VOLUME 8 NO. 24 APRIL 2 – APRIL 15, 2020 SUBMIT STORIES TO: [email protected] STRIPESKOREA.COM FACEBOOK.COM/STRIPESPACIFIC FREE Regaining trust ing Month of the Milita BY KADEN MICHAEL, brat ry C 6TH GRADE ele hild HUMPHREYS MIDDLE SCHOOL C
eing a military child is hard because sometimes my parents are gone for like a week or maybe a few monthsB or so and sometimes, they are deployed for 1 year. So, life is hard for a “military brat”. Well, there are benefits such as being able to travel a lot which not everyone is lucky enough to do. Sometimes I forget what my parent looks like when they are gone for so long like my sister Mina (who was 3) forgot what our dad looked like when he was gone for 9 months. It takes a toll on the relationship between me and my active-duty parent. My dad is the active duty parent right now. The longest he has been gone is 9 months. I know that some people are gone up to 18 months so I count my blessings that my dad is not gone for that long. However, he did leave more often when I was younger. I would gravitate toward my mom when my father was gone. When he came back, I would still ask my mom for everything even though he was right there. My dad had to regain my trust. It took time for me to trust him, but we would always work through it. I have enjoyed my time as a military child and have had many different feelings about being a military child. The toll on relationships makes me feel upset because I have to leave my – Valerie Carrasco, 6th grade, Lester Middle School friends. PSCing makes me feel confused and unsure because I had so much excitement in coming to Korea and it just disappeared. The DODEA school Proud to be an American has made me feel good in helping me BY GABRIELLE MCKINLEY, Adjusting can be hard because you may be used adjust to life in Korea. Finally finding 6TH GRADE to your old life and your old friends. Sometimes HUMPHREYS MIDDLE SCHOOL new friends and leaving old ones has making friends can be hard, and friends make made me upset and happy because I y life as a military child began in full the difference in adjusting because it is always had to leave my old friends and find force. I was born while my dad was good to have someone you can play with and KIDS, TELL US new ones. My main point is I actually on a 15-month deployment to Iraq. talk to. Adjusting can be good because you get like being a military child (although I finally met him while he was home used to it. When you’re an adult, and you have I don’t really like the name “military YOUR STORY! Mon leave, but then he had to head back to the Middle to move away from home, it won’t be as difficult brat”). East. Many of us that are military children have had because you’ve already done it. If you’re used to Check out more military the same experience with parents being deployed adjusting, you can be able to focus more on what children stories at: and missing major events in our lives. Before our made you move, for example your job, or going militarychild.stripes.com parents go on deployment, we spend a lot of time with to college. family. This is how we become resilient, which is an I am proud to be a “military brat” because I am Send your Month of the important trait in being a military child. part of a sacrifice for America. Instead of getting Military Child In the military, moving is a way of life. Most military to grow up in one place with the same people, I submission to brats have moved several times, some even to foreign move around because my dad works for the military [email protected] countries. While some people dislike moving, I enjoy and serves our country which is a huge sacrifice. by April 15! it. The reason for that is because I get to experience Military kids are also appreciated by others because different cultures and meet new friends. If I would of what they go through for others’ safety. I know I have never moved, I wouldn’t be as culturally am serving my country, and that makes me proud of experienced as I am now. One hard thing about being a military kid is adjusting. SEE PROUD ON PAGE 2 2 STRIPES KOREA A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION APRIL 2 – APRIL 15, 2020
Celebrating Month of the Military Child
Max D. Lederer Jr. Publisher PROUD: Community molded me Lt. Col. Richard E. McClintic Commander CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Joshua M Lashbrook Chief of Staff Chris Verigan my citizenship. Engagement Director Being a military child teaches me how to be a proud American. I notice Marie Woods luxuries in America that aren’t in other countries. These luxuries make me grateful Publishing and Media Design Director Chris Carlson that in America we have so many options to choose. It makes me proud when I Publishing and Media Design Manager see America win in the Olympics and make great new accomplishments. Seeing Eric Lee the American flag raised on a world stage gives me a feeling of pride, knowing Advertising and Circulation Manager Enrique “Rick” W. Villanueva Jr. that those representing our country are giving us a sense of unity. Some countries Korea Area Manager dislike America and burn our flag for reasons we don’t understand, but they have Jinsun Song probably never met those of us Americans who are good people. Operations Manager Osan BGCA names Kentaro Shimura In conclusion, I think being a military child will affect the type of adult I Production Manager will be. I am accustomed to change. I am familiar with independence. Rie Miyoshi Moving around has broadened my outlook on the world. Living in Engagement Manager Youth of the Year Denisse Rauda other countries has taught me to be respectful of other people’s Publishing and Media Design Editor BY ANDERSON BRYANT excellence. She truly values and culture and ways of life. When I get to college I will know how Publishing and Media Design Writers TEEN COORDINATOR, believes in service to others and ChiHon Kim OSAN AIR BASE YOUTH PROGRAMS to interact with different types of people. I am proud of Shoji Kudaka exemplifies the leadership and being a military child and of the way it has molded me Takahiro Takiguchi awn Kerlin has been rec- character which are required into the person I am today. Layout Designers Mamoru Inoue ognized as Osan Air Base of the Youth of the Year (YoY). Yukiyo Oda Boys and Girls Club of Kerlin aspires to become a phar- Yuko Okazaki D Kayoko Shimoda America Youth of the Year. Ker- macist and an Air Force Officer. Multimedia Consultants lin is a 15-year-old freshman She demonstrates outstanding eing a military child connected is awesome! Because we Max Genao Doug Johnson who currently attends Osan Brian Jones Jason Lee leadership abilities and leads are safe and being protected. My education is free, our Hans Simpson Chae Pang Yi Middle High School. Particu- her peers with such a contagious family’s hospitalization is free since we are covered from Gianni Youn Robert Zuckerman larly noteworthy are her outside positive “can do” attitude. She my dad’s health insurance. We can travel to a different country Graphic Designers B interests in various organiza- and meet military friends and families. But the sad part for me Kenichi Ogasawara Yosuke Tsuji shows leadership in how she re- tions and sports which reflect is that I will miss my friends and all that I met, but that’s a Sales Support lates with others and demands Kazumi Hasegawa Hiromi Isa her character. life of being in the military. But the good thing is I could move respect by the way she carries Ichiro Katayanagi Yoko Noro Kerlin is very engaged in on and meet some new friends and start a new life again. But Yusuke Sato Saori Tamanaha herself. the most important thing of being a military child connected is Toshie Yoshimizu extracurricular activities such We would like to congratu- the “PRIDE” I have for my farther. For being so proud of my as Keystone, JROTC, Civil father for sacrificing his life, for protecting other people and late Dawn Kerlin and we know For feedback and inquiries, Air Patrol, NJHS, basketball, of course for serving the country. contact [email protected] and marksmanship. Kerlin is that she will represent Osan Air – Arwen Ancheta, Osan Elementary School To place an ad, call DSN 755-2255 a determined young woman Base Youth Programs well as the stripeskorea.com/contact who continually strives for Youth of the Year. APRIL 2 – APRIL 15, 2020 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION STRIPES KOREA 3 4 STRIPES KOREA A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION APRIL 2 – APRIL 15, 2020
Celebrating Month of the Military Child
elbow with their left hand, and are never Daegu where I made lots of friends. After write and speak Spanish, my favorite letter short of being kind. In some Asian coun- being in Daegu for 2 years, we are back at in Spanish was ‘ñ’. Most of all of the places tries it is rude to show people the bottom Humphreys. I’m enjoying my life right now we’ve been I loved my time in Texas! Editor’s Note: of your shoes, but as Americans we do not because I’m seeing the old house I lived in – Ben Partridge, 6th grade think twice about that. Australian customs when I was 1st grade, and seeing how things Barb Lamblin’s middle are completely different because every day changed and stayed the same. schoolers can spin a they stop their work to have “mornos” and – Darren Kim, 6th grade ife as a military kid has many ups “arvos” which stand for morning and after- and downs. It just depends on how pretty good yarn. Ms.noon tea. AustraliansLamblin also abbreviate every- L you look at it. If you enjoy traveling thing, like telephone is “tellie” or breakfast eing a part of a military community the world and can move on from others Take a look at what is “brekky.” has changed my life in many ways, and look on the “bright side” you can enjoy they have to say! Living overseas is quite the experience B good and bad. Some good things are the travel. Leaving friends who have been that I think everybody should at least get that it has given my family and I many new through a lot with you is hard to take. If a taste of, and although there are a few opportunities and experiences, though it has one thing is for sure it’s nice to be able to Humphreysnegatives Middleand that it may be nerve racking, been hard livingSchool away from family but the travel and learn about all these cultures with I think that the pros outweigh the cons. Af- DODEA schools have counselors so I have people you could end up having a true bond ter almost three years living overseas there been able to express my feelings. Another with. The one thing everyone hates about am a military child, which means every we got to go with another family. We got to have been some frustrating parts but these thing that has been hard is friends moving being military is that when you move over- 2 to 3 years we move or PCS. Sometimes see the Cliffs of Moher which were huge and are the years I am going to remember as an away. I have been able to have some very seas and one of your close friends or fam- it can be hard to move because we have fascinating sea cliffs. We also got to kiss I adult, not the times I sat on the couch and close friendships with a couple people but ily has something happen and you can’t do to pack everything up and clean the house the Blarney stone ( by the way kissing the playing video games. To my fellow military then they move away, but then again there anything to help. We all get used to that and and leave friends, but now mostly all kids Blarney stone is not a good idea if you are brats, remember to always embrace the ex- are many ways to find new friends like that’s when we see the bright side of this have a phone or some device to text or call a germaphobe ) which legend says that if I going to the teen center or joining a club. new place we’re in and end up enjoying it each other. do that I will be gifted with the gift of gab. perience. These things are all accessible to us. I love until it’s time to move to our next home, we My family has moved all around the By the way, if you didn’t already know the – Elam Dunton, 6th grade living in Korea. It is amazing with so many move out, or our parents retire. United States to Fort Bragg in North Caroli- gift of gab is the ability to speak easily and My time as a military kid has been na (I was born there), Fort Belvoir in North- confidently. he idea of moving to a country on things to do. I wonder where I’ll be going the other side of the world was kind next. filled with stress, anger, sadness, joy, and ern Virginia and JBLM in Washington(my Our time in Europe was a great and fun amazement. I’ve been in Texas, Okinawa, brother was born here and my dad was experience for my family. We were able to T of put aside by me. I didn’t really – Rosalyn Weber, 6th grade and Korea. My favorite is easily Texas. I’ve deployed at the time), and Fort Gordon visit many wonderful countries, experience think anything of it. It was just going to be moving to another house, except in an air- met so many great people through football in Georgia. Now my family is stationed at many lively cultures, and meet many friend- and school and no matter where we are in Camp Humphreys South Korea (where my ly people. I will always remember the good plane this time. At the time I had just been hen my dad first joined the mili- going to regular public schools that were not tary we had to move to Texas, and the world we would always have each oth- mom is from originally). My favorite move times we had in Germany, and Europe all ers’ backs. If there was one thing I learned was when we lived at Fort Gordon. I went to together. I don’t know where our next duty associated with DODEA. I didn’t even know W I made some good friends there, what DODEA was up until quite recently. I my first friend’s name was Cade, sometimes from my friends in Texas it’s that people an off base school and played a lot of sports station will be, but I hope I will be able to will come and go but the bond with them for the county, mostly tackle football. I had visit Europe again one day. wasn’t exactly excited to move, but it’s not we’d go to each other’s houses to play. I did like I could really do anything. Part of mov- pre-k in English and we had a worm pool never will. many friends at my old school. – Isabella Boshers, 6th grade – Dylan High, 8th grade I hope to move back to Georgia after this ing was that I was going to move away from that I loved to play in during free time. I had assignment. Every time we move it takes a friends, but I wasn’t really sad about that. many friends that I really miss now. After I while to get to the other states, and other eing a military brat has a sort We could still always talk, due to technology did my homework I would play video games we have nowadays. until it was my bedtime. During the summer ave you had to move three times countries, like Korea. My life as a military of warming chaotic essence. On from state to state or even to a dif- child is pretty fun, because I experienced one hand, we are always moving When the time finally came, I didn’t feel I went swimming a lot, it was really hot in B Texas, sometimes it would get past 100 de- ferent country in only eight years? many different things like cities, people, around and never stopping to rest. On the anything. It was just getting on a plane and H I bet not, but I have. I have been to Texas and cultures. Now I think I can adapt easily other hand, the people we are surrounded getting a new house. When we had finally grees Fahrenheit! After we went swimming gotten settled school had already started. in summer it was time to go back to school, I and Virginia, and I currently live overseas to a new place or environment. I’m happy by always know what we are going through in Korea. The journey started for me when to be a military child and proud of my dad and will help us along the way. Millions of School was pretty much how I expected it was excited yet worried because I was going to be. It was still pretty much the same as to be taking Spanish and I didn’t know any my dad told me that we’re moving because for serving in m the U.S. Army. military brats have experienced this feeling that’s how the military is. I was five years – Brandon Uresk, 6th grade of wanting a new adventure, but holding on regular schools, except for the nice buses. Spanish words except for the word ‘Hola’. By the time the first week had ended I had On the first day of school I wasn’t wor- old when I was told and I am now thirteen. I to their memories of the places they’ve been wasn’t so happy when I heard the news but found some people I could hang out with. ried anymore, some students from pre-k and their experiences. now that I’m used to it. I am always excited School and homework was relatively easy to were in kindergarten with me and my eing a military child (or people call Moving to Australia and Korea were both to move around. I think the reason for that keep up with. Here I am now, just doing a teacher was really nice. In kindergarten us military brats) has given me and very unique and frustrating experiences. is I love new adventures and meeting new homework assignment. Living in a military everything I did I got a 100 on it, for me B my family lots of opportunities such This was because when moving to Korea we people. community wasn’t much different from life it was easy because of the previous school as traveling to many different places. I think had to deal with a language barrier, new I currently live in Korea. I never thought before. It was to go to school, do homework, year which prepared me for this school the best duty assignment for my family has culture and customs. Also, when moving to that I would live overseas at a very young and play games. Although it seems like it year. Near the middle of my kindergarten probably been our time in Europe. We were Australia we had to deal with moving into age but it happened because of the military. would be much different, it’s not. There’s year, we moved out of our old house and stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany, for four an apartment (new for us) and trying to The plane rides were long but it was a good into a bigger house, it was pink and had years. All the countries within Europe have understand the Australian’s accents. Our my story, living in a military community, experience. When I moved here, I stayed in a big backyard and I had a big bedroom pretty much open borders meaning I can family traveled a lot in Australia and have and it’s almost the same as living outside lodging for at least ten days then moved into that was painted green that had cd’s on the go in and out freely for the most part. The seen more of it than the United States. We of one. a house off post. It wasn’t my first house off countries are so close that I can take a train, traveled all around Australia and all over – Daniel Wilson, 6th grade closet door. In the summer we went on trips post but it’s different from a normal house. airplane or even drive to any of them. We New Zealand. But it doesn’t even compare to the ocean with my grandma and grandpa I moved into a villa type of home. There are did just that! We traveled all around Europe to the amount of travel we have done while when they came to visit me. One summer I four buildings with only three floors and I’m and it’s almost impossible to pick a favor- living in Korea! We have traveled all around eing a part of a military commu- went to my grandma and grandpa’s house. I happy to say, we are a close community. I ite country. There are a few that were awe Korea and Jeju, Thailand, Cambodia, Nepal, nity it is a gift because it means wanted my mom to come, but she had to stay live about fifteen minutes away from the inspiring which made our four years there Malaysia, Vietnam, and last for now, Japan. B my dad works for the government home because she was going to have a baby. post. My school is great and I made friends worthwhile. From the two countries I have lived in and it provides everything like schools, PX, When my family and I returned back from quickly, just like my other two schools. When we went to Paris we got to stay overseas, I have learned that the countries Commissary, and etc. I have a great school my grandma’s house I came home to a new Although at the moment, I’m not going to in an apartment with two floors and a clear have different customs and different be- since I have lots of good friends and gives baby brother. The new baby brother meant I school because of the coronavirus so I do roof for a whole week. We got to see the haviors that are rude or not. For instance, in me a great education. If I wasn’t in the mili- had to share a room. I did not want to share have to work from home which is fine with sparkling Eiffel Tower in all its glory. It was Korea it is not rude to burp, belch, or spit tary community, I’d have to be in a Korean a room with my new baby brother because I so pretty and even better in real life then in in public or to push past people, whereas in school, which makes me basically have no already had a brother in my room and that the black and white photos of it that we have America it would be very rude. Also in Ko- reason to use English and I would not have was enough for me. See more Humphreys at home. rea, when handing something to someone, any American friends. When I first was in My time in Texas and in early school was Middle School Another memorable place was when we they always bow a little, hand it to you with Korea the first military base school I attend- great. I learned a lot of Spanish in kinder- took a trip to Ireland. When we took the trip their right hand out of respect, touch their ed was at Camp Humphreys then I moved to garten and first grade. I learned how to read, on Page 6 APRIL 2 – APRIL 15, 2020 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION STRIPES KOREA 5 6 STRIPES KOREA A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION APRIL 2 – APRIL 15, 2020
