife, and eventually when they decided to have kids, be able to settle down.

So he asked to be stationed here in Omaha, at Offit Air Force base. He worked an office job there and helped raise his family. Being newly weds and eventually wanting a family definitely impacted his service in the Navy.

People who are enlisted or have family who are enlisted are directly impacted by the relationships they have. The distance and constant traveling around make it hard to develop relationships, but there are also many relationships that come out of the millitary such as in Winterboer’s case, meeting his wife.

Overall. there is definitely something to be learned from families who help foster and develop a relationship with family or loved one’s in service.

The Military changes lives

Leave a comment if you relate in any way