April marks the Month of the Military Child, a time to recognize the strength, resilience, and unique experiences of children growing up in military families. Among them is 11-year-old Scarlett Bries, a fifth grader with a bright outlook, a sense of humor, and a deep pride in her father’s service.
Scarlett, the daughter of Senior Master Sergeant Aaron Bries of the 23rd Bomb Generation Squadron, knows firsthand both the rewards and challenges that come with military life.
“Um, it’s nice,” Scarlett said with a smile when asked what it’s like to have a parent in the military. “I like that my dad can educate me a little bit about the military and what’s going on in the world.” But her experience isn’t without its difficulties. Like many military children, Scarlett has had to adapt to long hours and time apart from her father. “He works long hours,” she explained. “It doesn’t really get better, it kind of gets worse.”
One of the hardest parts, she shared, is deployment. “When my dad goes on deployment and has to leave for a while, I just get really sad when he is gone.” Despite the distance, Scarlett finds ways to stay connected.
Technology plays a big role in keeping their bond strong. “I try to FaceTime him and message him any time I can,” she said.
During one deployment, Scarlett found comfort in family. She recalled a summer trip spent surrounded by cousins, where even a moment of sadness turned into one of support. “My older cousin was comforting me because I missed my dad,” she said. “It helped a lot.”
Over the years, Scarlett has moved between five duty stations, each bringing new experiences. Her favorite? Hawaii, no contest. “I’m missing it,” she said, laughing, adding that if she could choose anywhere to go next, it would be “probably back to Hawaii.”
While moving can be exciting, it also comes with challenges, especially when it comes to starting over at a new school. “Sometimes it’s really hard,” Scarlett admitted. “It’s weird being new. But at other times, I make really good friends and find funny ways to meet people.” That balance of difficulty and growth is something Scarlett has learned to embrace. “It’s pretty easy once you get the hang of it,” she said, “but it’s also sad and kind of annoying having to move a lot.”
Through it all, Scarlett remains proud of her father and his work. After getting a glimpse into his day-to-day responsibilities, she admires not only his leadership, but his character. “He’s good at bossing people,” she joked, “but also good at helping people out too. I’m proud of that.” Scarlett who attends Dakota Elementary School channels her confidence into leadership roles of her own. As a student ambassador, she helps lead assemblies and supports her peers, an opportunity she clearly enjoys.
When asked what advice she would give to other military children, especially those new to the lifestyle, Scarlett offered thoughtful encouragement beyond her years: “It’s going to be hard trying to make new friends and everything, but once you get the hang of it, it just becomes normal. You can find people who connect with you, people who have been through it or are going through it too.”
Now living in Minot, Scarlett has found things to love about her current home, especially her friends and the donuts at Bearscat Bakehouse. Still, she admits one downside with a grin, “It’s cold. I wish there were beaches here.”
As her father nears retirement, Scarlett is also preparing for a new chapter. After years of moving, adapting, and growing through military life, this season is beginning to come to a close. While the transition will mark the end of her journey as an active-duty military child, it also brings new opportunities for stability and fresh experiences.
Scarlett’s story is a reminder that behind every service member is a family making sacrifices of their own and children growing up with resilience, adaptability, and pride. Scarlett Bries stands as a shining example of strength, positivity, and heart proving that even in the face of challenges, military kids continue to thrive even as one chapter comes to an end and another begins.