Celebrating Month of the Military Child Korea. At first, my dad and I didn’t like it new student, Mrs. Turner,” the office lady Humphreys Middle school here. He thought he made a bad decision. My said as we walked through the door. The mom was the one to always tell us that it will office lady and my dad went back to the get better and this was a great decision. This office. The teacher reached for a handshake whole idea eventually got better. and my hands were shaking as I reached After a few weeks of being at the Camp for hers. “Hi! I’m your new teacher, Mrs. Humphreys base in South Korea, it was only Turner,” she said “What is yours?” “Hi,” I a little better. We had to live in lodging dur- said with a shaky voice. “My name is Jean ing Christmas and we had no Christmas Weilbacher.” We walked into the classroom decorations in our room. I thought it was the and every student’s head looked up at me. worst Christmas I have ever had. My family I started to heat up because of how embar- and I didn’t do anything for Christmas that rassed I felt. Mrs. Turner looked around for CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 Saturday before we moved, it was time to year and we had no family. A couple weeks an empty seat and put me next to a group say goodbye to my favorite cousins. We were later it was a new year, 2020. We finally got of students. There were only three of them. me. I’d say the virus, air quality, and how outside a restaurant when we said goodbye. our own home. I was so happy that I would scared me to death. The night before my One was a girl with straight brown hair, I didn’t think it would be this hard to say Humphreys far places are here are the only negative have my own room again. School on Camp first day at a new school, I couldn’t stop one was another girl that had curly black goodbye to them. I tried to hold back tears parts to this place. Everything else is pretty Humphreys was getting better. I finally got thinking about what might happen. “What hair and blue glasses, and one was a boy while saying goodbye but I couldn’t. All of great. I have been living here for fifteen into the routine of things at school and I will they think of me?” “Will I be able to with straight blonde hair. As I walked to the the memories that I made with my cousins Middle months but I’m moving in about five months made some new friends. I began to get very make any new friends,” I thought. Then, seat, the other students were still staring were flooding into my head. I couldn’t say to Washington State. I love being a military comfortable in our new home. Now, it has it was the next day. I got ready and was at me, some of them were whispering child though it’s not always easy, it made me goodbye. I wanted to stay with them forever. Ms. Lamblin been about three months since we got to Ko- headedSchool to the school. I was in the car and something to their friends while staring. It become who I am today. They got in their car and left. That was it. rea and I am very happy that I am in Camp my mind was full of so many thoughts. only took a few steps to get to the seat, but – Victoria Cabo-Schultz, 8th grade I wasn’t going to see them for a long time. Humphreys even though I miss my family “Am I really going to a new school?” I kept time was going so slow that it felt like I was It hurt to realize that but I had to move on. and friends. walking in slow motion. thinking. The car stopped in the parking lot remember the day when my parents I woke up the next morning very scared – Abigail Haugen, 8th grade When I finally got to the seat, the group of a big brick building, and it was time for came to me and said there is a possible because I knew what was going to happen. looked up from their desks. I didn’t know me to start my new journey. chance we are going to move to South It was time to move. I tried to think about it ’ve been a “military brat” my whole what to say so I simply smiled at them and I My dad and I started walking towards Korea. I looked at them extremely surprised in a positive way but the only thing I could life and I’m glad to be one. There put my things down. Once I sat down the and I tried to hold back my tears. I lived in think about was how I am being plucked out are many good things about being a the building. We opened the door to get into girl with red hair introduced herself. “Hi! I the office. Once we walked in, the lady on Florida all my life because I had the luxury of my only home and moving to a foreign military child such as going to new places I’m Natalie!” She had a cheerful voice. She of not having to move. My dad worked on country. I have never been out of the United and things like that. However, there are also the front greeted us and my dad told her it pointed at the girl with blue glasses. “This a Navy base in Florida as a civilian and we States. My grandparents were coming over times where I wish I wasn’t. Before I moved was my first day there. She got up from her is Lana. She may look mean but she’s very never had to move. I thought he loved his to help get the last of the little things out of to Korea, my dad was stationed in Fort desk and led my dad and I to my classroom. sweet.” “And this is Hayden. He’s really shy job at the base. I remember him always ap- our home. We eventually arrived at the air- Campbell, Kentucky, but we lived off-post I was so nervous. As we walked in the empty when he meets new people but once you get plying for jobs overseas so he could provide port and said goodbye to my grandparents. in Clarksville. I was absolutely terrified be- hallway with blue painted walls, my heart to know him, he can be really talkative.” He my sister and me with a great experience. My family and I then went inside the airport cause it was my first time going to a school would beat faster and faster after every looked up from his work with a confused He applied for jobs in Europe and in Asia. and went to our plane. I had never been that wasn’t in a military base. After a few step I took. I thought my heart was going to face. “What are you talking about? I’m not I never thought that we would actually on a plane before. We flew from Florida to days, I got used to it, and it turned out to explode. The office lady suddenly stopped shy at all.” Lana started to laugh. “She was move overseas. When he told me, he seemed Seattle because we were going to spend a be one of the most memorable experiences in front of us and looked to her right. There obviously kidding. But she wasn’t lying so excited. I thought how could he be so week in Seattle because we have never been I’ve ever had. was a door that said “Mrs. Turner’s Third about the talkative part.” We all laughed excited when I would have to leave the only there. After visiting Seattle, we woke up at 3 Before Clarksville, I was in Hawaii and I Grade Class!” on it. The office lady knocked and Hayden asked for my name. All three of home I have ever known? in the morning and left to go to the airport. started school there so the thought of going on the door and a student opened it. them stared at me with wide eyes waiting A couple weeks before I moved, I only It was time to leave the country. We got on to a new school made me nervous. I was “Mrs. Turner, I think the new student is for a name. “I’m Jean.” I said with a smile. spent time with family and friends. It still our plane and left to go to South Korea. After always shy and wasn’t interested in talking here,” said the student. A few seconds later, “Do you want to be our friend? You can sit didn’t feel like I was moving to Korea. The a very long plane ride, we landed in South to new people. In fact, meeting new people a woman came to the door. “Here’s your with us at lunch and play with us during
onto the College Acceptance APRIL 2 – APRIL 15, 2020 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION STRIPES KOREA 7
Celebrating Month of the Military Child recess!” Natalie said excitedly. I looked at start over and make better decisions. Being stomach. That’s when I saw my teacher. She new place without any problems. We pack to go to American school, which I thought Lana and Hayden to see if they were okay a military child isn’t all that bad and it’s told the class to stand up and we all stood up our house and get ready for a whole new would be fun. The school that I went to was with the idea and they both nodded aggres- actually an amazing opportunity to be one. up and went to the classroom. This girl adventure. We are strong. We have our own called College Gardens Elementary School sively. “Sure! I’d love that.” I said. – Stella Laureano Mendez, 8th grade came up to me and said “Hi.” Her name was special beauty. We are resilient. We survive. located in Rockville, Maryland. The first day One of the best things about being a Alexandra. She was really nice. She showed WE are military brats. of school went pretty well but the problem military child is building new great friend- here I was nervous for school to me the third grade hallway. I was more – Abigail Cook, 6th grade began on the second day. Sure enough, the ships. Natalie, Lana, Hayden and I all stayed begin. Now you may ask, why? Well relaxed and wasn’t nervous after all. I still second day was not fun at all. I couldn’t as friends and still hung out with each T you see my dad is in the military. missed my other friends though. I talked to understand what my teacher was saying other from third grade to middle school. We have to move from a state or country friends on the phone which was nice. y family has been relocated a but at the same time my teacher couldn’t Unfortunately, I had to move but we’re still every three years or so, and it’s not easy to – Camila Jaramillo, 6th grade dozen times and will be relocated understand what I was saying. It was hard contacting each other now. I’m so thankful move. You have to go to a new school, get a M to somewhere again soon. Past to overcome the cultural shock and the to be a military brat! new house, you basically have to get a new ten years in my life my family has moved language barrier. Thus, I decided to focus – Jean Weilbacher, 8th grade everything. The reason I’m so nervous for eing a military brat will forever be four times that I know of. My mother says on learning English, and a few months school to begin is that I don’t know any- my pride and joy. I’ve been around that I am in a special circumstance because after, I was able to communicate with eing a part of a military family can body there, I’m completely new. I thought B the military world my whole life my father serves in the U.S. Army and his my teacher and classmates. My language be pretty exciting. But can be really to myself, What if no one likes me and then and I wouldn’t change a thing. I get to tell job requires the family to move regularly. skills became much better as I tried hard rough and can greatly affect your everyone all about the experiences I’ve been While my family frequently moves to B I get made fun of . Silly me I’m sure that and I made a few good friends in school. A life in positive and negative ways. So far my able to see all while being so young. I love different locations in the world, I have won’t happen. year after I arrived in Rockville, my family life as a military child has been really good making new friends and getting to move all experienced my life learning different moved to a different city in Maryland called It was time. We went to school. That’s and fun. But then again, there were a few around the world, and it’s all because my languages and cultures, which helped me Elkridge. Elkridge was about an hour away when the butterflies started coming, even downsides to my military child life. You get dad wakes up at five in the morning every to understand many aspects of intercultural from Rockville so it wasn’t too far away. worse than before. I was only in third grade a lot of new and exciting opportunities in day and puts on his old boots, just to fight society. I began attending Rockburn Elementary your life. at that time. We got to school and went for everyone’s freedom. My family and I are I was born in the year 2008 while my fa- School in Elkridge and I enjoyed the school Traveling and moving has had a great inside. I took a big gulp. The good thing very close because we’ve always had each ther was serving as an officer in the United a lot. While I was living in Elkridge my impact on my life, I didn’t really like it. It was that It was the first day of school for other through all of our moving. No matter States Army under overseas duty assignment mom suggested that I should participate in was hard because when I had to move, I had anyone, and we had to go into a gym and where we end up going, we have each other. in South Korea. I went to a preschool in Taekwondo martial art program. I went to to leave behind all my friends that I knew wait for our teachers with your classmates. I’m always very sad when we get told we South Korea and the school teachers taught Taekwondo lessons almost every day and and the fun places that I have been to. It We waited for a couple minutes. I was have to move again, but I remember that I all lessons in Korean language. I had a very much enjoyed it. was hard for me to make friends when I just sitting there with butterflies in my get to make a whole new set of friends with chance to make a few local Korean friends In March 2016, my father, once again, moved, I also had to start learning a new a new best friend and I get happy again. I in school, which helped me expand my received a PCS order to go to Yongsan language (English), it was different from get to see new people, and I get to live in a Korean language skills and also learned Korea. My family and I moved from the languages I grew up with and already brand new place, which is something the many different aspects of Korean culture. Maryland to Korea and I was fully adapted knew. On the bright side, I am now able average kid doesn’t get to do. One thing In early 2013, my father received a military to American language and culture. I entered to speak 4 different languages which I hate the most is having to go to a new Permanent Change of Station (PCS) order to the Seoul American Elementary School as can really help me in my career. I get to school and being the “new kid.” Everyone move back to America. Check out more a second grader and it was fun. I began to discover new places and explore different talks about you and stares, especially My family and I moved to the state of know my relatives in Korea and they were cultures. Sooner or later, I had actually military children when you go to a school off base. They Maryland in March 2013. My first year in new to me. I learned the Korean language made better and newer friends. stories at: don’t know what we go through and some Maryland, I didn’t understand anything that and culture as a real experience living in The new school I went to here in Korea militarychild. of them don’t even care to ask.I’ve always was in the world of America, which was Korea. In February 2018, my father, once was better than my last school; the teach- stripes.com thought of us military brats as a special a cultural shock for me. Soon as I landed ers and students are nice. We have many bunch. I learned that the flower that repre- in Maryland, I was excited even though fun activities like school dances and after sents us is the dandelion. Much like a dan- I couldn’t understand anything because See more Humphreys school clubs. I wasn’t very happy back at delion when it blows away in the wind and everything looked much different from Middle School the 2nd place I lived. But I then moved replants itself, us military brats are able Korea. A few weeks after my family had on Page 8 here and noticed that I had a chance to to get up and move and root ourselves in a settled down my parents told me that I had 8 STRIPES KOREA A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION APRIL 2 – APRIL 15, 2020
Celebrating Month of the Military Child
