Nora Marshall’s father has served for 25 years and currently holds multiple leadership roles within the Kansas National Guard. He serves as the legislative liaison for the Kansas Adjutant General’s Department, working with Congress and the Kansas Legislature to secure funding and resources for the Kansas National Guard. He also commands the 184th Mission Support Group at McConnell Air Force Base.
His demanding schedule often means time together as a family can be difficult to find.
“One thing I have learned about myself since my dad has been in service is how much I appreciate spending time with my family when we are all home,” said Marshall, who goes to Rose Hill High School. “With all of our busy schedules not aligning with his work schedule, it is very difficult for us to be home together.”
Because those opportunities do not happen every day, Marshall has learned to make the most of them.
“So when it ends up happening, we always make the most of it, whether it means watching a movie or sitting down and eating a meal together,” she said.
Her father’s military career has also taken him around the world. He has traveled to Australia, Germany, Romania, Spain, France, Switzerland, Hawaii and Alaska, among other locations.
For Marshall, his travel has meant getting used to time apart from her father. For the past three years, he has worked at the state Capitol in Topeka at least four days a week, making it difficult for Marshall to see him every day.
One of the most challenging experiences came when Marshall’s father moved to Washington, D.C., for a year while she was in second grade.
“At such a young age, it was hard for me to understand why he had to move,” Marshall said.
Despite the distance, Marshall and her family stayed connected with him and worked through the experience together.
“We were still able to communicate with him, and by taking it one day at a time, we were able to get through it together,” she said.
Those experiences have given Marshall a perspective she hopes can help other children who have parents serving in the military.
Her message is simple: They are not alone.
“Know that they are not alone, and that thousands of kids have military parents and are dealing with the same thing,” Marshall said.
She also encourages military children to take pride in their parents and the sacrifices they make.
“Be proud, because our parents work so hard,” Marshall said. “If they are willing to move or travel to a different location to serve our country, it shows that they want the best for us and that they care for us so much.”
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