In the July issue of Military Spouse magazine, we introduced a few military children in the article "Brat Chat: San Diego." Mariah Lang was featured on the cover of our special brat issue and her brother JJ, one of nine siblings, spoke to MSM about his thoughts on being a military brat in San Diego, Cali. 
Name: JJ Lang
Age: 16
Service: US Navy
Duty station: NAS North Island, Coronado
Favorite way to spend your time: Biking, running, playing rugby, going to the beach
Favorite book: Beowulf
Favorite subject in school: Literature
1. What's it like being a military child?
Being a military child is a lot of fun. You get to do things that non-military children get to do like going on base to watch a free movie and playing free games. You just know that wherever you go you are taken care of. At the same time it's also very tough because when your parent is gone you have to pick up the work and do more things for yourself. You have to mature a lot faster.
2. What is the most difficult part of being part of a military family?
This would have to be moving and deployment. Deployment because of what I stated before; more responsibilities and having to step up and take care of things. Moving because you never feel settled. Being in one place for a long period of time would be a lot easier.
3. What do you enjoy most about being part of the military community?
You always have people around you who are living the same type of lifestyle that you are. It brings you and your community closer. There are always people to support you and help you out. Plus, you have a sense of pride because someone in your family has stepped up to the duty of being responsible for the safety of everyone in our country. They are there to help and protect.
4. Where is your favorite duty station?
San Diego because it's clean and it has great weather and the people are great.
5. What would you say to other children whose parent is deployed to support them?
Keep in contact as often as you can. Be sure to pray for them and constantly give them the encouragement they need to return to you safely.