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 is bad because we lose friends. I lost my very sad. I missed all the restaurants there, another part of the house trying to sell the friend, Santos, because my dad had to move the pools, and most of all my neighborhood. house. Somehow, the movers didn’t realize again, received a PCS order to move to to Korea and we ended up losing his contact It was very very sad. Then of course we how important my legos were to me. Pyeongtaek, Korea. Pyeongtaek is located because I got a new phone. Santos was a moved and it was exciting to see where we When we got to South Korea and moved about 50 miles south from Seoul. I began friend that came to most of my parties. We would live. into our new house, the movers brought in to attend Humphreys West Elementary usually rode bikes and fixed up some cars Our next destination was Red stone, my legos while I was at school. When I got School and entered the Humphreys Middle together; we played Nerf Wars and started a Alabama. We met all kinds of nice people, home from school that day, and I walked up School last fall. lemonade business. I played baseball, soccer, and a lot of my stairs, I saw all my legos in the bottom My father expects to receive another Santos and I left each other in fourth grade. fun sports. I was about 6-7 years old in of boxes and some big bags. My First Order PCS order going back to America soon. I en- I have a new friend now but know when we Alabama. Then when we finally got into our Star Destroyer, Hogwarts Castle, and Kylo joy learning Korean culture and language, move I will lose him too.Then I will make new house, friendly neighbors came and Ren’s TIE Silencer were all destroyed. I which are very important in my life. I sure more friends because that’s the circle of introduced them to us. They were very nice was devastated from seeing them destroyed. will apply my learned values from Korea life as an Army kid. I have fun meeting and we became friends. Then they moved All the hard work I put into them, they took to next location in America. I also believe new people but have a hard time forgetting about 4 months into living in Alabama. me HOURS to build and just seeing them that I’m a lucky person that was able to go Humphreyso one likes it when your parent them. Sometimes I get shy but then I get It was actually really sad. Then we re- there, right in front of my very eyes, broke through real experience living in overseas goes away, even on Temporary used to it.I usually have fun then I get ally didn’t go outside and play that much far beyond my ability to fix them. It was with different culture and language. N Duty. They leave for 2-4 weeks bored so I try to have fun with new people anymore. But of course I went to school and shocking. – Jerry Kim, 6th grade and youMiddle miss them. And then, that moment and sometimes it starts bad and then gets made a lot of new friends. But there was The movers even put a BOWLING PIN in comes along, when they come up to the better. this mean girl in school. Her name was Mon the box with my legos. I got the bowling door Ms.and walk Lamblinin. Most people probably Here in Korea everything is hard but ti. She used to sit next to me and would pin at my 6th birthday party with my there are a lot of people who like listening friends’ signatures on it, so I wanted to am here in South Korea. The military greet their parent with “I missed you ‘’ or kick my foot that had a cast! But then she School to Kpop. I don’t like it but some people do. I keep it. When the movers put the bowl- base is Camp Humphreys and I go to “glad to have you back”, but me and my was nice to me when I was moving. But of listen to some good songs and I like to sing ing pin in the box of legos it acted like Humphreys Middle School. I would like sisters would do something different. We course, MOVING!! After of course we moved I would wait on the staircase, and when our them. It is nice here in Korea; the schools to Korea and I really love it here but we will a WRECKING BALL, destroying the Star to say that having parents who are serving are nothing like the state schools --more Destroyer, crumpling into over 1400 pieces, our nation is incredible. You should always dad walks through the door… we would have to move back to the states. easier to understand. There are buffets,BBQ Our next destination, is San Antonia, beyond my ability to repair it. I was mad be grateful you have parents like this. Not shoot him with nerf guns. ,and Korean restaurants and lots of things Texas. and I felt helpless. I had NO control to everybody gets a chance to have experiences It became a tradition after the first that are new in the world. – Semantha Recheungel, 6th grade fix it. like we do so don’t take it for granted. few times, and it was plainly obvious that we were going to be there, but it was still – Xzavier Degrasse, 6th grade Right now I’m working on fixing all the When you move you will like it, it isn’t all lego sets that broke, including the ones I bad. Think of it as an adventure. Go Have fun. Besides, this was the one exception mom made to the “no shooting nerf guns didn’t mention. I’ve finished repairing Kylo An Adventure. Now’s Your Chance! in the house” rule, and we didn’t want to hese are some pros and cons about Ren’s TIE Silencer, Hogwarts Castle, First – Kayla Riley, 6th grade waste it. It made the two weeks of him being in the military. First I’m going Order AT-M6, Lego Nexo Knights Merlok’s being gone worth it. Dad would always act T to do the Pros. The pros about being Library, Resistance Troop Transporter Set, surprised that we would ambush him. in the military, is that I get to see more Creator Mighty Dinosaurs, Star Wars First s a military kid, I am not excited Although, there was one time where we of the world than children that aren’t in Order Battle Pack, Star Wars Resistance when it is time to move. I get the really surprised dad. My older sister and the military get to. I get to meet new and Trooper Battle Pack, and a WHOLE LOT A feeling of not wanting to leave fam- I ambushed our dad in the entryway, as different people. I also get the chance to see MORE. ily and friends and then I get to my other usual. After shooting him up pretty good, other places that I thought I would never Overall, this was pretty shocking when location and make new friends and love it we then told him that we were done, so he see.Sometimes I enjoy the military because I first found out. However, once I calmed there. So for those of you who have seen the walked into the living room looking for I get to see new things. down, I was able to rebuild many sets or movie “ Inside Out,” it is kind of like that. our mom. When he opened the door, he Of course there are some cons about be- just used the parts to make something You make great friends, then you’re forced got pelted with nerf darts. My mom and ing in the military. All the time, we have to new. This experience taught me that I can to move away. You don’t like the new town, younger sister had set up the turret in the move and have to leave friends and have to overcome any obstacle if I am determined then you make new friends and decorate living room to catch dad off guard when say goodbye to the one place that we called enough. Overall, this is a small aspect of your new home and everything is normal he walked in. The expression on his face home for about 2-3 years. We also have to being part of a military family, but it is big again. was priceless, it was truly a memory to adapt to new roads, new houses, and new in my world right now. The way a person feels depends on the per- cherish. kinds of people. You might also have to s a military child I move all the time. – Dalton Parham, 6th grade Being in the son. If the person likes moving to different If you have a parent that goes on Tem- leave places you might have not gone to and I’ve moved seven times in my life. military community makes me kind of hap- places and meeting new people then they porary leave a lot, why don’t you try doing wanted to. A Every time I move, I feel sad because py. I get to move to different places and try should be just fine. If the person doesn’t something different when greeting them. When I was younger, I was about 3-4 I have to say goodbye to my friends. My life different kinds of food. The part that I don’t like moving from place to place then they It’s much more fun. years old, I was in Louisiana Fort Polk. I is disrupted every time we move as well. like is that I have to leave my old friends will say they are fine, but actually aren’t – Kairi Hall, 6th grade really liked it there other than all the bugs The one thing that’s kept me happy is how behind and move to a new place that is fine and are very sad. For me I’m a little bit during the summer. I had a lot of friends much I love building legos. unfamiliar. Also the time zone changes, of both; I don’t like moving away from my ife gets harder because more people and got to play outside and had a really Our most recent move was from Georgia making my sleep schedule a bit off. So the friends and/or family, but I like meeting get in the way of your feelings. good time. Then when we were moving, to South Korea. I was at school when the first couple days in a new country I have to new people and trying new things. L We have to move from place to place I didn’t even get to say goodbye to my movers packed up my legos. My mom stay awake all day so I could get adjusted. – Samantha McCullough, 6th grade because my dad gets orders to move. This friends. I didn’t get to even see them! It was didn’t see them pack because she was in It’s also nice to be in a military community
wo months into 2020, sta- publish an essay, which became in the publishing industry. Other tistics dictate that most my goal to be a columnist, which military spouse authors set ter- T people have already giv- The Meat and became my goal to syndicate, rific examples — Corie Weath- en up on their New Year’s reso- and so on and so on, until my ers, Siobhan Falls, Alison Buck- lutions. Sadly, only about 6 or 7 goal morphed into one that many holtz, El Brown, Tara Crooks, percent who make resolutions Potatoes of Life Americans have — to publish a Rebecca Yarros, Terri Barnes, attain their goals. I’ve always book. Kristine Schellhaas and Jocelyn been a resolution-maker and I had no business think- Green, to name only a few. a yo-yo dieter, so I am forever Lisa Smith Molinari ing that, just because I wrote a My book, “The Meat and Po- making plans to loseMilitary 10 pounds, spouses able to weeklybeat column, I couldthe publish oddstatoes of Life: My True Lit Com,” then breaking them. a book. Although electronic self- will be released on May 1, one But one year, I made a resolu- double-digit-sized pants, I wrote for scrutiny, I never stopped publishing has made it easier to week before Military Spouse tion that would take me a decade to them and hit send. to think about what I would do publish, it’s harder to be success- Appreciation Day. So apropos, to achieve. In my mind, my goal had been if someone actually liked it. I ful at it. According to Publisher’s because I credit my accomplish- In 2010, our family was sta- achieved. I had done my re- didn’t know much about the in- Weekly, the average book sells ment as a book author to having tioned in Stuttgart, Germany, search, conquered my fear, and dustry, but I knew that I couldn’t less than 500 copies. been a military spouse. where I made a New Year’s put myself out there. waste the unique opportunity Facing these horrendous Ours is a unique lifestyle that resolution to submit essays I Problem was, my essay got The Washington Post byline odds, I forged ahead with my fosters independence, resource- had written two years prior to published. had given me. So, I continued plan to publish a book. Really? fulness, determination and guts. newspaper editors. I had writ- My uncle called from the researching, started a blog, cre- Insane, I’ll admit. But not only I may never lose that 10 pounds, ten about parenting, marriage States two weeks after my sub- ated a column, reached out to did I finish my manuscript, I but being a military spouse gave and military life to relieve my mission to tell me that he was other writers, pitched my work signed a book contract, too. me the skills I needed to beat im- own stress during my husband’s reading my essay in The Wash- to countless editors, read my col- That 2010 New Year’s resolu- possible odds and achieve some- yearlong deployment, and my ington Post. I was stunned. “Now umns in public, joined writers’ tion I made to “put myself out thing precious, rare and mean- essays had been sitting in a fold- what?” I wondered. groups, and became intimately there” took me 10 years to ac- ingful. Of that, I am eternally er on my computer ever since. “I Having struggled with self- familiar with the feeling of re- complish, but I did it despite grateful and proud. should finally do something with jection. every probability against me — confidence most of my life, and Read more of Lisa Smith Molinari’s these,” I thought. having left my legal career to That resolution in 2010 fol- a stay-at-home military spouse columns at: I googled how to submit es- manage our military family, I lowed its logical course — my and mother of three, moving ev- themeatandpotatoesoflife.com says to newspaper editors, was so focused on getting over original goal to simply submit ery few years, with no inside con- Email: meatandpotatoesoflife@ and flying by the seat of my my fear of submitting my writing my writing became my goal to tacts and no previous experience googlemail.com APRIL 2 – APRIL 15, 2020 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION STRIPES KOREA 9
Celebrating Month of the Military Child because people know how it feels leaving a eing a military child has its pros s a military child, my favorite part anyone else because I was shy. sisters. As we headed downstairs to see home and friend behind so you won’t think and cons. A pro is that I have trav- is that I get to travel. Traveling has After a few weeks, the girl I met at what he had left under the tree, my joy you’re the only one that is sad about it. Also B eled to many different places such A been a huge part of my life, usually piano talked to me. We talked for a little was suddenly overcome with sadness as I when I was younger my dad would go on as Japan, Korea, and other places people traveling overseas. I love the plane because for the next week and became friends, kind remembered that my dad was not here. He business trips leaving mom, my brothers wish they can travel to. I also have a lot of you get to see nice views, (if you have a of. Sometime later, I talked with one of the was in Afghanistan, and would miss this and me at home. I really missed my dad friends in different areas, and I have also window seat which I’ve always gotten) you other quieter girls in my class at recess. We holiday like he had just missed my birthday when he was gone. This is how I feel living experienced many different activities such get delicious meals every time, and the got to know each other better, but didn’t and Thanksgiving. in a military community. as camping, animal feeding, surfing, and a flight attendants are the kindest people you really talk much after that. Sometimes we Being a military child comes with both – Antonius Vasser, 6th grade lot more fun activities. Now, there are a lot can meet. Though the flight is amazing, I did, sometimes not. I still talked to the girl privileges and hardships. As now an eleven of cons when it comes to being a military even love getting to the airport! When we from piano class, though not every day. We year old, I have lived in four states and child. For instance, we have to move a lot, first arrive we are greeted with the best became closer. What I didn’t know was that two countries. I have been able to see the am a military kid because my mom we have to move away from all of our close architecture I’ve ever seen. There’s always she was trying to be friends with the other mountains in Texas, where I was born. saw an opportunity to improve our friends and sometimes even our families. super cool technological stuff and moving quiet girl. I have also visited many beaches in the I lives. My mom decided to take the job I have been moving every 1 year, and it’s sidewalks, to be honest, that right there is Another few weeks passed by, and a boy Carolinas. I was able to see the Statue of because she wanted to provide for me. Even really sad and frustrating, but I’ve gotten someone’s dream. Just imagine, every day in my class moved. His friend was pretty Liberty in person in New York City where though we moved a couple of times, I still used to it. By enjoying my time wherever instead of walking you get to glide across nice, and we gradually talked, more and my aunt, uncle, and two cousins live. We was able to make friends. I liked moving I’m at, and leaving knowing I will always the floor. more. Soon, we became friends- worked visited the arch in St. Louis, and got to see when I was younger because I could start have friends in that area. Traveling is fun but can get boring at together, played at recess together, and sat fresh everywhere I moved. Moving to Korea My time in Okinawa Japan was full of our favorite baseball team, the Boston Red times. For example, when you have to wait near each other. (There was also a group Sox play the Cardinals. Now we are living in helped expand my vocabulary and new unknowns and treasures. Before I moved to in a long line to get scanned or when your of girls I played with at recess sometimes). foods. Overall I’ve had a lot of exposure to Okinawa, I was first stationed in Florida. I South Korea. We have visited many tourist plane has been delayed an hour. Yes, this I talked with him most of the time. He was attractions, and had many new cultural different cultures. wasn’t at all excited about going to Japan has all happened to my family and me on the first friend I made in 5th grade. experiences. I have had the opportunity of Now that my mom is making more after all of the legends I heard about the vacations and it was irritating. One thing Around this time, a group of girls in - being able to see the world, but also have money, she gives an allowance. Now I have area. Like how it would be very humid that I also dislike is the drive from and vited me to their lunch table, and I sat there two cousins that I have never met. I have pocket money and a bank account to save almost all year, and how there were a lot leaving the airport. I usually fall asleep at pretty much every day. But one day, the girl made many new friends, some we even for college or emergencies. My mom likes of dangerous creatures. I remember when the 30 minute point. However, in the end, from piano class invited me to her table, consider family. However as soon as we are her job better now than before but still I first arrived in Okinawa, it was very traveling is a fun experience. It gives me where the quieter students sat. I talked used to one place, it is time to pick up and wants to get better jobs in the future. When humid and according to my Auntie (who new things to try out every time. I hope with her and we became friends too. She start all over again. New state, new house, I go back to the states, everyone is inter- was living there for awhile) the dangerous when I leave Korea I get to live in another introduced me to the quiet girl I had talked ested in hearing about what it’s like. In creatures were on that island. I hated living place overseas where I can enjoy more to at recess that one day, and we started to new friends. school here, I have learned how to program there already, my first day of school was Asian culture. become friends too. Soon, we were the best The life of a military child has both ups in my robotics class. Living in Korea, the really sad because I had no one who tried – Makayla Buffum, 6th grade of friends. I was finally adjusting to my new and downs, but I believe it has shaped me crime rate is low so I feel even safer here to become my friend, and it seemed like life here, after moving. I talked less to my into the person who I am. I am resilient, than I did before. I also really like the food; everyone in that school was very close. I felt other friend, but we still talked. adaptable, and courageous. While I don’t I loved it from the first time I tried it. Here really left out, but then I started making y favorite thing about being a So now, I sat with my two friends and get the freedom to grow up in the same in Korea, my teachers push me to be the friends with some people in my classes military child is all the traveling we talked and laughed every day. We ate town and go to the same school, I have been best I can be. so I hung out with them for a while. I felt we do as a family. Especially lunch at the classroom, too, when the able to meet people all over the world. I My schoolwork is harder now than very happy because I finally found a lot of M if