"I Have Been Inspired By the Military": An Essay By Andrew, Age 10

As part of the 2026 USO Military Kids Creative Showcase, we asked military kids one question: “What does being a military kid mean to you?” In his own words, Andrew, age 10, answers what it means to him.

By Andrew L., Age 10

Being a military child helps me learn more, inspire, teach, and do things that other kids wouldn’t ever get to do in a lifetime. There are airplanes everywhere, such as C130s, HH60s, F16s, CV22, and UH1N aircrafts. I have been able to go on the flight line and see the planes first hand. I have even attended events that the units held with all the planes out with the pilots for learning. I have learned so much I get to teach my friends about the AC130s.

Andrew created this drawing to show what life as a military child looks like to him, inspired by his experiences on base and around military aircraft. | Photo credit Courtesy Photo

I feel safer living on a military base with security forces protecting us. I even get to go where I want to go on base and explore. There is a movie theater, grocery store, pool, and playground. The chaplains plan trips such as fishing and hunting trips and movie nights. I was able to go on a fishing trip with my dad and I caught over 15 trout!

Being a military kid can be hard, like when you or friends move away. It has been fun to have pen pals though. I have been inspired by the military. I want to go to the USAF Academy when I’m older. My parents think I have the potential to be a great leader, so that is the goal I am working on for my future.

This piece is part of the 2026 USO Military Kids Creative Showcase. Curious to learn more about military kids’ experiences? Check out other pieces of art and writing here!