From Ritual to Reality: Because He Lives by Scoti Domeij My annual nostalgia of Easter now blossoms in reverse. My firstborn was killed in Afghanistan in the fall of 2011, the wild season of skeletal trees surrendering their fiery leaves to swirl and spiral into oblivion. Winter’s crushing mourning forged ahead—unstoppable, bringing life as I knew it to an abrupt halt. … [Read more...]
The Remembrance Bracelet
The Remembrance Bracelet by C.H. The metal edge clinks against the dining room table as he sits down for dinner. When he rests his hand on my back, I can feel the extra weight of it against my body. I can feel it digging into my flesh when we make love. Again, it's there as we snuggle on the couch. The sun catches the worn sides as he holds my daughter’s hands. At … [Read more...]
The Deadliest Day of Operation Iraqi Freedom
The Deadliest Day of Operation Iraqi Freedom by Charlie Moose In late January of 2005, the Lava Dawgs had just left the city of Fallujah after 75 days of some of the most intense, offensive operations of scale in the Iraq War. Everyone was elated to have survived. They were each given 2 beers per man as a late Christmas covenant. The snap and pop of aluminum cans gave clear … [Read more...]
The Grief We Carry
The Grief We Carry by Brad Thomas This segment or installment is a departure from the story that I’m here to tell. It’s a story about something I’ve been carrying with me and that I’ve needed to say for the better part of twenty-six years. This is about a very recent personal discovery and my intent in this article is to connect with anyone who may … [Read more...]
Celebrity Deaths Magnify the Silence on Our Nation’s Fallen
Anyone, military or civilian, with connections to the military community, can relate to the feeling. A servicemember tragically passes. We feel the sting of another life lost. We think about the family; envision how their lives were turned upside down in a heartbeat. We imagine the pain of their brothers and sisters in arms; the teammates who will forever look back on that day … [Read more...]
I Died Inside Years Ago, So Now I’m waiting for My Moronic Outside to Catch Up
I Died Inside Years Ago, So Now I’m waiting for My Moronic Outside to Catch Up by Dave Chamberlin A few days ago I posted this on a buddies FB page in response to an article about how much time kids are spending on smart devices and that they mostly only had online friends and not face-to-face ones. “Of course I have no friends other than the ones I don’t want, so my … [Read more...]
“Quick Win” New Year’s Resolution: Estate Planning
“Quick Win” New Year’s Resolution: Estate Planning by Tyler Mac New Year’s Resolution remain popular for goal setting and life renewal. Joining the gym, losing weight, spending more time we family; it is a chance to turn over new leaf. Thankfully, a resolution doesn’t have to be a year-long endeavor. It can be a “quick win;” something rapidly and economically achievable … [Read more...]
“Goodbye”: My Daily Burden from Suicide
"Goodbye": My Daily Burden from Suicide by Shara Hegr In 2011 when my husband was critically wounded while serving in Afghanistan, I incorrectly assumed I knew the greatest depths of emotional turmoil and grief. Unfortunately, just three years later my dad committed suicide on my 30th birthday—once again, throwing me into despair. My birthday began with a surprise … [Read more...]
Operation “Embryo Stage”: Remembering Special Operators Lost in Training
Operation "Embryo Stage": Remembering Special Operators Lost in Training by Wesley Jurena Author's Note: I hung this out on a hidden blog I created years after getting out. It was picked up by Gallant Few a few years back so it may be a repeat for some. It has been said, “to whom much is given, much is expected.” As a member of the 75th, your given everything you could … [Read more...]
His Choice: A Personal Experience with Suicide
His Choice: A Personal Experience with Suicide By Special Guest My brother killed himself. In the months since his death, I’ve contemplated, wrestled, grappled, prayed, and cried over his action and the consequences. I’ll never know why he took his own life. He didn’t leave a note, and a note may have left more unanswered questions. No one can change it; he’s gone. Gone … [Read more...]
