The Braley Blog

“Pete’s Daily Connection”

Visiting a Military Melting Pot

I love visiting my son and daughter-in-law in Virginia Beach. Actually I enjoy visiting with all of children no matter where they are but that trip to Virginia Beach is always so interesting.

For some background, my son, Doug, is a Chief in the Navy. He’s been in for 13 years now. Wow! I still remember the night he told us he was going to sign up. His wife, Marla, (also a chief), joined about the same time. They’ve been married seven years. My daughter, Sarah, is also married to a Chief. They’re the ones in Corpus Christi, TX. So, yes, I have three children currently on active duty in the Navy. I wear a Navy hat or a Navy hoodie some days. I’ll often be asked, “Did you serve?” Unfortunately I had flat feet back-in-the-day (most likely still do), and that was an issue back then. Not sure if it still is but I always point out that it’s not me but I have three serving right now.

Our trips to Virginia Beach are interesting. Number one because of the fighter jets flying overhead while the pilots and crew get their qualifications and also because of the many people we meet from all over the country.

Talk about a melting pot. The military certainly qualifies as that.

My wife and I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting and getting to know our chidren’s spouses, their friends and coworkers.

First of all there is my son-in-law who is from Southern California. My daughter-in-law is from a small town in Pennsylvania. It’s been so interesting getting to know them and learning about life in the different parts of the country. My son-in-law from Southern California still struggles to find a good taco compared to what he grew up with.

The many friends and coworkers they have met are interesting too. And being someone who enjoys people and their stories… I’m just having a blast.

There was Dave from Nebraska that Doug brought home for Thanksgiving one year. That was the year I learned that high school football on Thanksgiving was not a thing everywhere. High school football is huge in Nebraska but they don’t play on Thanksgiving. They have their season and then the playoffs but there’s no game on Turkey Day. He was very surprised when we all got bundled up Thanksgiving morning to go see the Dartmouth/ Fairhaven game.

Sandy is from Colorado and loves hockey. I told him once that I was a Bruins fan and then I learned more than I ever expected about the Colorado Avalanche.

Adam is from Cleveland and gets frustrated with his Cleveland Browns every season.

Football Sunday is amazing when you’re in a military town. Just a few of us over Doug’s house and there must be a dozen different jerseys.

Doug is a Patriots Fan. Steve is a Steelers fan. Steven reps the NY Giants. Skip likes the Baltimore Ravens while Todd routes for the Indianapolis Colts. I wear my Dolphins colors while Jeremy supports the Raiders. It can get crazy but it is so much fun.

Oh and the accents? Crazy! You got the south, the midwest, your Alabama twang and your BAHSTAHN! My son is funny. He started with a New England accent but since he’s spent 13 years in Virginia Beach he occasionally throws in a “Y’all!”

“Y’all pahk your cah at Hahvard Yahd?”

One thing I have noticed about all these people from all these places…. we’re pretty much the same. Sure we do have some Red State/Blue State discussions but, I’m happy to say (maybe knock on wood), we can agree to disagree. Nobody starts name-calling or threatens to never speak with you again.

There have been times over the past 13 years where I’ve asked my Navy kids who they would rather serve under and they pretty much say the same thing. It really doesn’t matter who wins. Whoever it is, that person is their Commander-in-Chief and they have to respect that.

Yes we are pretty much all the same. We might have grown up in a different place, have different traditions or different foods we were raised with. I’ve tried some of those foods and some of them are fantastic!

We’re all just trying to get ahead. We’re trying to have a good life for our families and ourselves. We may have different ideas on how to achieve that but we”re all basically trying to achieve the same things. Why do some people have to make it so difficult?

Cue “It’s A Small World After All!” Sorry if I’ve planted that earworm in your head.

I’m so glad I’ve met all these wonderful people. My kids, all of my kids, are doing well. And this is one proud papa.


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2 responses to “Visiting a Military Melting Pot”

  1. Katrina Masse Avatar
    Katrina Masse

    And a new baby on the way! Your family has a lot to be excited for! Glad you’re having a nice visit

  2. Margaret Britton Avatar
    Margaret Britton

    Great article …a true melting pot !

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