"There are no Atheists in foxholes." This quote, attributed to many progenitors but never firmly accredited to any one, always sat at the back of my mind in combat. If there were no Atheists in foxholes what was I doing in the middle of a war without any belief in a divine backer? Or was it to be that with every crack of a bullet or whine of inbound rocket fire that I was to … [Read more...]
Physical Fitness and Transitioning Back to Civilian Life
Physical Fitness and Transitioning Back to Civilian Life Special Guest Author: Christian LopezAs time passes by, I often recount where my passion for fitness started. It has been tough to put a finger on that exact moment in time, as there have been many instances where fitness has had a major impact on my life. I started my personal training career as a young 18 year … [Read more...]
“We the People of the United States…”
Way back in the 1970s when I was a kid a record came out entitled, “Free To Be, You and Me”. It had such hit songs as, “It's All Right to Cry” and other snowflake soliloquies. It was revolutionary in the fact that it explored gender equality issues and other sensitive topics for the first time. One of the main themes throughout the record was the importance of being unique, an … [Read more...]
A Ranger’s Faith: Afghanistan Knocked Me Down. Faith Brought Me Back Up.
A Ranger's Faith: Afghanistan Knocked Me Down. Faith Brought Me Back Up. by Major Mike KelvingtonOn the 25th of April, 2012, I experienced a rare, but significant tactical defeat in Afghanistan. Since then, my career and outlook stems from the events of that day. I was the Battle Company commander in the 1-508 Parachute Infantry Regiment, leading my Soldiers through a … [Read more...]
I Love You Still
I love you still. by BRITTA REQUE-DRAGICEVICThe words do not pour forth; they catch in my breasts, clutch at my throat, refuse to be told.I can’t write of finding your body, your warm blood melting the cold snow, the fixed gaze of your eyes forever staring into darkness. That same darkness I was not able to save you from.I can’t write of how my being tore in … [Read more...]
Trust Me, You Don’t Know Hate
So let’s talk about hate. I’m not talking about what you think your political opponents feel towards the group that you think is special this upcoming election cycle (both sides do it, don’t lie), or what you think you feel for them. I’m talking about real true hatred. This is something that most Americans have never truly experienced. This is something I am earnestly thankful … [Read more...]
5 Things I Wish I Knew before Deployment
5 Things I Wish I Knew before Deployment by Scott FaithMy wife and I were watching TV and I received a phone call saying I will be going on a deployment, details will be given at a later date. Instantly, I thought, “finally, it’s here! Now it’s my turn!” What I didn’t think about was all the preparation to leave. I, like other many young soldiers, was in a naïve mindset … [Read more...]
The Warrior’s Path to Healing
The Warrior's Path to Healing Brad GenereuxKat called me to ask a favor. She worked with me in Africa some years ago. We became friends, despite my sending her to a remote location in Africa for several months.“I’d like you to walk the Camino with a friend of mine.”“Sure thing, tell me about your friend.”Kat paused, “Our families have been close as long as I … [Read more...]
Commander’s Guidance: First Force Recon
Never forget that you part of the most elite and legendary unit the Marine Corps has ever seen. Our forefathers earned our proud reputation through great personal courage and sacrifice in fierce combat in Vietnam, Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan. Never do anything to bring shame or embarrassment to the prestigious legacy of our company. Every day is a selection, and every task is … [Read more...]
Ashley’s War
After serving multiple combat deployments as an Army Ranger in my twenties and going on to write for a living in my thirties, I’ve found many books in the recent military history genre miss the mark. Palpable overtones of ego and exaggeration can stain otherwise brilliant pages. Furthermore, when a civilian writer steps in and tries to capture the fraternity of the military … [Read more...]