'My Military Family' Art Contest winners announced

Published Dec. 10, 2008

McGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- The following essay is by Michelle Meador, 17, daughter of Master Sgt. Donald Meador, 6th Airlift Squadron first sergeant, and Master Sgt. Martha Meador, 305th Air Mobility Wing legal, who won first place in her age category in the "My Military Family" Art Contest.

Born Rough And Tough!

They are American Airmen.
We are their children.
They are warriors.
They have answered our nation's call.
While they fight out there in the world;
We fight our own battles close to home.

They are American Airmen.
Their mission is to Fly, Fight, and Win.
They are faithful to our proud heritage.
A tradition of honor,
And a legacy of valor.
For most children the uniform is a costume.
For us it is a symbol, a lifestyle, a memory
That flash of camo at the airport
Signaling someone's come home.

They are American Airmen.
Guardians of Freedom and Justice,
Our nation's sword and shield,
Its sentry and avenger.
They defend our country with their lives.
Better a long wait and a hug
Than that lone walk on the flightline.
To that row of oak and steel
The Folded Flag and 21-gun salute
Cut deeper into the heart than any word or knife.
We move from base to base
Rarely to return.
To Europe, Asia, and beyond
We fly on our parents' wings.
We move so quickly
Those who live in one town for all time
Envy us as we envy them
Adventure is our middle name
Courage, our standard.

They are American Airmen.
Wingman, leader, warrior.
They will never leave an Airman behind,
They will never falter,
And they will not fail.
We grow up fast and speak our own tongue
Full of numbers and letters only we know.
C-17s and F-16s fill our ears
They lull us to sleep as our bedtime song
Planes and training fire are the norm
while we grow in the military's way.
It is a life we know and never shall forget
They call us dependents and military kids,
but
We are Military BRATs
Born Rough And Tough!
HUA