For Nicholas and Noah Norwood, two 8th-grade students at Stone Middle School, military service is woven into their family’s history. Their great-grandfather served in the Navy during WWII, their grandfather in the Navy during Vietnam, and their father enlisted in the Army shortly after 9/11, participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom., serving for 21 years. Their father, now retired from his role as a Cyber Security Officer at the Pentagon, shaped much of their lives through his career, and the family’s journey has taken them across the country.

Born in Southern California, the boys have moved six times due to their father’s military service. One of the earliest moves brought them to Centreville, Virginia, when they were 3 years old. After two years, the family moved away, but they loved the area so much that they returned when Noah and Nicholas were 8. Now, despite plans to move back to California after their father’s retirement, the boys requested to stay in Virginia to finish middle school with their friends. After meeting Stone's supportive principal and staff, the family agreed to remain in the area for a bit longer.

Moving frequently comes with challenges, but Nicholas and Noah have learned to embrace change. “It’s hard moving away from friends,” they explain, “but wherever we go, good things happen.  Meeting new friends over and over can be tough, but staying in touch with old friends helps, especially with today’s technology.”

Noah and Nicholas take pride in their father’s work, appreciating that he protects the country, and valuing how he helps people. “Being part of a military family means you have to be adaptable and ready to meet new people,” they share. Despite the difficulty of moving, each transition has offered them a fresh start, and they’ve found teachers to be a reliable source of support.

The family’s military background has instilled values of discipline, teamwork, and hard work in the boys. Their father reflects on how the military provided not only leadership and educational opportunities but also exposure to different cultures, all of which have contributed to shaping his children’s character.

When asked what advice they’d give to other military kids, Noah says, “You may not like moving, but remember your parents are helping the country.” Nicholas added, “Adjusting might be uncomfortable at first, but you’ll get used to it.”

Nicholas and Noah also emphasize the importance of friendships and support within the school community. “When you see someone new, make friends with them. It helps everyone, not just military kids,” they suggest. Additionally, they want others to understand the sacrifices military families make.  For example, when their father came home for short breaks. “We wanted to spend time with him, but we had to let him decompress so he could keep doing his job and it was hard,” they explain.

Noah and Nicholas have shown remarkable resilience and adaptability through the ups and downs of military life. Their story is a testament to the strength and unity found in military families and the support that communities can offer to help them thrive.