we’re moving some where new or it is teacher allowed it. Often, after eating, we have had more life experiences in eleven it used to be. My old schools were more friends. The best part was that I had friends overseas. I really like staying somewhere played a board game or just talked. years than most adults have in a lifetime. I hands-on, but now my school is more writ- all over the place. In my neighborhood, different even though it’s just one night. I One day, my friend from piano an- take advantage of everyday I get to spend ing. Some of my classes here have taught friends off base, and I even made friends know you’re probably asking “Well what nounced something- that she was moving with my dad, and nothing is taken for me how to be independent and a problem with people at my Dojo (my Jiu-Jitsu dojo). other things do you like about traveling?” soon. My other friend and I were surprised granted. Being a military child is about solver. I have had a hard time here with I absolutely loved it there, because it turns First thing is the culture like the food, and sad. Sometimes we didn’t like us being taking the good with the bad, and embrac- kids being rude at school. The air quality out, besides all the humidity and dangerous the people and the customs. When we in the military, because people like our ing every hardship as a new and exciting makes it hard to play outside. I used to take creatures that were in Okinawa, I still had travel overseas we get exposed to different friend moved. We spend the rest of the opportunity. golfing lessons at a clubhouse and I was many things to do that kept me distracted kinds of food and it’s usually delicious and month trying to make the best out of our – Camren Therrien, 6th grade really good at it, but I haven’t gone for a from all the bad things. But, unfortunately sometimes it’s very healthy. Usually the long time. I used to be able to go to the mall I moved after a year in Okinawa. To be hon- friend. The day she didn’t come to school majority of people are very kind. The locals, whenever I was free but now because of est I think that move was one of the hardest was sad, but we still talked on something tour guides, waiters/waitresses all share used to live in America. I lived in a coronavirus, I have to be more careful. moves I’ve ever experienced. I would tell called Google Hangouts. After she moved, their own personality. The art usually has a safe little town, where we knew all In conclusion, it’s good to be a military young military children that moving may be my other friend became closer to me, and meaning behind it and it’s usually very old. our neighbors. I lived in Fort Bragg, kid but it can be really challenging sad, but to remember that you will always so did I. We still did everything we did I which my mom and my dad didn’t enjoy sometimes. I like that my mom has a better have your memories and friends to stay All of these aspects of being a military child before, but just without our other friend. job and we get to travel. I think other kids connected. help make my life very exciting. We drew pictures, talked, and visited each because it made my dad have to jump out who are moving in the military should do – Nyzel Fagaragan, 8th grade – Hayden Buffum, 6th grade other’s houses. For the rest of the year, I of airplanes. However, I loved living there research about the new place first, but mov- would only have this friend. before I moved over to Korea. We had a two- ing can be fun. Overall, being a military kid For the next few months, everything story house, and I had many head injuries. is a really fun experience that I can share y experience as a military child o you know how it feels when you went pretty well. I had my friends, and we I would soon learn not to try to stand under with other people. is hard, considering that I have move away from everything you laughed and talked every single school day. a counter’s overhang. I would learn stitches – Blair Morrison, 6th grade to move over and over again, as D know? Being a military kid can Soon, it was the end of the year and we said were better than bleeding from my head. M be tough sometimes. You leave everything in I have to make new friends almost every bye. We stayed in contact and remained That injury was from me hitting the counter year. It is also hard because I have to be behind and have to adapt to a completely friends. Both of us even joined an art class overhang. I also have a few scars from t is hard being a military child and al- without a dad for years. When he goes to new environment. You don’t know anything together, we both liked art and it was fun. accidental injuries, like on the right side of ways moving around, granted I’ve only the field, and that same thought every day, and have to start over. The most part I miss My friend and I knew we would see each my right elbow, or on my chin. I lived overseas once and that’s here, in that, “What if” always scares me. The thing is the friends I made. other again in 6th grade, a day that seemed I haven’t lived in America for five years, Korea. I still don’t enjoy moving that much. that is kind of good is, for the most part, I remember when I met my friends in far away at that time, although I might though I do remember I wasn’t too upset- I Moving is hard since once I make friends free education. I love how my step dad is re- 5th grade, after moving. I sat down at an move after that. take that back. I couldn’t bring my German for two years then I leave. I honestly like spected for what he does and that we have a empty desk on the first day of school and But for now, we still had time. Shepherd mix, Athena, or my Husky, Venus, it here in Korea.I have really good friends, roof over our head at all times. waited for the teacher to come. He did, and – Irena Eskew, 6th grade to South Korea. I cried as I gave Venus an amazing girlfriend, and it’s fun being – Jovany Nunez, 6th grade introduced himself. (We did too). I noticed away, but not Athena, because she was with on base and being able to walk all over the a girl I kind of knew at piano class, who my grandma in Florida. It wasn’t the fact place. In North Carolina, I had lots of good talked to me sometimes and was friendly. t was Christmas morning, I was seven that I had to move that made me upset. I friends and close family and it was hard eing a military kid is hard because I got through the day pretty quick, and the years old, and Santa had come. I had lived in Florida, Germany, and North saying goodbye to them, especially since I not staying in one place keeps me next few days as well. I didn’t really talk to I rushed to wake up my brothers and Carolina. My brother was born in Germany, was going to be overseas and wouldn’t be B from calling one place, “home,” and my family visited Switzerland, Pisa in able to talk as much as we used to in the but the good things are you get to meet Italy,and Venice. It was leaving the house States. My friends back in the states were new people and friends, and learn about and my dogs that upset me. really funny and close by so we always cultures. I hated giving away my dogs. I hated hung out. I knew it was going to be hard to When I left the United States it was leaving my house behind. I felt angry that I super hard leaving behind my friends. make new friends here since I didn’t know was moving. My mom said we couldn’t have a single thing about Korea. I also knew I said in my head, ”I can make friends dogs. Though she was wrong because living no one and I have a tendency to alienate really fast.” It is easy because I am a with a dog actually made people like you myself from people I don’t know. military kid and I do this all the time. So, even more. I told her nobody would care Since I became older I realized how sometimes I want to move because I do hard it is moving around, but when I not like the school or the house. The bad about the dogs, but we lived in Osan, in a was younger I was usually very excited things are when my mom or dad have to hotel. Imagine living in a hotel, and you and want to meet as many new friends go to the field or get deployed, and I can Send your hear dogs running around right above you as possible. In middle school and high not see them for a while; so there is always for the entire hotel experience. I’ve thought school, anxiety and fear of being judged one parent at the house with kids and I Month of about getting my dog Athena back from stops people from going out and talking to have to help out. my grandma, but recently her dog Bear people. It’s way harder to make new friends When I go to a different place like the Military Child died. I’ll also be moving back to Fort Bragg, and meet people in middle school. I hated South Korea I get to learn a new culture submission to in the states. I’ve lived in South Korea for going to school for the first two months. and a new language. I have learned a lot several years, and I still haven’t been to Jeju Now i realized it’s best to go out and try to of new languages because of traveling to MilitaryChild@ Island or the DMZ. I hope that I get to go to meet new friends since the worst that can new places in the world. It is a hard thing one of those places before I return to North happen is that both you and them won’t for some of the people who do not know stripes.com Carolina. I won’t enjoy leaving the food in hit it off. I figure it’s better to try and fail, English so it is hard to talk with them. South Korea, but I will enjoy a taste of fresh than to not try at all. One of best friends is Google translate. by April 15! air quality. – Adrian Caceres-Rodriguez, 8th grade – Andres Caceres-Rodriguez, 6th grade – LaShaun Turner, 6th grade 10 STRIPES KOREA A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION APRIL 2 – APRIL 15, 2020
Stop the Madness CELEBRATING MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD Go away, corona OVID-19 Go Away Corona Consequences C COVID-19 shutting down the Troublesome o away, corona schools hen I first heard the news of missing school because Don’t make me check schoology twice o, school this week was great G COVID-19 keeping us inside of the coronavirus it seemed like it would be fun. Not Now I can’t remember classmate’s face W No, school next week was nice COVID-19 making us wear masks having to go to school just had to be better than going right? N Now my weight is gaining No, school next, NEXT week was troublesome To prevent COVID-19, Apparently that was not the case. While we don’t have to I cannot even go school The fear of getting sick, keeps me Isolated Inside You must have good hygiene. go to school, we still have to do work. I don’t mind that we Because of you The fear of the sick, who are slowly gonna die They shut down the schools and moved it online, have to do work, but just doing work at home makes the work Go away, corona The worries of the school, brings out stress to the This really isn’t cool and the days are intertwined. a whole lot more stressful. By the time 2 weeks had passed – Tae Yi, 6th grade We are kept inside, without going to school, I just wanted to go back. Yet here we students encouraged to keep a social distance, still are, 4 weeks into being home-schooled. All I can really The scientists try to find a cure, but can’t find it in time t first, there were only 30 cases. The next but my friendships are almost nonexistent. do is hope that school will resume soon as things have started A day there is 100. Today, there are over ,970 We are advised to wear masks to slow down here. It would be nice to be able to find and do I have to keep myself clean, to keep me from get- ting sick cases in just South Korea.My family has stayed, for Which can be a really big task. your work without having to dig around to find your assign- weeks, locked up in our own homes, waiting for the I hear it is even draining the economy ments. I’ll just be anticipating when they say we’re gonna go But 1 big mistake, can cause trouble for me all day If I am sick, I get taken away virus to pass by.We have stocked up on food, on And toilet paper is super low in inventory. back to school again. soap, on survival supplies. If we catch something, I am over the Corona attack, – Daniel Wilson, 6th grade If I am not sick, I can stay home all day – Deion Liufau, 6th grade where will we go? The doctors, filled with the sick, I just want my life back. will most likely get us more sick. The first 7 days- COVID-19 just please go away. great. A week off of school. The second 7 days. – Kaden Michael, 6th grade This is nice. No school, but we are cooped up inside our homes, doing nothing of value to our lives. Be thankful s Pon The weeks go by, and we receive online as- he coronavirus is the worst thing that could ru d signments. We are cooped up in our homes, eating T happen to me. i s Mid e nothing but what we have. We still haven’t gone Yes, I thought it would be fun to see what home- v rey dle r outside. ph S i Weeks pass. Even the most school-hating school is like, but now I don’t want to see my house a m ch n ever again. n u o introverts are getting upset. The numbers of People think that it’s just a virus, so they go H Ms ol g deaths across the world rise drastically. The Corona out without a mask, or don’t wash their hands o . La spreads. when they get home. They think that they r m s Everybody is paranoid that they will catch the are fine, which they are not. bl … Corona Virus. The virus creeps closer, daring When they catch it, then here we go o in us to step outside and get some exercise. again with school being closed and If we do, we know that it will soon be too maybe until the end. C late for our family. I now know what children that can’t People start to break, going outside. go to school feel like, because I The virus spreads in our neighborhood, feel trapped inside of my house, the world becomes overridden with like I am in a mouse trap. the hungry virus that will seemingly I feel no fear but only anger be- never be full. cause my grades go down- I don’t Terror spreads across the worlds. get any direct instruction time. A short walk to take the trash to the I only would say that I hate being at disposal feels like a hard journey through home, and yes hate is a strong word, but I a vampire city at night, or a walk through a think this is the perfect situation to use it in. lion-infested jungle. I just want school to open so I don’t have to stay in my The virus spreads, taunts you and the rest of house, even though I get to do school in my pajamas. the world with its fear-inducing symptoms, and People who are still in school and want to go home everyone knows that they will never, NEVER, be and wish they were home, I would tell them that they completely safe. should be thankful that they don’t have to be stuck in that middle of the coronavirus and that they should – Georgina Aveson, 6th grade e never complain anymore because... d a r school is where I want to be right now. g How Lucky Are We h – Semantha Rechenguel, 6th grade 6t n, ow Lucky Are We, ge Hau With everything behind the door Coronavirus is cruel. ire H – Cla Isolated inside, t stops me from going to school. When will we break free I For kids its very scary. For adults its more to carry! The surreal cities UNRECOGNIZABLE Coronavirus as a child Confused and worried Full with people that we see blind Having a coronavirus nightmare. Gives us quite a scare. oronavirus t first it was in China, then spread across For having a mask isn’t much verywhere I go Lucky to have a shield against the virus Being near the coronavirus gives me chill’s. E I see a sea of masks C Coronavirus A the globe. It prevents me from having a social skills. It makes everything Shutting down The number of infections has risen, including the Quiet counties Everyday I would stare ..... UNRECOGNIZABLE Games, Stores, Schools death toll. With simple neighborhoods and farms Wishing I could get some fresh air. Instead of seeing lively smiles Masks on every face Then it’s here in Korea now and schools shut With people wondering will it ever spread here, Wearing a mask... I see a mask People gone without a trace down. Lucky to be in a quiet area Prevents me to ask. hiding the lips that Places empty as fast as light And here I am stuck in the middle of it, confused This time of outbreak like zombies roaming Why do you exist? contain the smile Coronavirus and worried. Except not zombies but a virus What did we do to deserve this. Perhaps it is better than Coronavirus The online homework has piled up, I don’t know So we are considering ourselves unlucky while This is all i ask having the lips infected Causing pain for all what to do. really, Is to not where a mask . with corona No play no fun All I’m hoping for is for this to end soon. How Lucky Are We So find a cure super fast But that doesn’t mean Everyone gone There are cases in America, too. – Narine Plourde, 6th grade and have the virus come in last the lips shouldn’t smile Coronavirus Where else is there to go, without having to All we want is not to see the coronavirus on Even under the mask Coronavirus wear a mask, wherever I go? the run I fantasize that everyone Why can’t you go Why does this thing exist? It’s because of one Under Lock Down taking lives all it wants is not fun - for anyone is actually smiling Then school, games, stores bat. Look in the mirror and what do you see? Will open, so Why would anyone want to eat that? e all cannot go to school So that when corona is overcome I thought no school would be fun Coronavirus standing right behind you or me. and we can take the masks off go away – Gage Snodgrass, 6th grade W The coronavirus is like an eagle Coronavirus However it is not because I cannot do anything until Our world will be my homework is done hovering over us is just evil Once again Be gone for good Out the window Stop virus you think its cool Go away We are under lockdown, RECOGNIZABLE We are under lockdown But it really just cruel – Anna Lamb, 6th grade Coronavirus ne day of no school i am fine so stop virus stop And leave me be. O Next day i am concerned It feels like my whole world is changing its not fun Next week i am frustrated Our beautiful days are wasted, please – Maddie Campos, 6th grade Week after i am panicking Our fun plans are canceled and redated stop. The walls are closing in I wish we could go back to school – Kayla Riley, 6th grade THE VIRUS I am still cooped up in But we are under lock down The Virus Custody The same habit of – Sophia Macayan, 6th grade he virus is horrible Click click,tick tick The virus is keeping us from irst we get the message that school T Where did the time go Fight Tonight F will be closed, and everyone was fine. Check out more having fun Out the window Then as we know it school is closed for military children It makes us have school With everything i knew orona, Corona, another week and everyone is scared. stories at: online I was lost in the news C keeping us from the light, Next week we get the news that the militarychild. No one likes it Of Coronavirus Giving students stress and giving them strife, numbers are growing on the people infected. stripes.com The virus is bad And all the online school Corona, Corona, When everyone realizes we are stuck in South It is creating horror to our lives Lost with fear poking leaving us scared at Korea, they start to freak out. Where did everything go night, Everybody raids the commissary and the PX, leav- Oh the virus Where did the time go Keeping our posture ing people to put limits on things. Oh the virus Where did my computer go to … Trying to survive and protect ourselves every Please cease to exist from our poor Is it the afternoon already? Fight Tonight day from the Coronavirus. lives My time out the window – Ezekiel Phillips, – Mikaila Ebbers, 6th grade – Andrew Schlecht, 6th grade – Rebecca Mader, 6th grade 6th grade APRIL 2 – APRIL 15, 2020 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION STRIPES KOREA 11 Celebrating Month of the Military Child
