Semper Fight: A Former Marine and the Bar Fight Scene Note: The following is adapted from a chapter of Christopher Paul Meyer’s memoir, Icarus Falling: A True Story About the Broken Dreams, Broken Heart and Broken Bones of a Nightclub Bouncer in LA. _____ The summer with its heat and partying and overtime was over. Now the days were cooler and the nights were cold. The … [Read more...]
The Death of a Civilian: The Day I Joined the Army
The Death of a Civilian: The Day I Joined the Army Note: The following is adapted from a chapter of Christopher Paul Meyer’s memoir, Icarus Falling: A True Story About the Broken Dreams, Broken Heart and Broken Bones of a Nightclub Bouncer in LA. _____ He was about 6’2 and 220 pounds. “When you step out of this bus, you will see two yellow lines.” He spoke quietly but each … [Read more...]
The Craft: The Importance of “Presence”
The Craft: The Importance of "Presence" Note: The following is adapted from a chapter of Christopher Paul Meyer’s memoir, Icarus Falling: A True Story About the Broken Dreams, Broken Heart and Broken Bones of a Nightclub Bouncer in LA. _____ The longer I stayed in Hollywood, the more I understood what it meant to be a cowboy. I wouldn’t get (and didn’t deserve) the same … [Read more...]
The Soft Landing, Part II: Customer Relations
The Soft Landing, Part II: Customer Relations Note: The following is adapted from a chapter of Christopher Paul Meyer’s memoir, Icarus Falling: A True Story About the Broken Dreams, Broken Heart and Broken Bones of a Nightclub Bouncer in LA. You can read Part I here. _____ One block away, I entered the large glass doors of The Standard Downtown. It was no dive … [Read more...]
The Soft Landing, Part I: Landing A Security Gig
The Soft Landing, Part I: Landing A Security Gig Note: The following is adapted from a chapter of Christopher Paul Meyer’s memoir, Icarus Falling: A True Story About the Broken Dreams, Broken Heart and Broken Bones of a Nightclub Bouncer in LA. _____ I spent most days at the internet cafe on Sunset and La Brea where I’d try to find an unoccupied seat among the transients, … [Read more...]
Dave Petraeus, Chris Kyle, And… Me? When Soldiers Lie
[Note: This article was originally published on 6 MAR 2015 at www.christopherpaulmeyer.com.] This is a tough one for me to write. Liars have always been high value targets to the media. But there have rarely been this many high-profile ones caught lying all at the same time. Brian Williams told a whopper. There’s a debate over whether Bill O’Reilly did. Robert … [Read more...]
Muslim Veterans Speak Out, Part III: The War Within Islam
When it comes to terrorism, US foreign policy, US military operations, the true nature of Islam and the extent of Islamic radicalization, there are no shortages of opinions. As a survivor of the 9/11 attacks and a former US soldier, I certainly had my own. But when it came to discussing Islam intelligently, I had more questions than answers. Frustratingly, most interviews I’ve … [Read more...]
Muslim Veterans Speak Out, Part II: Women’s Rights and Islam
When it comes to terrorism, US foreign policy, US military operations, the true nature of Islam and the extent of Islamic radicalization, there are no shortages of opinions. As a survivor of the 9/11 attacks and a former US soldier, I certainly had my own. But when it came to discussing Islam intelligently, I had more questions than answers. Frustratingly, most interviews I’ve … [Read more...]
Muslim Veterans Speak Out, Part I: The Biggest Misconceptions About Islam and the US Military
When it comes to terrorism, US foreign policy, US military operations, the true nature of Islam and the extent of Islamic radicalization, there are no shortages of opinions. As a survivor of the 9/11 attacks and a former US soldier, I certainly had my own. But when it came to discussing Islam intelligently, I had more questions than answers. Frustratingly, most interviews I’ve … [Read more...]
The Five Martial Arts a Vet Should NEVER Do
Editor's Note: As part of "Fitness Month" on Havok Journal, Christopher Paul Meyer offered up what he thought were the five best martial arts for veterans. There was such good response to that article that he decided to follow it up with the kinds of martial arts veterans SHOULDN'T pursue. Enjoy. ____ Working as a bouncer on the Sunset Strip, I laid hands on people every … [Read more...]
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