Where I’m From: A Poem by a Military Child

By Gabriel L., Age 11

I am from a state full of history and life,

From an island with fish and noodles

And a peninsula split by war.

I am from the land under the DMZ

It tasted like seafood and smelled of poor air quality.

I am from the places full of flying Dandelions,

The Purple events

Whose purpose is to define me and I remember them as if they were my own.

I am from cold and warm,

From a Spouse and a Colonel.

I am from the bean bag chairs

And the sports fields,

From “Clear the table.” To “Let the dogs out!”

I am from the military with a few more bags to pack

And ten new places to move, where I can go myself.

I’m from McDonald’s and football,

BBQ and Xbox.

From the friends lost in the past places

To the new places used to make me happy.

Under my bed was a pile of spilling random stuff,

Including pictures of my old dogs

To drift beneath my dreams.

I am from those moments -

Where before the moving happened

I am a leaf stuck to the family tree.

I wrote this poem as a way to give voice to the often-unspoken experiences of growing up in a military family. Each line holds pieces of my journey — places lived, friends left behind and memories packed into boxes with every move. Inspired by the Month of the Military Child, I wanted to show how life in constant motion shapes a strong identity. The imagery reflects both the beauty and the weight of my story: the dandelions that drift like I do, the everyday moments that anchor me, and the quiet resilience of belonging everywhere and nowhere at once. This poem is my way of honoring where I’ve been and recognizing how those moments continue to shape who I will become. - Gabriel L., Age 11

Curious to see and read more about military kids’ experiences? Check out our 2025 USO Military Kids Creative Showcase!