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 me slave. Of my prowess your poets … [Read more...]
Tactical Poetry: THE FENCE
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
From Rangers to SEALS, “Live To Tell” is The Best Docu-Series on Television
It was mid way into baseball season when I received call from an old friend. Once upon a time, we were on the seizure of Haditha Dam together. I wondered if he had bad news. I must have let out a long sigh. “It’s not one of those calls”, he said, “This is a good thing. This is going to be a real good thing, Buddy,” as only my friend Matthew Sanders could say.“Tomorrow … [Read more...]