Lt. Colonel Robert Bracknell stands behind his two oldest children Reagan Bracknell (Left) and Jackson Bracknell (Right), after arriving home from a deployment in Afghanistan on April, 19, 2010. Reagan currently serves as an Officer in the Navy, while Jackson serves as an Officer in the Marine Corp. Photo used with permission from Thomas Chesno.

When it comes to the military and their families, Hampton Roads is a notable outlier.

Hampton Roads has the highest active duty population in the United States, according to the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development. 

With a high military population comes military families and children.

These children face many challenges, from relocating around the world to being without loved ones for extended periods of time. 

“My dad was in the army; it was definitely a challenge [for] me and my family to not see him, and fearing for his safety at times,” junior William Dortch said. 

These children have to make new friends, immerse themselves in new cultures and sometimes live with the uncertainty of where their next home might be. 

“My family has lived in Germany, California [and] Virginia, [so] pretty much all over the world,” senior Braylon Delfredo said. “Making new friends and learning about new places is definitely not easy.”

The challenges of being a military child are not just applicable to American children, but children from other countries also lead this unique lifestyle .

“My father was a Royal Marine, my family is from England, even though we had to relocate when I was very young, I am actually thankful for it,” junior Colin Gregory said. 

In effort to support these children and the sacrifices they make, numerous programs are offered, ranging from scholarships from Fisher House Foundation to grants for extracurriculars like Our Military Kids.

Although hardship can come from being a military child, the experience can also act as a positive influence and introduce kids to a possible career; 60% of veterans under 40 years old have an immediate family member who served, according to Pew Research Center.

“Since my dad was a Marine, I see the value it brought him and our family,” Braylon said.

“I hope to do the same thing with my family; that is why I am joining the Marines, following his footsteps.”