The Havok Journal

The Voice of the Veteran Community

Sean Parnell

Mending The Warfighter Community: A Return To The “Centric Force”

Mending The Warfighter Community: A Return To The "Centric Force" by Boone Cutler I don't think we see ourselves as victims ever but we get labeled as "damaged" so we are constantly fighting distortions and that's rough. Damaged can mean anything within the entire spectrum of "abnormal" and that's never good. What we are dealing with is somewhat of an identity issue. … [Read more...]

Battlefield Afghanistan: My Greatest Failure

Battlefield Afghanistan: My Greatest Failure by Kerry Patton A topographical map was displayed with all the Brigade’s outposts and forward operating bases. We gleaned over this map for several moments in silence. Then out of nowhere, as if rehearsed, our three man team in the B-Hut looked at one another in disbelief and said aloud: “These guys are screwed.” Whoever the … [Read more...]

What is the Real Problem with Gun Violence in America?

What is the Real Problem with Gun Violence in America? by Paul J. O'leary It is sad, tragic, and all too familiar now. It has become akin to a political battle drill:  a sociopathic individual armed with a gun enters a public place where people should be able to go and spend quality time and begins shooting, leaving a body count and a nation mourning yet another … [Read more...]

Craig “Sawman” Sawyer: A Navy SEAL Looks Back

Craig "Sawman" Sawyer: A Navy SEAL Looks Back by Craig Sawyer As I grow older, my outlook is changing. I’m realizing that showing love and appreciation for the people I care about most is more important than momentarily looking “cool” to a few acquaintances. I’m learning to express more gratitude and genuine appreciation to those who have gone out of their way to look … [Read more...]

Girls & Beer: A North Korean Army Lieutenant And An American Iraq War Veteran

Girls & Beer: A North Korean Army Lieutenant And An American Iraq War Veteran by Rusty Shaw Our trip to North Korea lasted for five days. Until the day before our flight out, my dad had no idea we were even going. Up to this point, life was an interesting trip: college, Iraq deployment with the army, studying and living in China, and now finishing my MBA in South Korea. … [Read more...]

An Interview with the Actor Cole Hauser

Special Guest Author: Courtney Rodgers There are not many men in Hollywood today that are well-rounded, genuine, supportive of their community and steadfast in their value-base. Mr Cole Hauser is certainly one of the mighty few. Cole is an American actor who is currently starring in the TV series Yellowstone. His past work includes such films as: Rogue, Act of Violence, … [Read more...]

Fatherhood: What Ranger Regiment Taught Me

Fatherhood: What Ranger Regiment Taught Me by Kevin Newhard Fatherhood is a chance to mold this Nation as well as the world. People often look to athletes or famous people to be the heroes for there kids. My opinion? That is the place of both parents and it is an  important role that a father should take up. I learned this from my time in Regiment. As the Ranger … [Read more...]

“Infinitely Prouder To Be A Father:” General Douglas MacArthur On Fathers Day

"Infinitely Prouder To Be A Father:" General Douglas MacArthur On Fathers Day by Scott Faith General Douglas MacArthur gave us many memorable quotes over the years:  "I shall return," "old soldiers never die," "no substitute for victory," the "Duty, Honor, Country" speech.  This quote of his seemed particularly apt for Fathers Day. By profession I am a soldier and take … [Read more...]

Parenting With PTSD: A Veteran Looks At Father’s Day

  We’ve all been there. We know the cadence of trained killers running to the beat of one heart. We’ve all heard the incessant pounding of soles against pavement at a rate of double time. The flashes of greatness that glimmer through our mind’s eye as our lungs burn and we sing to keep pace. Remember it goes something  like this, “I Wanna be an Airborne Ranger…live a … [Read more...]