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...]
It’s Memorial Day Weekend: Let people BBQ!
Written by Special Guest Author: Sailor JerriWhen people thank us for our service on Memorial Day, our go-to is getting angry. We lash out and puff up and tell this uneducated civilian, “Don’t Thank Me… thank the ones who didn't make it back.”Frankly, Veterans, we need to do better.As sad as it is for us to admit, many people just don't know the difference between … [Read more...]
I Love You Still
I love you still. by BRITTA REQUE-DRAGICEVICThe words do not pour forth; they catch in my breasts, clutch at my throat, refuse to be told.I can’t write of finding your body, your warm blood melting the cold snow, the fixed gaze of your eyes forever staring into darkness. That same darkness I was not able to save you from.I can’t write of how my being tore in … [Read more...]
From Ritual to Reality: Because He Lives
Originally published March 27, 2016 by Scoti DomeijMy 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...]
I Recognize My Brother As The Deceased
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...]
Never Forgotten: The Deadliest Day During OIF
Written 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 indication to a temporary solace. … [Read more...]
Lessons From a Grieving Mother Whale
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 with it and learn to cope with it for the rest of your time … [Read more...]
From Ritual to Reality: Because He Lives
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. Nothing prepares a parent’s heart for the horizon now darkened by … [Read more...]