he process of moving from amp Humphreys, South soon became my best friends. I still South Korea has not been Korea is the best thing miss my friends from Virginia to this like any other move before. Editor’s Note: that ever happened to day, butMs. it isn’t as Spirespainful now that I EveryT move is sad yes, but this is a bit The students in Necohle Spires’ class C me. I now understand have new friends. It is bittersweet more stressful. A few months ago my what it is like to live overseas in a - Destiny Kaelynn Givens dad broke the news to me and my sis- tell a great story, so sit down foreign country. I have new friends 6th Grade ter that we were moving to Okinawa and give them a read. Great job, kids! and a new school which is way better he best thing about being for three years. We were going to leave than where I use to go to school in a military child is all the the day after school ends. We made a America. I now also live in a bigger fun stuff to do.For plan that we were going to the U.S and move or when my friends moved. child in the world has to make the house than I use to in America, and T example, on base going visit family and close friends. Then a When I get to a new place it doesn’t best of it! Being a child of a service I’m able to do things that I was never to the teen center is one of my couple of months later the Coronavi- take too long for me to feel better in member is a privilege. It means I can able to do in America. For example, favorite things to do. There are a lot of rus broke out. At first I Humphreysdidn’t worry the new location. I get to meet new goMiddle all around the world, explore new afterSchool school for middle and high games and many clubs. In addition, because it wasn’t bad, but then Daegu friends. Even though I missed my places, make new friends, and most school students can go over to the PX the Post Exchange is a great place to had a huge burst of cases and school friends at the old location. I don’t of all make beautiful memories to to talk, hangout, and eat. They are hang out because there are many toys started to close and all of the sports like when I have to pack everything cherish forever! also able to go to a youth center to and a lot of games. These places are for CYS cancelled. Then President up. I have to throw some stuff to I remember new faces every two play video games, board games, and very family friendly. Trump made a travel ban from the U.S move. Moving days could be hard years or so. I also remember having do homework. A few other The second best thing about being to Korea and vice versa. The garrison because sometimes it takes hours to to know how to adapt to new places experiences I have gone through was a part of the military community is all recommended not going off base and reach your new location. When I go and new people, having to try to showing an ID to get on to the army of the fun things we can do off base a lot of travel was being restricted. So to a new school I like to see what is smile and look happy when I miss base. Although you can have some while being in Korea. For example, when I asked if we were even able to different between the new school somewhere else. But every military cool experiences on base you can Fun things off base include going to move and my parents answered with and the old school. Moving could be child has his/hers ups and downs have them off base too. The education the arcade and movie theater. The ar- a maybe and I don’t know I started to hard, but I like new locations. and it’s our job as a military child system on Camp Humphreys is cade has all sorts of things like batting worry. Am I even going to move? If - Katie Choi to collect those moments we have perfect. This system gives students cages, airsoft range and bow shooting. I do move what is going to happen? in different places with different more time to get work done and I enjoy these activities very much. I started asking questions about the eing a military child people. It is also good to go to differ- study for a quiz. The teachers are In addition, the movies are very fun move and it was mostly the same an- could mean so much to ent places, because when you tour caring, smart, and are understanding because they have big booths where swer, “I don’t know if the Coronavirus one person, but to me it the world you can explore different too. I also remember one time when I they give you 2 seats and extra-large lets up maybe,” Or “depending on the B means starting a new traditions, cultures etc. Some people went to the pool on Camp Hum- popcorn. situation maybe.” There was never a beginning. When I hear from my have never left their state or country. phreys. The pool was awesome it pool The hardest part about being a solid answer and that was a big differ- parents that we are moving to a new It is an outstanding opportunity had a snack bar and a diving board. part of the military community and ence from the other moves. With the place, I act like I seem fine even to travel and many military kids The Exchange movie theater is cool being a military child is leaving your other moves we had a set plan, here though I know that I’ll miss my have been to more than several too, it reruns past movies. Another hometown. This was a very sad time we don’t. I find myself asking, “Am I friends and possibly the place very countries and states. So this is why experience I had was standing in the for me and now I only get to see my even going to move?” much. This phrase “a new begin- being a military child could mean so movie theater for the National friends and family there when I am - Madeleine A. Campos ning” means that wherever you go, much to a person. But again to me Anthem, I had never done that in on vacation. The hardest part was that you can always start fresh and make it means to start a new beginning. America. I really did not like when I I had no choice and had to leave all of new first impressions. It can be hard And I cherish these moments I have had to leave America because I was my family and friends behind. I still always had to move and moving place to place making new had in different places with different losing my friends when I moved to try to talk to them as much as I can. go to a new place. I was friends and saying goodbye to the people. South Korea. Basically what I’m Being a military child is sometimes very sad when I had to old ones, but every single military - Mikaila Ebbers saying is that you meet new people hard. I and have new experiences which is There are pros and many cons to good or bad depending on how you being a military child however, I feel look at. the benefits outweighed the cost - Harrison Edwards because I would have never been able to do all this cool stuff without being riends are a wonderful a military child. thing, but as a military - Skyler Gonzales child, you must be F grateful for the friends cried as I looked at my you have before you must leave them. house one last time. I got It was June, at the end of fifth grade in the car and tried to be and my eyes were swollen with tears. I as happy as I possibly Me and my family were going to could. This was my first move move to South Korea. Ruby, Cassidy overseas. My mind told me to stay and Talayeh were also crying. We and live like you were. I tried blocking were hugging each other tight. “It’s the thoughts but they kept coming at not fair!” I cried. Ruby also had to me. As we got to the airport, I move to another country due to the stopped thinking about the cons military, and she nodded in though I was still hurting inside. We agreement. “Why do we have to sat down and waited. I thought of the move…?” She said. We were crying happy memories of being in Florida. our eyes out, while everyone else was After a while, the plane arrived and cheering. I couldn’t help but be angry we got in our seats. My heart was at them. How are they so happy?! I beating fast and my foot was shaking. thought. Why do I have to be torn Not only was this my first move away from my friends, while their overseas, it was my first time on a friends are there for them for the rest plane too. The plane started and of their lives? I hugged my friends suddenly we were in the air. Time until I had to get on my bus. I sat in went by fast and we were only a few the back seat on my own. Next thinh I minutes away. I was hurting the knew it was time to go to school in whole ride but it went away when the South Korea. My schedules were plane landed. We landed in Seattle confusing, but my teachers were and spent some time there. We were great! I met someone named Kairi getting on another plane before I and her best friend Camila. They knew it. I knew this was going to be
See More Humphreys Middle School on Page 12 12 STRIPES KOREA A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION APRIL 2 – APRIL 15, 2020
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 kids from across America from families in every branch of military lebrating Month of the Military Child fun but my mind told me this was service. After years of traveling around Ce going to be sad. We got on the plane the Persian Gulf countries we got and I wasn’t scared anymore. I smiled assigned to Fort Bragg, NC. Now in as the plane rose. I looked out the the third grade I was able to window and had mixed emotions at concentrate on the American lifestyle the view. It made me think of Florida and learn more about American but it was a bit prettier than Florida’s traditions firsthand. In addition to skies. We were in South Korea in the going to school my family and I were blink of an eye even though it was 10 able to travel to Nebraska, Maryland, hours. We spent the night at a hotel Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, near the airport. We got on the bus and Florida visiting family and many and went to the base in the morning. major landmarks like Walt Disney When we got there we went to World Resort and Legoland. After Lodging. We spent a lot of time in that short year we moved again to Lodging so it was already night time. I South Korea where I spent the last got in bed and my mind wouldn’t stop three years meeting many new friends thinking of home. But soon, I fell and spending a lot of time with my my grandparents had begun to cry, I point I was tired and my pants were Mostly, I am just happy to come to asleep. Korean family. In a few short months told them “Don’t cry, you said he will soaked. So no, I don’t like planes at all. Korea once again, even if I do find - Claire Sophia Haugen we will be moving to Fort Hood, TX be back, there is nothing to worry - Alexandra Maldonado myself quite different. where my dad will retire after 31 years about.” but when he pulled out his - Narine Plourde luggage from the car, and reality hitMs. Spires 6th grade orn in Newport News, of service. I loved being a military was starting 3rd grade me, I began bawling. Even though I Virginia was the start to child and would do it all over again if I when I had moved to y family can’t stay in could not communicate through the an amazing adventure. had a chance. Japan. In 2nd grade, a Japa- one place. We have to English language I still was able to B Who knew that I would - Jeremiah S. Johnson I nese girl was in my class move every two or experience so much travel during my communicate in my own ways, and in and she was mean. Of course, I had M more years, but as I a way being a military child taught me first twelve years of life? After living in o me, being a military assumed all Japanese people were move I’ve experienced different these important lessons. So when I Virginia for two years my dad received child involves lots of mean and I was terrified to hear that countries and people. I love to travel was finally reunited with my dad it did orders to Hawaii after returning from sharing and sacrificing. I we were moving to Japan. Begging my because I see different people and not take me a long time to learn combat in Iraq. Not being able to T have to share a person I Humphreysdad to decline the job he said, “It will places, so being in the military suits English and things were good. Being a remember too much about the entire love with the country that I love. be an adventure, Ella.” An adventure me. I have a lot of different friends military child may not always be the could be cool, I thought. All of us because I have lived in a lot of move I still remember the house we Although I do not have siblings and easiest thing, but it provides good started packing when it was almost different places. Each other place was moved to and the life in paradise. may not have to worry as much about experiences, and lessons. GO time to move. We didn’t have much to beautiful, and I could learn about the However, being a child of a military sharing as some kids do, I have to MILITARY POWER! pack because my dad wasn’t a very culture. dad and a hard-working mom that share my dad. When I was four, my - Anna Lamb high rank and didn’t get too much When I was living in Japan, I was also worked for the Army, I spent father had gotten deployed to Middle School money. It was his new job in Japan very young, but I remember one most of my days in the local Child Afghanistan. While he was deployed m I the kind of person that would have him earn way more thing - that it was an awesome place. Development Center while my my mother took me to Korea to meet who likes planes? Most money. During the last few weeks, I I would go out and play with other parents went off to work. But what my maternal grandparents and family. kids who have parents in sat around my room and played with children. I would sit on the grass, did I know, this was just a way of life This was great for me, I was able to the military have had to my best friend (who I still talk to), which felt cool and coarse like sand that I thought all kids had to experience the other part of my A fly across the world or move from Audrey. Before we left for the hotel, I and hearing playful children’s voices experience? I enjoyed being around ethnicity and culture. However my time to time. So far I’ve moved about had one last playdate with Audrey. It would make me feel peaceful. I can other military children that had lots of dad was not with me and I was more four times. I’ve always hated planes. wasn’t sad, it was a nice playdate, remember my brother playing swords experience of their own even though than extremely thrilled when I finally You’re a million feet in the air inside of probably the last time I would actually with other boys. I would go to an we were only 2-5 years old. When my got to see him again, he had been able a metal box that shakes while getting see her in person. The day of flying to aquarium and see fish swimming in new battle buddies and I turned to get vacation and came to Korea, fed stale pretzels - not my thing. All Japan came and I wasn’t ready to a big container like the ocean. Sun Pre-K age it was time for us to pack up but to my great disappointment I plane rides to me are like that. It’s like leave. “I don’t wanna leave my reflected into the water and glittered our backpacks and head to school that could not understand anything he a routine almost. I get a middle seat friends,” I said to my father. “Oh come with different species of fishes inside was full of other military kids with said. Instead of hearing “ Hi sweetie it on the plane, my dad spills some on, you’ll make friends in Japan too,” the water. I also remember watching lots of experience. I made friends with is great to see you,” I had heard “ sticky drink on me, and then of course he said. So I did. The Japanese were television shows, eating fish and rice kids from all over the world such as blah… blah… blah…” Being away I get a cramp every single time! For actually really kind. I had even learned from the Japanese mart, and waiting Germany, Japan, Poland, England, from my father for a long time had the first three plane rides it was like some Japanese and I loved our new for my brother to come back from and New York to California. Upon allowed my four year old mind to that. Middle seat, spilled drink, and home. Then my dad got another job, kindergarten. Pre-K it was now time to move to forget English. Although I do not cramps. this time in Korea. Here we go In America, I used to live near the Fort Bliss, TX. Now back in the remember everything because I was But the story I’m about to tell you again… sea so I would go there almost every United States it was time to prepare only four, I remember being very takes all of those things and cranks - Ella Odell day. It would take five or ten minutes for Kindergarten on base. After frustrated. I remember wishing that it up to seven. So it starts out like it to go to the ocean. I and my brother unpacking from a long trip across the my dad had gone with my mom and always does. I hope this trip will be ask myself a lot, am I will always go to the playground and Pacific Ocean and a drive from me to Korea, instead of having to fine, my dad is doing his own thing, different? It’s mostly play tag with other kids. We would California to Fort Bliss we spent a few share him with the army and my mom is late, and my brother well because of why, and how use body language or ask our mom to weeks learning the new lifestyle of Afghanistan. My father and I could he’s human alright. So we get on the I I’m a military child or brat. translate to the kids because we didn’t Texas. Throughout our short time in only communicate with the extreme plane and right off the bat I have to sit Understand that, my dad retired from know any English. After we became El Paso I was able to make lots of basics of language, body language. I in between the two boys in my family the military before I was even born, so older, we started going to kindergar- friends, learn about Mexican culture, wanted to understand what he which isn’t really on anyone’s check I don’t experience much. What I ten and learning English. visit Las Cruces, White sands, and wanted to tell me directly from him, list when one of them has a bladder mean by that, is go through what After a few years, I came to Korea. Ruidoso in New Mexico. Though our without anyone translating, I wanted the size of a golf ball. Then when the most military brats go through. My I was living In Seoul and it was my time was short in Texas it was fun and to tell him what had happened while I drinks ‘finally come’ in the words of dad is a retired civilian, who is favorite place. Eating tteok kkochi educational. Our next move was to was having fun in Korea. I was only my small bladdered brother I set mine working for the government. Now and roaming around the city with my The Kingdom of Bahrain located in four then and could not understand down and in two seconds I have a while almost every military brat lives friends, buses, and cars honking and the Persian Gulf where we spent our why he couldn’t just be with my mom can of sprite on my nice clean pair of in one place for a few years, and leaves walking while talking. I remember next two years enjoying different and me. This was even more jeans! to move to a different base, because of early in the morning getting ready cultures. I was now attending school confusing for me when his vacation Now you’d think that’s the end of it either one, or both parent(s) being a for school and running towards the with Saudi Arabians, Bahrainis, ended and he had to leave again. On but no you’re wrong because that was soldier. But, I don’t really have to do bus station and when I would get to Kuwaitis, United Arab Emirates, and the way to the airport my mom and the first plane of two. So, now every- that. But while that is, me coming to school teachers and friends there were one’s getting off the plane cheery and Korea has changed how I thought happy. Then I moved to Pyeongtaek, happy midway through the trip. What about that. While I was in Korea, I got also in Korea, because of my dad’s about me? I looked like a horse about to go to the exchange and the work. All I could hear was wind, I felt to be put down based on the way I’m commissary, etc. more often (I only like I was the only one in the universe walking. Was I crying though? No of went to a base once in a while at New because it was so quiet. It was boring course not if I started reverting back Mexico). I also got to use my id, and until I started going to school. My to a two year old we might be late! ration card, because I’ve never done brother and I would often go to So I did what anyone else would do that before. I got to go to a military Seoul on the weekends using the and dealt with it like the older sibling based school, I got to do activities train crowded with people bunched I was. If you were me you may have focused on military subjects, like “The together. Now Korea is my favorite done something different but at this Month of The Military Child. “ place in the world. I have lived here APRIL 2 – APRIL 15, 2020 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION STRIPES KOREA 13
