Diplomatic Immunity: The Collision of Politics and Doing the Right Thing by an Anonymous Irishman Dear America, Christ that looks so awkward now that I read it back to myself. But c’est la vie. This isn’t going to be some Eurocentric rant about guns, healthcare, or socialism (let’s not say never though. Throwing petrol onto flame has its time and place). It’s just … [Read more...]
The Travesty of Politics, the Tragedy of Empathy
The Travesty of Politics, the Tragedy of Empathy by Scotti Domeij Speaking only from my experience, people who politicize tragedy, only cause more stress and grief to the families. When my son, Sgt. First Class Kristoffer Domeij, was killed in Afghanistan on October 22, 2011, someone thought I’d be “comforted” by his politicized rant against the war on terror. Not only … [Read more...]
Lessons from a Grieving Mother Whale
Lessons from a Grieving Mother Whale by Jenny Albers Losing a child is a club you never want to join. Whether you lose a child in war, in womb or late in life, the loss of a child is a parent's worst nightmare and impossible to grasp without experiencing it first hand. Grief is a natural response when a loved one dies. The grief never goes away and you are forced to live … [Read more...]
Raw Words from a Gold Star Sibling’s Heart: “But, My Soldier was a Hero Too”
Raw Words from a Gold Star Sibling’s Heart: "But, My Soldier was a Hero Too" by Mary Elizabeth Morgan, who remembers her only sibling, Sgt. Curtis F. Greene, who honorably served our country and died by suicide. _____ My soldier joined the summer after graduation, which I'm sure yours did too. My soldier made lifelong brotherhood battles, with soldiers just like yours. … [Read more...]
When Life Crosses the Shadow of Death
When Life Crosses the Shadow of Death by Scoti Domeij Ten sailors missing . . . darkness approached in Asia as helicopters searched the watery abyss of the Strait of Malacca. I hoped against hope every parent’s child is rescued alive—but doom about their fate overshadows my heart just hearing those words “rescue and recovery efforts.” Ten sailors missing . . . another … [Read more...]
Gold-Star Mom Jumps from Plane…with Team of Veterans into Normandy To Commemorate D-Day, Her Late Son’s Memory
Gold-Star Mom Jumps from Plane…with Team of Veterans into Normandy To Commemorate D-Day, Her Late Son’s Memory This article is republished with permission by Kate Ketschek [Seattle, WA, May 2, 2019]—An elite team of veteran Army Rangers and Green Berets will jump into Normandy from a WWII C-47 aircraft to recognize the 75th Anniversary of D-Day. This historic special … [Read more...]
The Far-Reaching Effects of Marketing Fear in the Digital Age
The Far-Reaching Effects of Marketing Fear in the Digital Age by Kevin Wilson Fear is not a choice. In the face of danger, nearly everyone with an ounce of sanity is afraid. This reaction is hardwired into us by millions of years of natural selection. The instinct to avoid danger, the fight or flight response, all of these were and are valuable tools, even in the modern, … [Read more...]
Meditations of an Army Ranger: We Should Not Look at Death as a Reward
Meditations of an Army Ranger: We should not look at death as a reward – But our thought of death should remind us of our lives. “Only the dead have seen the end of war” Attributed to both Plato and Santayana – made famous in Blackhawk Down. The quote, a favorite among Soldiers and stoics alike, illustrates the hopelessness of the human condition in … [Read more...]
Opinion: The Ex-Deputy Charged in the Parkland High School Shooting is a Coward
Opinion: The Ex-Deputy Charged in the Parkland High School Shooting is a Coward by Kevin Wilson Ordinarily I don't like seeing news that a police officer has been arrested. It's a kneejerk response brought on by being brought up to trust and respect law enforcement, having several friends and acquaintances in various agencies, and generally believing in what … [Read more...]
#SayTheirNames: A Gold Star Daughter’s Final Project for 5th Grade
On July 10, 2017, a KC-130T Hercules aircraft of the United States Marine Corps (USMC) crashed in Leflore County, Mississippi, killing all 16 people on board. Aleah's father, William (Billy) Kundrat, was killed alongside his brothers in this tragic crash. Her 5th grade class was asked to do individual final projects this year. Aleah decided that she wanted to #saytheirnames and … [Read more...]
