I Recognize My Brother as "The Deceased" by Anonymous “I recognize my brother as the deceased.” Words I never thought I would write. Words no one prepares you for… Words no thing prepares you for. It’s not supposed to be this way, And it is this way. He’s gone. _____ “I recognize my brother as the deceased.” Mission mode. Official business. Transactional. I am not … [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...]
“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...]
All I Want for Christmas
All I Want for Christmas by Chris Mattingly Dear B, I was told not to write this, I was told you would resent me even more than you do. I have decided not to come visit you for the holidays. My views of the holidays are now skewed and broken, I don't think I have ever had a normal holiday, until last year when you came with me to Colorado, but even that was … [Read more...]
Mainstream Media’s TWA 847 Hijacking Misinformation Isn’t Just Wrong–It’s Painful
Mainstream Media's TWA 847 Hijacking Misinformation Isn't Just Wrong--It's Painful by Kerry Patton Imagine being in your home listening to the news and hearing a story that hits way too close to home. We are discussing a story that is breaking news which helps bring closure to a tragedy which happened many years ago to your family. And the first you learn about this … [Read more...]
War Cuts Deep
War Cuts Deep by Will Aker War cuts with an invisible blade. A blade you’re blind to, blind to how it cuts you. War slices everyone differently and the wounds heal at their own time. This type of cut goes goes so deep it makes you numb, you have to open it back up to feel again. Then you realize you might not want to feel at all. War cuts are dangerous you see. War cuts you … [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...]
Before You Kill Yourself, Read This
You’re thinking about it. Ending your life. Stopping the pain. Doing it because you think it’s best for those around you. You’re tired of your shit being the cause of other people’s pain. Tired of fighting demons. Tired of… just tired. If you are in imminent risk of ending your life, please call 911 or the National Suicide hotline at 1-800-273-8255. Every night, every … [Read more...]