for more than 9 years now. as well and got onto my bus. I looked Send your smelled like him. We still got to Being a military kid is good. I out the window and saw everything Month of the Military Child facetime with my dad, but it’s not the have almost learned three different one last time. same face-timing as talking in real life. Two years later, where I am cur- submission to As time passed, it was October, and in languages, cultures, and places. It is [email protected] so good to be in the military because rently at right now, I made a new close October, it was my birthday! That was they give you housing money and friend. I enjoy the new school I go to. by April 15! the day I would be going into my double digits! I was turning 10, but monthly salary and we get to move I am happy. But, I do sometimes miss my dad wasn’t here to celebrate. We to different countries. You can live my old school and my old friends and all the fun times I had together around, taking pictures with my fam- was really nervous, because I didn’t still got to talk over the phone though. in your favorite place and then go to with them. Then I realized I had to ily, tasting the delicious concert foods, know anyone. I was especially We had Thanksgiving dinner without other countries. This is what I experi- move on. Being a military child might and watching the Japanese performers nervous because I had started school him, and celebrated Christmas enced being in the military and this is be hard, but you have to realize that performing. there in November, so everyone had without him. It was very tough, but why I love where I live. change isn’t bad. Another reason I like Japan is friends except me. I visited all my we still get to talk to him over the - Sarah Pyo - Jessica Song because of the New Sanno Hotel. My classrooms and met all my teachers, phone. We saw fireworks on New mom, dad, myself and sister spent and at the end of the day, I even had a Year’s Day, but it wasn’t the same n my life, we move a lot, many nights away at the New Sanno friend. In the end, I was not nervous without him. So as more time passed, state to state, or country to Hotel. It was one of our favorite places about my new school anymore, and I it was mid-April, and in April is my country. It is a good time to visit during 4-day weekends. We was happy I moved here. I was happy brother’s birthday! He still was sad I to make friendships, and a would order food from room service, I moved to Korea at Camp Hum- that our dad wasn’t there, but he did good living. It is also low-spirited spend hours in the pool/jacuzzi area, phreys. get to facetime him. It felt like forever when we move. When you leave explore the area, and spend our time - Alexander King for my dad to get back, but when he people, friends and family. But when relaxing there after our many visits to did it was the best time ever! When you move, you can get more friends the Japanese theme parks like Tokyo oving as a military he got back in May, we celebrated and have more fun with the people Disneyland, Hello Kittyland, Lego- child is different from mine and my brother’s birthday at our you care about. I have cried about Land, Kodomo no Kuni (Children’s moving as a normal favorite restaurant. In the end, all of moving because I was scared, land), Tokyo Summerland, Fuji Q M kid. As a military child my dad’s hard work and sacrifice was wondering why we have to move. highland and several other places. you move a lot. I’ve always hated worth it. Sometimes we take vacations and see On top of that, Japan is also the place moving. It makes me sad and stressed. - Sophia Macayan y experience as a family and have fun! It can be good where we met Lea who has become The move from Washington State to military child has been moving and meeting to people. one of the best family friend’s we have Arizona was the hardest move for me am a military child and a harsh. Having to move - Quinci Tyson ever had. We still keep in touch to this so far in my life. I had to move from TCK (third culture kid). I M away from your day and she has also visited us since family, friends that I had known for was born in Kuwait, Asia current location every two years, he life of a military child we moved to Korea. four years and I realized that I hated I but I am half Dutch and parting ways from friends, having to includes moving around - Avery Cody moving and how it made me feel. I half American. Lived in five different create new friends in an entire new a lot. Sometimes it is was so sad because I was far away places and visited so many more including Denmark, Greece, Canada, school full of strangers, and a lot more T moving around the ne day I was told I was from my family. That Christmas, my South Africa, and Dubai. I know stuff. United States and other times it is leaving my home and brother realized how it made him feel being a military child is hard and One of my stories as a military moving to bases overseas. I have had friends again. It was too. He started crying saying that he especially when my dad was child is moving away. About two years the opportunity to live in Georgia, O heartbreaking for me wanted his family. We were confused deployed. When we lived in the ago, when I was in 4th grade, I had Japan, Florida, Kentucky/Tennessee, because I loved where I was. When it that he was crying at the time because Netherlands, every time my dad was to move away to a different country. and now in Korea. Japan was my was time for me to go I said bye to my we were going to see Santa. Then it all deployed, my mom and my sisters For the entire week, I was panicking. favorite place to live so far. friends and teachers. We packed our made sense. We always went to my would make a chain out of paper for Will my new school be good? Will I In January of 2012, my family things and left our former home. A aunt’s house for the holidays and he how many days he would be gone and be able to make new friends? Those and I moved to Camp Zama, Japan; year later, I went into my new school understood that something was every day we would cut one off thoughts scurried through my mind which is about one and a half hours and I didn’t know anybody but they different. I felt bad because I knew I meaning one day less till he could during my last few days at school. away from Tokyo, Japan. My younger seemed to know each other. I felt like couldn’t do anything to cheer him up. come home. I remember this one I told my friend about me moving sister Aliya and I went to the Child this was how it was going to be for the I was seven and he was five. Over the time where my dad was deployed and and, of course, she was sad. My friend Development Center’s Strong Begin- whole year, but then something last couple of years I have learned that we went school supply shopping the was equally as shy as I was, so we nings program. In April of that year, happened. I started talking to some there are some good things about day he came back. When we were only had each other as friends. Even the world-known newspaper named people and we became friends. Later moving too. Every move is different. done shopping my mom told us that though I told her about me mov- Stars and Stripes did a front page on I knew everyone in class and they Every move is another opportunity to we had forgot something, so we ing, we still did usual, normal stuff article, which had featured a picture of all knew me. I then felt happy there. learn something new and try new things. New friends, new places, new thought hard and then I remember together. Like swinging on the swings me, my sister Aliya, and a few other of So sure I said that I left my home and experiences. It’s cool to know that you we were supposed to pick him up that and chatting at recess, being partners our classmates/friends, for the Month friends and it was hard, but afterwards have friends all over the world. Being day. My mom pointed behind us, and in P.E., eating lunch together, helping of the Military Child. That experience I was happy because I made new a “military brat” and moving every there he was waiting. each other out with homework, was one of my most memorable (and friends in my new home. few years has taught me to be a better Another thing that is hard about walking to the school bus together, fame inducing) memories because it - Sarah Alvarado friend to others, to be independent, being a military child is moving be- and laughing and having fun like close was the first time I was on the front and to be confident in myself. cause on one hand it’s always exciting friends. We did everything together. page of a newspaper! remember when I was in - Emma Koontz but on the other it is painful. I don’t Soon, as my last day of school ap- In Japan we lived in a huge, Maryland and my dad got really remember the second more proached, it was time for me to move. brand new 2- story apartment. We an email, saying that he y dad is in the military, that much but I remember my third I sighed and headed out the door to had good neighbors, whom we had could PCS to Korea, and I and sometimes has to move clearer. We were moving from my bus stop. When I arrived, I saw my sleepovers with a couple of times. The he decided to go. I didn’t want to go go on deployment for Arizona to Belgium and I was com- friend and we talked together. When playground was nice and big and was though, because I wanted to stay with M his job. In 2017, we pletely excited because when we had the bell rang, we went inside and got directly in-front of our home. my friends in my nice school. I lived in Europe, my mom joined an moved to Arizona I had felt different, ready for school. At recess, we did the Japan was also the first place I was thought if I went to Korea, I wouldn’t online singing competition. She I didn’t fit in, I was different, nobody same exact thing we did for the last ever able to walk to and from home have a nice school like the one I had. I made it to the finals, and was invited understood what it was like moving. 150 days or so. We got on the swings and school. I was even able to go to also thought I would have nice friends to the concert where she would be When I started school in SHAPE and chatted about what we would the School Age Care Center for a few like the ones I had in Maryland. I was singing. However, the day it was (the NATO base in Belgium) it was usually talk about. It would be the last months due to my Kindergarten class- nervous to go to a new country. supposed to be held, was the day my amazing because in the cafeteria and time I would ever sit on those swings. room being closed for remodeling. When it was the last day before dad had to leave for deployment. My I heard like six different languages at During my brief stint at the School we left, I was a little excited, mainly After about 20 minutes, it was time to mom decided not to go, and spend once because at SHAPE there are 29 because I really liked airports. When I go inside again. Age Center, I was so good at playing the day with my dad, for he would be countries represented and everyone At the end of the school day, I got one of the Mario games in the game got to Korea, everything looked very leaving that afternoon to Afghanistan. understood. my backpack and me and my friend room, that I was crowned as one of different, and the ads in the airport He had to leave September through There are good things about being walked to the school bus together, like the best Kindergarten-First grade looked very weird to me. When I got May, that’s nine months! The time has a military child. I have had friends always. As we we’re walking, I stopped gamers at the School Age Center. to our new base, My family and I went come where he had to leave, we all all over the globe and I have visited for a second and gave her a little sticky Another experience I fondly to the army lodge. It was very late, so I said goodbye. I felt like my brother places all over too! I have been to note. It had my phone number on it. remember during my stay in Japan is didn’t really know what was happen- was the most heartbroken, he was five places a normal kid may not have She put the sticky note in her pocket going to the many free concerts put ing at the time. We stayed at the lodge at the time. He slept with one of our gone: I have climbed the Acropolis, and told me that she would treasure on for the military family member for a couple months, and I got to dads T-shirts, because he said it gone from Buda to Pest several times, it forever. When it was time to leave, community. I clearly remember know the base and outside the base. we both hugged and made promises attending a specific concert that I was very surprised and interested that we would call each other usually. my dad (who is an Army musician) about the Korean culture, and the See More Humphreys She waved goodbye and disappeared was playing in. I had so much fun at food especially. Middle School on Page 14 into the distance. I waved goodbye that concert because I was dancing When I got to my new school, I 14 STRIPES KOREA A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION APRIL 2 – APRIL 15, 2020
Celebrating Month of CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 the Military Child world. Although, there can be some necessary to handle the change. t’s great being a military things apart from perks. From my Respect is important too, respecting child. I went with my seen the Little Mermaid and been experience, being a military child also others will prevent conflicts, as well as grandmother all the way in Hans Cristian Andersons home, means that you have to move often, be helping you to become a better I around the world to Italy, Spain, and even gone to the Anne Frank apart from family members, and be a person. You also get back the respect House on a three day field trip new student again. It can be tough you give, a simple way of becoming France, Belgium, and almost in 5th Grade. Other good things sometimes, such as finding some friendlier. Knowing different kinds of anywhere in Europe. In Italy we about being a military child is I get awesome best friends, but soon people can help you with socializing. spent most of our time in Rome. In to learn about things and actually having to separate. Not staying in one It becomes easier to socialize without France, we went to go see a giant see them. Also I have learned bits location is another struggle, because offending anyone. Different kinds of wooden clog. Many things can be of different languages like food and you might have to leave some parts of places have different foods, so tasting done in Europe. If you’re a military simple bits in French, how are you you behind, such as pets. Leaving new food is fairly common. Even in Spanish, hello in Italian, and goat favorite teachers, or maybe even a though sometimes a parent will have child cherish it with all your heart in Hungarian (kecske). Honestly, I close family member. Being a new to work on holidays or weekends, it is because there are people who can’t don’t think I could have ever stayed Humphreys student can be hard too, however still pretty cool. Frequently moving go anywhere. because of traveling. Visiting new in one place for my whole life without most of us partially get used to it. One also lets you travel a lot! It also lets you places and experiencing new cultures - Victoria Van Pelt moving or traveling a lot. Being a time on the first day of first grade, I have the experience of knowing a lot is a privilege that other kids may not military child has its ups and down MiddleMs. Spires cried because I missed my grandpar- of places (which is helpful for some be able to experience. I am lucky that ime to time, we move, but in the end it is worth it. I couldn’t ents and parents after they left. I didn’t classes). One also has to be flexible in imagine having a better life to live I getSchool to6th share my grade unique experiences quite know English too well then, and a military community. Another thing we’re fine, than this one. And even if being a along the way. On my journey, I like couldn’t communicate with the is language proficiency, schools teach But sometimes I feel site-seeing and adventuring out. I T military child means not having an ac- teacher or the students. So it was hard different languages depending on out of line, use this time to listen to music. I am tual home always my home is always for me to calm down, especially after I where they are in the world. If they Meeting new friends, but knowing where my family is. excited to explore South Korea. I attracted the whole class’s attention. work hard, then they might remember it’ll end - Rebecca Mader noticed a lot of new things here, for On the other hand, moving to a new how to speak and write the language. On the same sad tone, while my example, Korean barbecue and how place can turn out to be the best! You Overall, being a military child has its am a military child. I’ve it smells. I also noticed Korea has a get to make new memories! pros and cons just like every other parents defend learned being a military lot of coffee shops and convenient Sometimes, you move to a different thing. I wish I had more time, child means having an stores around. I love everything about house and city, but not a different - Gyuri Park Is this what my parents had in mind, South Korea, and it is an excellent I active parent that serves in state. Moving to different places also To change my life, or make it hard the military. We move every few years. experience traveling places and being means learning new cultures, and who to define, When moving, I have a chance to a military child. knows, maybe the culture might They tell me it will be ok, but I still move out of the state or out of the - Journee McAllister become a close part of you one day. continent. My family and I recently You could also bring along traditions feel underlined, moved out of the continent. We sually, being a military from the last place you lived. Being Like everything will change, moved to South Korea. We have child can be fun. There’s a part of the military can become a and my best friends will be out of never been here before, it is a new lot of traveling, learning blessing too. Moving to different range, experience for us all. Along with my U new things, meeting places can help one learn adaptability, But soon I accept the changes, adventures, I have always made new different people, and getting to know respect, and different kinds of people. And Time to Time I feel in line. friends. different languages depending on Apparently, adaptable people aren’t as I like being a military child where the school is located in the afraid of change, and will do what is - Ezekiel Iosua Phillips APRIL 2 – APRIL 15, 2020 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION STRIPES KOREA 15 From the battlefield to the ring
