By Carl Martin JohnsonThe soldiers came this morning To build for me a fence. They showed up without warning But I said they could commence.The enemy had been seen. I knew there was some danger. I heard the enemy was mean, So I was wary of any stranger.As I watched the troops working, I felt more and more secure. If the enemy was lurking, My new fence … [Read more...]
The Art of War
"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things." ~John Mill Those married to the miraculous madness of combat need no delineation of the layers comprising its complexity. War is a word, in that word resides a world. Memories created in this time and place are so substantive that they intertwine themselves with our senses. A slight odor of burning trash lingering in … [Read more...]
Tactical Poetry: WE WHO ARE ABOUT TO DIE
Tactical Poetry: WE WHO ARE ABOUT TO DIE by Carl Martin Johnson“We who are about to die salute you!” As is custom, thus we greet. Great Caesar, we fight to suit you. In victory and defeat.This arena is where we kill. Where someday we will die. I and my brothers serve your will. It does no good to cry.I have fought often in this ring Since your legions took … [Read more...]
The Zen of Metal Sculpting
This article first appeared in Havok Journal on 16JAN15.Veterans face myriad stresses. Some have found ways to fight the darkness with art and peace for their souls with creation of beauty. Mine is metal work.Sculpting takes many forms and is one of the ways that the warrior has turned artisan to rekindle the inner calm that increases resiliency and gives them armor … [Read more...]
Singer John Preston Releases New Song “Superman Falls” to Benefit Valkyrie Initiative
John Preston, released his new song, Superman Falls, earlier this year. Preston said, “I am excited to help the Valkyrie Initiative with proceeds from my song. I wrote this song because of the death of my brother. It has a special message for me and I hope it resonates with all the soldiers and families in our community. My whole purpose in life is to create music that heals … [Read more...]
Tactical Poetry: TASTING LIFE
By Carl Martin JohnsonHe awoke and tasted life, Like morning dew on his lips. As with a newly married wife, He would first take gentle sips.Around him lay dead and dying, Yet Fate let him survive. Departing souls were flying, But he was still alive.He breathed the foul air in, As if it were perfume. He was alive again. He had not met his doom.The … [Read more...]
Warrior Poetry: These Are Not Tears
These Are Not Tears By Carl Martin JohnsonThese are not tears running down my cheek. I am sure it must be rain. A sobbing man is shamefully weak, No matter what the pain.I am combat hardened, Accustomed to much death. My enemies go unpardoned. I cut off their final breath.But this battle is one too far. Piles of dead and dying. I am sick and tired of … [Read more...]
Redemption: 14 years and 1 Suicide Attempt Later
From within a luxury seaside villa I swallowed them all. I hit send on my phone and I closed my eyes. After that amount of VA candy, it’s a miracle I am still alive. I often ponder what made me wake up and decide it was all over. Had I decided later in the day, after a few drinks, like most days, I would be dead right now. Alcohol significantly increases the toxicity levels of … [Read more...]
Is The National Infantry Museum “The Best Free Museum In America?” You Can Help Make It That Way.
The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, established in order "to honor the legacy and valor of the U.S. Army Infantryman," opened its doors in 2009.Appropriately enough, it is located in Columbus, Georgia, adjacent to Fort Benning and the Home of the Infantry.As reported in the Columbus Ledger-Inquirer, the Infantry Museum has been nominated for "best free … [Read more...]
Roger’s Garage: Catharsis And Realization Through Tattooing
Roger's Garage: Catharsis And Realization Through Tattooing by Pat GaultEagle River, Alaska is suburbia on the Last Frontier. Rows of cookie-cutter houses line quiet streets below the Chugach Mountains. Summer brings barbecues under a nightless sky and winter brings ice-skating and the muffled sound of laughter against the snow-covered paradise. But more is going on in … [Read more...]