“Thank goodness! That’s it?” The words left my mouth before I could stop them. The doctor’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. “That’s not the response Continue Reading
The Women Who Searched the Storm
In 2004, the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) (Special Operations Capable), or SOC, deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom Continue Reading
Just a Dream
If I die in this godforsaken country, I swear that I will come back and haunt somebody! I think to myself as the sound of my heart beating frantically Continue Reading
Shadows
I look around and see strange places once familiar to me. Driving down streets long forgotten, I feel memories resurfacing, clouding my Continue Reading
My First Engagement with the Enemy
I don't always know what will trigger a flashback of my deployment to Afghanistan, but today, it happened to be the song at the end of the 2020 Mulan Continue Reading
The Drums of War
The 'drums of war' resound inside of me. The drum is my heart, and it signals the direction I take- Like assemble, advance or Continue Reading
Gender Dynamics in the Military
At 18 years old, I was unaware of the dynamics between male and female members of the military.When I enlisted, I thought we would be the same- Continue Reading
If War Doesn’t Steal Our Lives or Humanity, It Certainly Taints It
Sometimes yesterday feels like today. Some memories haunt me. When I close my eyes, I can travel back in time and relive them all over again; like Continue Reading
Military Memorabilia & War Paraphernalia
Last night, while reviewing the contents of a box of military memorabilia, I discovered a news article that my Mother mailed to me while deployed to Continue Reading
Suicide Isn’t the Answer, But What Is?
"Tomorrow needs you," claims one suicide awareness organization, but what happens when I am struggling to get through the next hour and cannot see Continue Reading
I Placed
Laughingly, I thought it was funny- the list of chicks the guys would bang downrange at the FOB until I saw my name on the bathroom Continue Reading
Departure
Saying goodbye, Tears in our eyes, It was hard listening to everyone's collective cries. Hoping I don't die, And that the deployment would Continue Reading