April is the Month of the Military Child, where we come together to recognize military children for their sacrifice and bravery on the homefront. Military families know that although they might move a lot, they will always find fast and lasting friendships with Girl Scouts – and we’re so lucky to have them! We have a variety of military bases along California’s Central Coast, and along with them an amazing group of military Girl Scout families.
We reached out to a few Girl Scouts and their parents from Troop 62021 at Naval Base Ventura County (Point Mugu/Port Hueneme) to learn more about their roles in the military, their experiences, and more! Here’s what they had to say:
Olivia and LCPO Elmore
Leading Chief Petty Officer Elmore
What is your current U.S. Military Rank? Could you tell us a bit about what you do?
Chief Petty Officer (LCPO) in the US Navy. I operate and maintain ship self-defense weapons systems.
What inspired you to enlist in the military?
Following in the footsteps of generations of Navy sailors in my family.
What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of being in the military? Has your family had to relocate before?
Yes, we have relocated 3 times. The most rewarding is seeing junior sailors rise above adversity to accomplish a mission. Being away from family and friends for extended periods of time has been the most challenging aspect for me.
Are there any important life lessons you’ve learned during your time in the military that you’d like to pass along to your Girl Scout (or girls in general)?
To meet challenges “head-on and face to face.” Don’t limit yourself to taking on easy challenges.
How has Girl Scouts made a difference in your family’s life?
An opportunity to see my daughter get excited about doing something well.
How have you seen your girl grow throughout her time with Girl Scouts?
I’ve seen her excel in various events and feel that she is developing a sense of leadership.
Olivia Elmore (Junior Girl Scout)
What is something that makes you proud of your parent?
That he is successful.
What is something important that they have taught you?
He taught me to be honest.
What is something important that you’ve learned as a Girl Scout?
Cookie season has taught me to be a good businesswoman.
What is your favorite part about being a Girl Scout?
Having fun doing patches.
If your family has had to relocate in the past, how has Girl Scouts made the transition easier?
It gave me the chance to make friends.
Charlotte, Michaela, and UT1 James Milne
UT1 James Milne
What is your current U.S. Military Rank? Could you tell us a bit about what you do?
Utilitiesman First Class (UT1) with the Seabees. My job includes plumbing, HVAC, and water and sewage treatment.
What inspired you to enlist in the military?
I joined the military because I have a long line of service members in my family and wanted to continue the tradition.
What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of being in the military?
The most challenging aspect is definitely the time spent away from my family. One of the most rewarding experiences has got to be when I helped build a hospital in Ghana Africa.
Are there any important life lessons you’ve learned during your time in the military that you’d like to pass along to your Girl Scout (or girls in general)?
The biggest important life lesson I have learned is to be reliable and accountable.
How has Girl Scouts made a difference in your family’s life?
Girls Scouts have given my family a lot, including but not limited to new experiences, friends and a strong sense of self.
How have you seen your girl grow throughout her time with Girl Scouts?
I have seen them become strong-willed, personable, and always up for a challenge.
Charlotte (Brownie Girl Scout) and Michaela Milne (Junior Girl Scout)
What is something that makes you proud of your parent?
He helps people when they need it.
What is something important that they have taught you?
He taught me how to sew.
What is something important that you’ve learned as a Girl Scout?
To always treat others the way you’d like to be treated.
What is your favorite part about being a Girl Scout?
Getting to help people and having adventures.
Emma and ATC Matthew Slepicka
ATC Matthew Slepicka
What is your current U.S. Military Rank? Could you tell us a bit about what you do?
Chief Aviation Electronics Technician/E-7. I work on aircraft fixing and operating the avionics systems. Whenever a pilot has issues with the electronics (radios, RADAR, data networks, etc.), I will troubleshoot the problems and fix them prior to the next flight.
What inspired you to enlist in the military?
My family has been serving in the Navy for generations and it was a tradition for our family. The benefits of having my college paid for was another reason.
What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of being in the military? Has your family had to relocate before?
The most rewarding part of my career has been able to travel around the world and visit places people only see on TV or read about. I have been to 23 different countries and counting. The hardest part of my job is having to leave my family for long periods of time, with little to no contact sometimes. We have had to relocate a few times and have lived on the East Coast, West Coast, and smack dab in the middle of the country.
Are there any important life lessons you’ve learned during your time in the military that you’d like to pass along to your Girl Scout (or girls in general)?
That hard work and persistence will pay off. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, you are only as strong as your weakest link, and don’t be afraid to give help when asked.
How has Girl Scouts made a difference in your family’s life?
The support of the local troop, from the Girl Scouts to the Troop leaders, when I am deployed gives me peace of mind that they have a network of support.
How have you seen your girl grow throughout her time with Girl Scouts?
Her confidence in herself, learning new things and teaching others.
Emma Slepicka (Junior Girl Scout)
What is something that makes you proud of your parent?
He makes the world a better place.
What is something important that they have taught you?
Math and how to build a fire.
What is something important that you’ve learned as a Girl Scout?
Fire safety, CPR, cooking, first aid, being respectful.
What is your favorite part about being a Girl Scout?
Programs and helping the community!
Do you have a family member or friend that’s in the military? Write down a few questions (you can even use ours for inspiration), hop on a phone call, and interview them to learn more about their experience!
We are so grateful to have so many wonderful military families be a part of Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast. Both at home and in service – they play a huge role in strong, confident girls who are ready to make the world a better place! Happy Month of the Military Child!
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