The Havok Journal

The Voice of the Veteran Community

As a Veteran, I Am a “Minority”

As a Veteran, I Am a "Minority" by Jeffrey Marshburn This article first appeared in The Havok Journal in August of 2017. _____ Since August 12th  2017, there has been an amazing surge of national insanity that has swept social media, as well as our mainstream media.  In the midst of trying, as a nation, to once again come to grips with both domestic terror and racism as … [Read more...]

The Truth Behind Depression: You Are Worth Fighting for

The Truth Behind Depression: You Are Worth Fighting for by Rachaael Brand Depression is not the cool topic to read about these days, if it doesn’t have to do with sex, how to make money from home, some celebrity sex tape, the presidential debate, or gossip about another person, people lose interest right away. Depression isn’t a secret, people know what it is, some live … [Read more...]

Broken Understanding: A Marine Scout Sniper Reflects

Broken Understanding: A Marine Scout Sniper Reflects by Nate Coffey My concept of grace has, like most things in my life, been shaped by experiences in combat. In June of 2010, I had the honor of serving as a team leader for a Marine Corps Scout Sniper team in Musah Quelah, Afghanistan. Our company was to clear the town of its Taliban presence, and when things got really … [Read more...]

Depression: The Ferocious War against My Soul

Depression: The Ferocious War against My Soul by Cosette Joy Perrodin Depression Why this sadness and deep sorrow? Why these bitter tears? Why do I mask these thoughts? Why won’t I face my fears? Why won’t I tell the world what goes on inside? Why do I turn my face away? Why do I run and hide? I’m frightened that the words I say will blow away—unheard. People will … [Read more...]

Veterans: The New Hipsters?

Veterans: The New Hipsters? By Kevin Wilson There’s always a certain tension when two servicemen meet for the first time. The nature of the tension often varies based on branch, job, and life experience. One might reasonably expect a grunt, for instance, to size up another grunt, the tension of two warriors vying for dominance. When fellow Havok Journal denizen and fellow … [Read more...]

Why As A Veteran, I’m So Passionate About My Country And Her Symbols

Why As A Veteran, I'm So Passionate About My Country And Her Symbols by Robert Cox Growing up as a kid in Buffalo, NY, I had many of the same iconic heroes as millions of other children.  I spent countless hours with my friends and on my bedroom floor imagining myself as Hulk Hogan, The Ultimate Warrior, He-Man, and countless other iconic characters from our childhood.  … [Read more...]

Ranger School Is “Gay”

Ranger School Is "Gay" by Roger Darby This article was originally published in August 2017. Ranger School is sold to the Army and the world as an elite institution where small unit tactics are mastered and combat leaders are forged and tested. It is billed as the “premier leadership school in the Army” and its cachet even extends into corporate America. For sure, the … [Read more...]

A Veteran Simply Asks, “What If…”

A Veteran Simply Asks, "What If..." by Joe De Cree What if our experiences are meaningful but our emotions are not? What if the things we did made a difference to a nation? What if our lives can be joyous even though our days are not? What if the things we feel are not as real as the things we achieved? What if the brothers we left are proud of us? What if … [Read more...]