Our Honor Defend Stories : Brooke Shields
2/1/2025 10:34:00 AM | General
How are you connected to the military?
I was born into a military family and have been connected to the military my whole life!
My father was a marine Colonel and a Vietnam veteran who served for 28 years gladly and proudly.
I grew up all over the country including Virginia, North Carolina, New Jersey, Hawaii and California. We also lived in Okinawa, Japan for a year.
How has having someone in the military shaped your understanding of military life and sacrifice?
I never really looked at it as being a sacrifice, but I always missed my Dad when he was away and many of my friends went through the same things so we all just knew how to comfort each other.
My brother was also in the Air Force and my in-laws both served in the US Navy, with my mother-in-law also being a Vietnam veteran. My son is an Ohio State graduate of the ROTC program and is now a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Air Force, currently in Cyber Space Security Operations in Biloxi, Mississippi, and soon to be at Eglin AFB in Destin Florida. I think moving a lot taught me to know who I really am and my values as I was making new friends constantly. My father and my family has been instrumental in many of the things I have brought to OSU.
Can you share any specific moments you've experienced as a family member or friend of someone in the military that has helped you with your journey to being an Ohio State coach?
The organization, work ethic and discipline I learned as a military kid has made me the coach I am today. I also really value family and our Buckeye family. Involving the parents and alumni has always been important to me and to the team, to have that family feel to it. I think the grit of the military shows in my team’s attitude of gratitude and their ability to lean on each other, put their heads down and work!
How has your relationships influenced your views on service and patriotism?
Being in a military family has really made me love America. I am very patriotic and I always thank people for their service. I know the life and sacrifice and I want to show my gratitude.
What aspects of military life have surprised you the most through your connection with someone who serves?
The one thing that always surprises me is knowing people all over the country and world. Everywhere I go I can usually find someone I know to have dinner with, and many people show up to our away meets from my past military life and it’s awesome!
Being in a military family has really made me love America. I am very patriotic and I always thank people for their service. I know the life and sacrifice and I want to show my gratitude.
What does Our Honor Defend mean to you?
To me, our honor defend is to honor and carry out the traditions and legacy of those who came before us. It is our job to defend the legacies left behind, and to continue to be a united front.