STORY BY STAFF SGT. RAMON A. ADELAN, 51ST FIGHTER WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
OSAN AIR BASE – With piercing blue eyes and unwavering confidence, a man walks into life’s arenas and envisions suc- cess. Whether exchanging blows in an oc- tagonal ring or climbing snowy mountains to call in airstrikes, his visions of prosper- ous outcomes cancels out the deafening noises. Being distracted can be the differ- ence between life and death, or standing upright versus tumbling down. Knowing the severity of a miscalculated move, his passion and professionalism keeps him in the fight – one that parallels the worlds of MMA and being a U.S. Air Force TACP. Staff Sgt. Mark Bunkley and Senior Airman Richard Kim survey an area during simulated close air support training. Photo by Senior Airman Denise M. Jenson “Being in the ring and being a TACP Now after nine years of service, Bunk- MMA until my deployment to Africa,” are very similar,” said Staff Sgt. Mark multi-manage, which is something that ley has become extremely well versed in Bunkley said. “I had a group of friends Bunkley, 607th Air Support Operations doesn’t come naturally,” Bunkley said. his job. He has deployed and has had the who trained a few times a week and Group tactical air control party (TACP). “It’s not natural to talk to you, this guy opportunity to be an instructor in the spe- started to join them. I got addicted to it. “The feeling I get going into the ring, is over here and then three different people cial warfare pipeline. I started training once a week, then twice the same feeling I felt when I stepped out on the radio. You have to train a lot to ob- “Sometimes I think to myself, ‘I can’t a week and later found myself training al- of my vehicle for the first time in Afghani- tain the ability to multi-manage in these believe I get paid for this,’” Bunkley said. most every day.” stan and charged my weapon.” situations. You have to be able to take in- “We get to call in airstrikes, shoot guns, go Bunkley continued to explain the but- formation given and act in a quick man- skydiving and experience many different terflies deep in his stomach from the un- ner that’ll make sense to get effects on the “Took my first fight on combat courses. But with all that comes certainty of what’s going to occur, which battlefield.” a seven hour notice” the sucky moments, like hiking up a were flooded over by the trust he had in His mission is to supply multilateral snowy mountain to get a good observation himself and the troops by his side. communication between aircraft and “I was back home and a buddy of mine, point. You can stay in the field for days at a “In combat, you don’t know if you’re ground troops in the battlespace. He’ll who helps promote amateur and pro-level time in extreme heat or cold; it can be wet going to hit an improvised explosive de- either give the “cleared hot” order to air- fights, noticed me competing in jiu jitsu,” or dry. Through the good or the suck, I vice or if you’re going to start taking con- craft for close air support or receive a big- Bunkley said. “He called me and said, wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.” tact,” Bunkley said. “You have to be on ger picture of the battlefield from intel- ‘Hey man, I know you do jiu jitsu but do your toes the whole time. Same with in the ligence, surveillance and reconnaissance you want to fight in the cage tonight.’” ring, you don’t know what your opponent aircraft. Bunkley’s two Bunkley surprised and confused, end- is planning. All you know is that they’re “The challenges of being a TACP drew worlds meet ed up agreeing to the fight. trying to defeat you.” me to the career field,” Bunkley said. “I “I just went for it,” Bunkley said. “I Whether Bunkley is observing his op- was 18 years old going through the school- took my first fight on a seven hour notice In January 2020, the Las Vegas native ponent from a higher terrain or is face to house and all I wanted was to do some- in Las Vegas on the strip.” was one of nine U.S. Air Force special face with them, his goal is to be victorious. thing that would be meaningful and make At this point in Bunkley’s experience, warfare and combat support Airmen to re- The amount of hours, days, months, and a big impact on my life and others.” he had primarily done ground combatives ceive an opportunity to visit the Ultimate years of training can make or break him. Going into the initial stage of TACP and only two or three sessions of striking. training, Bunkley doubted whether he Fighting Championship Training Center. “The whole feeling of having my mu- would make it through to graduation. He During this visit he was able to meet and sic played while walking up has no com- Life as a TACP knew in the back of his mind there was an train with some of the top UFC fighters. parison,” Bunkley said. “The adrenaline incredibly high attrition rate for special “It was totally awesome to get the op- and excitement overcomes you before portunity to go out to the UFC Training “As a TACP, you have to be able to warfare Airmen. you start throwing fists. And it’s all very Center and train with Dustin Poirier, For- real. These dudes are straight up trying to est Griffin and Stephen Thompson,” Bunk- knock your head off.” ley said. “We were able to hear their sto- As soon as the bell rang, Bunkley’s ner- ries of past fights, how they came up and vous feeling faded away. His focus was on some of their challenges they’ve faced.” how he could defeat his opponent. The goal from this opportunity was for “Very quickly, I realized this guy’s strik- the U.S. Air Force Recruiting Service to ing was a lot better than mine,” Bunkley strengthen their partnership with the said. “I was getting hit over and over, but UFC, which provided the Airmen and I just kept watching him looking for my fighters a look into each other’s worlds. edge. When I got the chance, I took him to “I’m definitely not able to be a top UFC the mat. It was over. I knew that’s where fighter and be a TACP at the same time.” I had him. From there, every round I took Bunkley said. “Being a MMA fighter is him down.” a full-time deal. My plan is to continue The years of high school wrestling fighting amateur and get my experience and jiu jitsu payed off for Bunkley in this up and hopefully fight at the pro level in match, which came down to the very end. the future.” “I played my strength,” Bunkley said. Bunkley’s experience in the ring in- “I was tactical about the fight and it all cludes three amateur MMA fights, more came down to the judge’s decision. Stand- than 80 jiu jitsu competitions and a couple ing there felt like forever for them to an- of Army combative matches. nounce the winner. And with a unanimous “I grew up wrestling and didn’t get into decision, they raised my arm in victory.” Bunkley jokes with his team. Photo by Senior Airman Darien A. Perez 16 STRIPES KOREA A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION APRIL 2 – APRIL 15, 2020 Relax and chill out with some cool cats
STORY AND PHOTOS BY CHIHON KIM, STRIPES KOREA
am a dog person through and through. Yet, sometimes I can imagine relaxing with a nice cup Iof coffee while watching the playful antics of adorable cats. If you’re a feline fan or animal lover, who like me isn’t allowed to have pets due to lease restrictions, don’t despair, Korea has plenty of cat cafes to fill the void you might be feeling. Samcheung Goyangi café near LOTTE MART shopping mall in Py- eongtaek has been offering furry friends to play with in a cozy setting for almost two years. The café is on can engage the cats freely. the third floor as implied by its name Most of my time in the play area “Samcheung,” which literally means was spent with this relaxed and ador- the third floor. able British cat who had plump cheeks. Owner Sin, Jung-Hyeon started her Near the window there were stacked career as a cat caretaker when she was cubes the feline residents used as nap- in high school, but opened the cafe two ping cubicles. years ago without cats. As I moved about the room, some At friends’ requests, she began curious cats approached to say hello adopting abandoned cats and she grad- Samcheung Goyangi Café with their curved tails. ually started to see her current busi- NOTE: Children under 12 years of age are not allowed entrance ness take shape. Today, Jung-Hyeon without an adult. help a cat shelter find forever homes ADDRESS: 3F, 22, Pyeongtaek 5-ro 34beon-gil, Pyeongtaek- through her café. si When I ar- PRICE ENTRANCE FEE: 7,000 won; Drinks 1,000won; rived at Sam- Chicken breast for cats (2,000won) cheung Goyangi, o! OPERATION HOURS: 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.(weekdays), I had to remove Vide 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (3-hour time limit on weekends & my shoes and put ew holidays) on indoor slip- Vi CONTACT INFO: 031-691-5579, 010-2061-0891 pers. The café is WEBSITE: http://0316915579.tshome.co.kr/ separated into a cat play space and what looks like an average is a 3-hour time Soon, it was my turn to enter ? coffee shop offering Eun Dal-rae, a 3years old limit per cus- the cat lounge, but first I had Italian greyhound, she is one various teas, coffees tomer. to wash my hands. A few cats and only dog in this cat. and other beverages. As I waited for my greeted me when I entered, and I saw From the café, you can about 20 different types of cats, includ- watch the cats hanging tea latte, I learned the ing Scottish fold cats and Bengal cats out in the play area. proper way to pet a cat from A dog in a cat café? all roaming freely in the area. There I paid 7,000 won for a poster near the drink pick-up area. I This cat café has an odd resident. were different cat trees and scratching admission, and then purchased was glad I saw this otherwise the cats Eun Dal-rae, a 3-year-old Italian posts for the residents to climb up and a green tea latte for 1,000 won would’ve endured an unexpected or- greyhound, is a rescue who also calls scratch to their hearts’ content. (about $0.83). You can chill out deal because according to the Samcheung Goyangi home. Much like As I pet a chubby British short hair with cats as long as you like poster, cats do not like be- some of the cats around her, she steers lounging on a log chair, the owner of during the weekdays, but ing touched on the belly clear from humans. She was friendly the café came in and delivered the on the weekend, there or tail. I now know only to enough and seemed to have adjusted pet their head, chin and tasty green tea latte that I ordered. to her roommates’ habits. cheeks. Most cat cafes do not allow visitors Before visiting Samcheung Goy- to pet the cats unless they ap- angi, I didn’t know whether or not I proach you first, but here you was allergic to cats. And while PEAKIN K I enjoyed see- S Cat: Go-yang-i OR ing them and Meow of cat: Ya-ong EA playing with Are you a dog person or a cat person? N them, after Gae-reul joh-a-ha-se-yo? my visit, I A-ni-myeon go-yang-i-reul joh-a-ha-se-yo? realized I am, I think I’m more of a cat (dog) person. in fact, allergic. Jeo-neun goyang-i(gea)-leul joh-a-he-yo. So, I suppose there will be no shelter Your cat is so cute! Goyang-i neo-mu gwi-yeom-ne-yo! cat in my near fu- ture, meaning I will How old is your cat? remain a dog person. Goyang-i myeot sa-ri-e-yo? May I pet your cat? Goyang-i han-beon man-jyeo bwa-do Cat boarding The cat café also offers cat boarding dwae-yo? service. For the service, you’re required to bring your cat’s food for their stay. The rooms are not APRIL 2 – APRIL 15, 2020 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION STRIPES KOREA 17
like luxurious “pet hotels,” but the knowledgeable owner of the café will take good care of your friend while you are gone. The boarding area in- cludes beds, bedding, bowls, treats, temperature control ca and a lot of love. w e cool ts The prices for boarding cost from ith som 25,000 to 35,000 won per night (up to 2 cats) - one more cat in the same shared space costs an extra 5,000 won per night. What to know •All cats must be fully vaccinated. •All cats must be flea free and dis- ease free. Chakan Goyangi •All cats must be neutered. nly five-minute walk from Pyeongtaek Station, is Chakan Goyangi, another •All cats must be over 6 months great place to socialize with adorable cats while sipping coffee. The lounge old. area that is home to around cute 20 felines ranging from Russian blue to Scot- [email protected] tishO Fold, offers plenty of space for visitors to play with the cats or play board games while the cats lounge about. It is clean, bright, and has plenty of cool scratch posts and furniture for its furry residents. For human friends, the café offers a wide variety of drinks including coffee, tea, soft drinks, and even tasty food like fried rice and des- serts. Regular admission for adult is 9000 won (or about $7.19) including one free drink for the whole day and 8000 won for children under 18. This café is easily ac- cessible via public transportation and parking is difficult in this congested area, so I would avoid driving there. All in all, despite the parking situation, Chakan Goyangi is still a good place to relax with a nice cup of coffee and plenty of cute kitties.
ADDRESS: 3F, 38-1, Pyeongtaek-ro, Pyeongtaek-si PRICE Entrance fee: 9,000 won for adult, 8000 won for children under 18. OPERATION HOURS: Noon to 10 p.m., Noon to 5 p.m. (Monday only) CONTACT INFO : 031-658-2517 18 STRIPES KOREA A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION APRIL 2 – APRIL 15, 2020
STORY AND PHOTOS BY BBURI KITCHEN, GROOVE KOREA MAGAZINE
or those of us who’ve grown up abroad, shopping at Korean grocery stores can be both a beautiful and bewildering experience. What is this root? This tangle of leaves? How can I make it delicious? F Unfortunately, marts and markets don’t make it easy to taste the ingredients, or buy small amounts for recipe testing. This season especially, the markets are full of bom-namul, or spring greens, which are inexpensive, delicious and healthy ingredients that you’ll definitely want in your kitchen. So we hope that this short guide to ten basic bom-namul will help get you started (if you haven’t already). KoreanThere are so many more, but this is springjust the start! greens you should know
(두릅) (비름나물)
Bireum-namul is in the amaranth family, and can be thought of as a summer This is the only bom-namul on this list that comes from a tree. The young ake a delicious Patbing spinach. It’s a wild green that grows abundantly in the countryside and tends m su shoots of Aralia elata (a kind of angelica tree) are trimmed and brought to arn to at hom to be foraged rather than planted and harvested. It’s one of the last bom- Le e market in late spring. namulBireum-namul of spring, so you know that summer is right around the corner when it begins to grow. Bireum-namul has a fairly earthy and nutty flavor, and goes Like many bom-namul, dureup has a very nice, slightly bitter flavor. It is well with both gochujang and Joseon ganjang. Simply blanch and season for a oftenDureup eaten blanched and served with cho-gochujang (vinegared gochujang for tasty banchan dish. dipping). Skewer with beef and lightly batter and fry to make a nice main dish.
(쑥) (달래)
Translating “ssuk” is tricky, but it’s often called mugwort in English. When There’s no good English translation for cham-namul, and that’s probably ssuk arrives in the markets, you know spring is here. It has a very herbal, because it’s not widely known outside of Asia. Its smooth, bright green leaves almostSsuki eucalyptus-like fragrance and it best in mid-spring, before Dano (the and crunchy have a fresh, grassy aroma, and it can be eaten raw or blanched. 5th of May on the lunar calendar). Ssuk is most commonly eaten in doenjang- Cham-namulBlanch and season with Joseon ganjang (original soy sauce) or even just with based soups or made into rice cakes. You can also deep fry your ssuk for salt for a nice spring banchan. Try adding it to your salads or using it as a something nice and crisp. garnish.
groovekorea.com
(세발나물) (취나물)
This namul is a kind of saltmarsh sand-spurry, a pleasantly crunchy, thin, Though it bears a passing resemblance to cham-namul, chui-namul leaves are Saebal-namulsegmented plant that grows (as the name suggests) in brackish marsh areas. somewhat furry and have a slightly thicker, tougher texture. For the reason, Saebal namul is great when eaten raw, use it in salads or even as a garnish. it’s not usually eaten un-cooked. Blanch and season with Joseon ganjang to Koreans like to mix it with a soy sauce dressing. Don’t over-salt—this plant makeChui-namul another popular spring banchan. has a naturally salty aftertaste. APRIL 2 – APRIL 15, 2020 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION STRIPES KOREA 19 Spring is in the air and so is the Naeng-i
STORY AND PHOTO paired with Korean soy bean the Naeng-i, the vendor helped Consider adding spring BY CHIHON KIM paste stew, or “daenjang jj- me and taught me a quick trick herbs to your shopping list next igae.” As an adult, Naeng-i is to finding it in the future: al- time you visit a Korean mar- long chilly my favorite spring green even ways look for the ugliest herb winter is fi- ket. They are healthy and add though as a kid I really didn’t in the group. nally gone, the flavor of spring to any meal. A like the peculiar scent of the Though its appearance is not and spring has ar- herb, but my father was pretty attractive, Naeng-i is filled with Don’t forget to wash them thor- rived. For many, the strict and wouldn’t let me leave nutrition sure to help you beat oughly and add them to some hints of spring are soy bean-paste stew (daenjang in the new flowers home without a good breakfast. spring fatigue and regain your blooming, a slight change in I didn’t know what this green appetite. The herb features a jjigae). Another way to enjoy the temperature, or a certain plant in my soup was until my thick, white root attached to Naeng-i is seasoned with soy scent in the air. What remind- mother sent me to the market to green leaves that resemble sauce and perilla oil then used ed you of the fact that spring pick some up. I had to keep re- dandelion leaves and it is one of as a substitute for some of the peating its name, so I wouldn’t the most common herbs grown is just around the corner? As veggies in bibimbap. Try it and a child, my first hint of spring forget, but by the time I reached on farms, in the hills, see why naeng-i’s scent is the was Naeng-i. the herb section of the market and, sometimes, even Known as “Shepherd’s they all looked the same! Un- popping up randomly in home real smell of spring in Korea. Purse” in English, this herb is able to distinguish which was gardens. [email protected]
