We have been a military family since 2002. Relocating 15 times–averaging every year and a half. That is a lot of boxes! When moving that often, it is hard to develop deep roots. However, it is still important to integrate with the communities where we live. It helps us feel connected and allows us to share our story as a Navy Family. I’d like to share some of the ways our family connects with each new place.

Since we are health-conscious, linking with the local farmers is key. When we lived in Fort Bragg, we went to a local farmers’ market, sampling meats until we found a veteran farm that we loved. We stocked up our deep freezer with poultry and pork, which was meaningful and healthy. In Rhode Island, we researched local farms and found one offering tours. We visited the farm, stocked our deep freezer, and asked questions to learn about the food that we were eating. These ties supported the locals and kept us healthy!

Beyond food, we dive into the history of the places that we live in. In Manassas, Virginia, we walked the trails of Manassas National Battlefield Park, reading markers about the Civil War events. In Newport, Rhode Island, we gawked at the mansions along the Cliff Walk. We also purchased Preservation Society passes so we could soak up their history. Did you know the 1974 “The Great Gatsby” film was shot at a few of the mansions? Learning about a place’s past makes it feel like home.

We also visit cemeteries to honor those before us. We visited the Veteran Cemetery while in Fort Bragg on Veterans Day to pay our respects. In Middletown, Rhode Island, we walked up the hill, past the golf course, to the St. Columba Cemetery. Did you know that the famous George Mendonsa’s grave is there? He is famous for the “Kissing Sailor” photo. The Carter Cemetery at the Manassas National Battlefield Park also touched us. These walks connect us to the sacrifice of others.

For fun, we pick apples, blueberries, or strawberries in Virginia, Rhode Island, and now California. It is a tradition of supporting farmers. In Belgium, we couldn’t pass on the chocolate tour or learn the history of chocolate at Choco-Story in Brussels. Or stopping to see the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. We also wandered to Dinant, Belgium, the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, which is apparent by all the beautiful saxophone sculptures that you can find throughout the town. These outings are mini-vacations that spark joy.

Volunteering also helps us connect with the community. As an AmeriCorps member with the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, I provided financial education and resources to service members and veterans. I also volunteered as a Layette, delivering yarn to folks who crocheted baby blankets for the Budget for Baby classes. Sitting with them honed my crocheting skills and built bonds.

Share with me what you do to root yourself in your new communities. Do you have traditions with every move?

Originally published on LinkedIn on June 23, 2025. [Read it here]