The message below is from Steve Cole.  Steve is a leader at Veterans Bridge Home, one of my most admired organizations.  The message hit a special appreciation button for me, and I asked permission to share.The response, true Military style, was 'Yes ma'am' ... Enjoy. Appreciate. Celebrate.

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Cheers to the "Brats"



April is the Month of the Military Child. The symbol of the "brat" is a dandelion, a flower that spreads on the wind and thrives wherever its seeds land.

This month we honor the incredible strength, resilience, and spirit of military children . These young heroes often face unique challenges from frequent moves and school changes to long separations from deployed parents—all while showing remarkable adaptability and courage.

Military children may not wear a uniform, but they serve in their own way. They stand tall through transitions, support their families, and often grow up with a deep sense of duty, community, and pride. Whether they’re attending new schools, making new friends, or saying goodbye to familiar faces, military kids navigate it all with strength beyond their years.

At VBH, we serve service members, veterans, AND their families (including their kids). Throughout April, we encourage everyone to show support by wearing purple on “Purple Up! Day,” a visible reminder that we stand behind these young members of our military families. Purple symbolizes all branches of the military—a blend of Army green, Coast Guard blue, Air Force blue, Marine red, and Navy blue.

To all the military children out there: we see you, we celebrate you, and we are grateful for all that you do.

Be the Bridge!

Steve Cole

Veterans Bridge Home