Learn to make a delicious Patbingsu at home STORY AND PHOTO BY CHRISTY SWAIN, abound. Nokcha (green tea), Recipe should be crushed easily. HAPS KOREA MAGAZINE ional Patb Chew a sample of the beans. If coffee and fruit variations are Tradit ingsu the most popular, and perfect there is something hard when you chew, you need to cook longer. atbingsu is just one of for those who aren’t keen Ingredients: Red beans (azuki beans), sugar, 5. Drain the water and add 1 cup of many red-bean based on red bean or rice cake. desserts in Korea. Pat vanilla, salt, shaved ice, sugar, 1 ts vanilla, and ½ ts salt. P Bingsu topped with Mix well. is red azuki bean, boiled and sweetened condensed milk, rice frosted cereal and fruit cake, strawberries, banana, and * tip: the water from the beans sweetened to make a paste which is often served as a kiwi. can be used for making rice is then layered atop bingsu, side dish in hofs and Directions for 4 servings: 6. Uncover and stir the sweet beans or shaved ice. The ice itself is noraebangs, perfect for Preparation: Making sweet red over low heat for 5 minutes. sweetened with condensed milk re-hydrating sun-parched beans: 7. Turn the heat off and let it cool Rinse and strain 1 cup of red beans and down. Keep in the fridge. and makes for a lighter tasting bodies and for thinning the treat than those ice place them in a thick-bottomed pot. Putting it together: alcohol coursing Directions: 1. Add ½ cup of sweet red beans on cream sandwiches through soju-lined 1 . 1 cup of dried red beans will make a the bottom of a dessert bowl. you’ve wolfed down in veins. Like most little more than 2 cups of sweet red 2. Add 1½ cups of shaved ice over the summers past. Topped Korean dishes, beans. Each serving of patbingsu sweet red beans. with some rice cake, bingsu‘s made to needs ½ cup of sweet red beans. 3. Add chopped strawberries, banana, or ddeok, for texture, hapskorea.com share, so grab your 2. Add 4 cups of water. Cover the pot and kiwi on top of the ice. 4. Pour 2 tbs of sweetened condensed this treat will cool and and bring to a boil over low heat for besties and scoop up a It would be a shame to leave 10 minutes. milk onto red beans and place 5-7 refresh. bowl of bingsu, available at most Korea without trying the dessert 3. Lower the heat to simmer for 1 hour. chopped rice cakes on top. Much like iced coffee bakeries, major restaurants, that most of your students will 4. Open the lid and check if the beans 5. Serve right away with a spoon and confections, bingsu variations and cafes for 3,000 to 8,000 won. list among their favorites! are cooked well or not. The beans enjoy! 20 STRIPES KOREA A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION APRIL 2 – APRIL 15, 2020 Recreate key noodle dish from award-winning Korean film ‘Parasite’
Photo courtesy of CJ entertainment
BY CHIHON KIM, STRIPES KOREA Drain most of the wa- arasite” has invad- ter from the pot, leav- ed the U.S. after 4 ing 3/4 cup of water to “P an Oscars sweep just barely cover the earned the Korean film four noodles. awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay and Best Foreign Language Film. Now, as it makes its debut overseas, Parasite fans are talking about one aspect of the movie – the food. In particu- lar ram-don, a Korean comfort food known as “Chapaguri,” a compound word mixing “Chapagetti” and “Neoguri.” In post-production translation, the Photos by ChiHon Kim Add all of the Chapag- dish name is ‘ram-don,” mixing etti seasoning packet ramen and udon, which are a bit and half of the Neoguri n PREP TIME: 2 minutes I bought chopped steak for stew 5 more familiar to western audi- seasoning packet (add n COOK TIME: 5 minutes at the grocery store, which was ences. This dish incorporates more Neoguri seasoning if you n TOTAL TIME: 7 minutes convenient. Next, toss the steak Korean instant noodle packages like the spicier taste). Add the n DIFFICULTY: Very easy into another pan and cook it in and other ingredients. tiny oil packet of Chapagetti n SERVINGS: 2 any kind of sauce you prefer. In Korea, director and writer and then turn the heat to medi- n INGREDIENTS: When the steak is done, remove Bong Joon-ho is well known for um. When you’re creating the • 1 packet of Neoguri from the pan and set aside. utilizing small props in his films dish, bear in mind that the key to (Instant noodle) to carry heavy symbolic mean- cooking ram-don is controlling • 1 packet of Chapagetti ing. This element of Bong’s films the balance of the two season- (Instant noodle) has earned its own moniker ing packets to your liking. “Bong-tail.” Parasite’s bong-tail • 1 piece of Korean sirloin is the ram-don from one of the (Hanwoo) or any steak cut Put 7 cups of water most high-tension, high-stress you prefer. (1400ml) in a pot that is scenes in the film and is thought 1 large enough to hold to symbolize the gap between the noodles. As soon as the rich and poor. the water comes to a boil, put Don’t worry! If you haven’t the ramen packets into the wa- yet had the opportunity to catch ter. this movie which critics are calling “flawless” and “glorious- ly entertaining,” I’m not going to spoil it. Instead, try ram-don Basically, the dish is made of first (or if you’ve also become a two types of instant noodles and As soon as the water Parasite fan, you’ll want to hold topped with sirloin. So, you don’t comes to a boil, add the Sauté for 1 more min- on to this recipe) and then be particularly need special ingredi- 3 noodles and the two ute until the noodles on the lookout for the movie at ents other than two noodle pack- vegetable mix packets. 6 have soaked in all of a theater or streaming service ages — Jjapaguri and Jjpagetti. Stir the noodles so they cook the seasoning in the near you! What makes the dish is the pro- evenly and let boil for about pot. (Add a little water if it’s too [email protected] tein, which can be anything three minutes. Avoid overcook- stiff.) Remove from the heat. that suits your fancy. A ing the noodles, as you will need Serve your noodles in a bowl famous film critic in to fry the noodles in the final with the sirloin (or other meat) South Korea analyzed step. on top. that cheap instant ra- men means the work- Trim the steak of all ing class, while sirloin, Bon appetite or 잘 먹겠습니다 gristle and thick layers an expensive ingredient (Pronounced: in Korea, signifies the up- 2 and then cut it into jal meok-ke-sseum-nida)! per class. small cubes. In my case, APRIL 2 – APRIL 15, 2020 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION STRIPES KOREA 21
School zones speed limits reduced off base
STORY AND PHOTOS BY CHIHON KIM, reduce their speed to 30 kph, a 10-kilometer de- STRIPES KOREA crease from the previous school zone speed limit. Also, be aware that in school zones with no side- hile driving off base, you will want to be walks or walkways the speeding limit is now re- on the lookout for new, reduced speed lim- duced to 20 kph. W it signs around schools. The South Korean Drivers are also now expected to stop at cross- government approved a reduction of speeds limits walks even if there are no traffic lights present. Pro- in school zones across the country earlier this year ceed with caution and keep an eye out for pedestri- to take effect in April. ans in school zones. Under the new regulations, drivers will have to In addition to reducing speed limits and chang- age of 13 while speeding in a school zone, will be ing some of the rules, the penalties for violations of sentenced from a minimum of 3 years to a maxi- these new laws are stricter. Fines for speeding in a mum of life in prison. Those who injure a child will school zone have increased from 80,000 won (about be sentenced from one to 15 years and fined up to $64.43) to 120,000 won. 30,000,000 won. These new laws follow measures taken by the Ko- Korean police are also taking further steps to en- rean government after Kim Min-Sik, 9, was hit and sure safety in school zones with speed and surveil- killed by a car in a school zone last September. The lance camera installation across the country. new bill paves the way for heavier punishment to As in all school zones whether here in Korea or in negligent drivers. the States, always respect the speed limit and watch Included in this bill, known as the Mink-Sik Bill, out for pedestrians and school children. a driver involved in the death of a child under the [email protected] 22 STRIPES KOREA A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION APRIL 2 – APRIL 15, 2020 12 tax tips made for military life MILITARY ONESOURCE place for all incoming tax docu- TAX TIP 3: ments, like W-2 forms, as they Get tax credits for your classes. s a servicemember, the arrive in the new year. You may The IRS allows you to apply a tax implications of com- need to track down others. 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Loss Workbook”) for more de- tailed information. wear while off duty, minus any When you’re deployed, your allowance they receive for these service wants you to focus on Additional resources can be found on the IRS website, and costs. your mission, not your tax forms. Taxpayers can request a free Consequently, the IRS auto- MilTax consultants can help you transcript of tax returns cover- matically extends tax deadlines sort out your specific tax situa- ing the past three years. The Get for U.S. Armed Forces personnel tion for free. Transcript tool on IRS.gov is the deployed to a combat zone or in fastest way to get a transcript. support of operations in a quali- TAX TIP 8: Itemize non-cash charitable If you have any questions fied hazardous duty area. contributions like clothes and volunteer about special tax situations for The deadline for filing returns, travel expenses. 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Stripes Korea is A Stars and Stripes Community Publication. This or up to $500,000 of that gain if the answers to others’ questions. newspaper is authorized for publication by the Department of Defense you file a joint return with your Specifically for servicemembers, TAX TIP 9: IRS Publication 3, “Armed Forc- for members of the military services overseas. However, the contents of spouse. This is called the Sale of Get special tax considerations for Stripes Korea are unofficial, and are not to be considered as the official Primary Home Capital Gain Ex- combat pay. es’ Tax Guide,” details special views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, including the Department clusion. tax situations for those serving of Defense or the U.S. Pacific Command. As a DOD newspaper, Stripes Combat pay is partially or ful- To be eligible for this exclu- in the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Korea may be distributed through official channels and use appropriated ly tax-free. Certain servicemem- sion, most people must have Force or Coast Guard. funds for distribution to remote and isolated locations where overseas DOD bers serving in support of a com- owned the home for at least two Taxes are complicated. Re- personnel are located. The appearance of advertising in this publication, bat zone may also qualify for this member that our free MilTax including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement years and lived in that home for exclusion. These areas currently of those products by the Department of Defense or Stars and Stripes. services – both our expert mili- at least two of the last five years. include: Products or services advertised in this publication shall be made available However, servicemembers who • Afghanistan tary tax consultants and e-filing for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, have moved due to PCS, before • Iraq tax preparation software – stand sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political being able to meet these require- ready to make tax season easy for affiliation, or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. • Kuwait ments, may still qualify for a • Saudi Arabia you. Call 800-342-9647. APRIL 2 – APRIL 15, 2020 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION STRIPES KOREA 23
The last 5 NFL teams to lose one game or less in the regular season have all failed to win the Super Bowl. Most notably, of course, is the 2007 Patriots - the 2nd team to ever finish the regular season undefeated. Can you name the most recent team to finish with one loss that failed to win the Big Game?
Stripes Sports Trivia(2015) Panthers Carolina
Answer Biweekly Crossword - Week of 3/30/20
Crossword by Margie E. Burke ACROSS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
1 Reading aid 14 15 16 5 Crosswise, on deck 17 18 19 10 "Now hear ___!" 20 21 22 14 Song for a diva 15 Pigeon's perch 23 24 16 Utterly detest 25 26 27 28 29 17 Small brook DID YOU 18 Book you can't 30 31 32 33 put down KNOW? 20 Speed 34 35 36 22 Mind-boggler 37 38 39 23 High cost of ne type of service has leaving? 40 41 42 managed to stay in demand 24 Slinky's shape 43 44 45 46 in South Korea is one 25 Margarita fruit 26 Grocery store 47 48 49 50 Othat provides wedding guests haul 51 52 53 for hire. Business is booming 30 Stephen King's and some companies even home 54 55 56 32 Netflix offering allow clients to view photos of 57 58 59 potential “guests” ahead and 33 Sib for sis choose the ones they think look 34 Not tricked by Copyright 2020 by The Puzzle Syndicate similar to their real friends. 35 Bartender's mixer 2 Animated 31 Green Gables 42 Like Roger 36 Urban eyesore mermaid girl Rabbit 37 Till bill 3 Tiny metric 32 Lament a loss 44 UCLA player 38 Soupy "Oliver volume 35 Turncoats 45 Likewise Twist" fare 4 Trigger was one 36 Neighbor of 46 "Caribbean 39 Slug's trail 5 Skiing specialty Poland Queen" singer 40 Third in rank 6 Birth surname of 38 California 47 Dog in "The Thin 42 Horsewhip Warren and slugger Man" Hangul of 43 Picnic hamperer Shirley 39 Close with a 48 Fishhook feature 이별 44 Boastful display 7 On pins and bang 49 Uppity one the week 47 Part of AWOL needles 41 Versailles 50 A ___ a dozen ibyeol (farewell) 50 Like many a 8 Bio bit agreement 52 50 Cent piece? rescue 9 Rapid, as a rise 51 Place for early to fame Answers to Previous Crossword: 20th century TB 10 Word before Language Lesson patients ride or seeker S C A R M A T E A F T E R T I D E E A R N C R E D O 53 Tethered toy 11 Send to the A G O G W R I T C O N G A 54 Fox or turkey gallows C A L I F O P E N E N D E D follower 12 News tidbit Thank you for your effort. K R E M L I N R U N T 55 Flaxlike fiber 13 Hospital fluids S E E D O I N T M E N T 56 Minute amount 19 Band together A B C D E A L T S A V O R Biweekly Sudoku - Week of 3/30/20 57 "Dear" advice- 21 Command to Fido L E E S A U D I T N I N E giver 24 Object pettily B A N N S S I S A L S E E 58 Pass, as time 26 Brooklyn's A U T O M A T E R O T C Su-go-ha-syeoss-seub-ni-da. 59 Soon, to a bard _____ Island W E I R R E T R E A T 27 Responsibility S T I L L L I F E S E R G E DOWN 28 Type of lily L I C I T A L G A P A L M 1 Newly-hatched 29 Rotunda feature A T O N E N E A T A T O P insect 30 Like some points G O N E R S A L E N E W T
SUDOKU Edited by Margie E. Burke Difficulty: Easy HOW TO SOLVE: 6 7 2 Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and 5 8 3 1 each set of 3 by 3 boxes must 1 5 4 contain the numbers 1 to 9. 5 2 8 6 Answers to Previous Sudoku: 2 5 8 9 3 1 6 4 7 9 6 3 5 4 7 8 2 1 1 7 4 8 2 6 9 5 3 8 4 2 3 1 7 4 6 2 5 8 9 4 3 8 5 9 2 3 7 8 1 6 4 8 4 6 1 5 9 7 3 2 5 7 6 7 8 5 2 9 3 4 1 6 7 3 5 6 3 1 7 8 4 2 9 5 Copyright 2020 by The Puzzle Syndicate 4 2 9 6 1 5 3 7 8
24 STRIPES KOREA A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION APRIL 2 – APRIL 15, 2020 10 tips to successfully work from home STORY AND PHOTO BY STACY ROMAN, Calendy and more make it so much easi- STRIPES KOREA er to stay connected remotely.
ith the current state of affairs, Log out of your social media ac- many employers are asking counts. Unless your job requires Wtheir employees to work from 8. you to update social media for the home if they can. If you haven’t worked organization, try to avoid it as much as remotely before, there are a few things to you can. It’s easy to get sucked in and think about as you get started. I’ve been not realize how much time you’ve spent fortunate to telecommute quite often and searching for the perfect cat gif response have experienced both the good and the to a friend. Logging off and removing the bad. Here are some tips and tricks to help sites from your bookmarks can make it a you work successfully from home. little less tempting.
File photo Make sure you’ve got the right Set boundaries. If you’ve got little stuff. Before you start, make sure ones at home with you, it can prove Rise and shine. As tempting as it to-do lists help prioritize which items you’ve got all of the software you’ll quite challenging. If your spouse is 1. is to literally roll out of bed and are more urgent. You won’t feel as over- 9. need loaded on your computer. In one also working from home, try to come up switch on the computer, try to whelmed or feel as much of an urge to of my jobs, I brought in my laptop and 3. with an equal care plan with each other. keep your morning routine as normal as call it a day early. made sure the IT department loaded the If it’s just you and the kid(s), use nap time you can. Take a shower and change out correct versions of the software we used to your advantage and knock out a bunch of your pajamas. Yes, I’ll admit to attend- Schedule breaks. When you work of work. No naps? No problem. Break out in the office. Also, ensure you’ve got the ing a virtual production meeting in my in an office, you often take quick right amount of internet bandwidth to coloring books, puzzles, or give in and let sweats and slippers. Even though I was 6. little breaks throughout the day — them watch a few episodes of their favor- support your needs. If your company comfortable, I didn’t feel very profes- getting a cup of coffee, comparing notes of ite show. If you’re on an important call, requires a telework agreement, read sional or productive. Once I changed, my “The Bachelor” with a co-worker or just find a quiet room and let them know it’s through it carefully and ask questions mindset changed as well. stretching your legs. Be sure to schedule not okay to interrupt. Put a sign on the before signing the dotted line. in a few breaks during your day. Take in door if you need to. Stay on schedule. If you normally some fresh air outside, if you can. Or, if Location, location, location. Find show up at the office at 8 a.m. and you’re feeling extra productive, swap out Keep the lines of communi- a dedicated workspace in your 4. leave at 4:30 p.m., try to stick to it. a load of laundry. cation open. Be honest with 2. home which will work for you. It It’ll make it easier as you start out and a 10. your employer. If you need could be a home office, a spare bedroom, lot easier when you have to go back into Use technology to your advantage. to adjust your schedule to split your shift the kitchen counter, dining room table — the office. My mother was a field adjuster for for family reasons, don’t be afraid to ask. wherever feels best for you. I’ve used the 7. a large insurance company back in There were more than a few times when dining room table and am currently writ- Get organized. Calendars and lists the 90s. Compared to the tools we have my husband was TDY where I’d start my ing this from a desk in my living room. will become your new BFFs. Shar- now, she may as well have worked in the workday at 5 a.m., put it on pause to get However, make it easy for you to shut 5. ing your calendar with co-workers Dark Ages. Online sites such as Google my kids off to school and then finish up down and walk away at the end of the day. makes it easy to coordinate meetings and Hangouts, Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, by the time they’d get home.