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
Before You Kill Yourself, Read This by Britta RequeDragicevic 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 … [Read more...]
It’s Memorial Day Weekend: Let people BBQ!
It's Memorial Day Weekend: Let people BBQ! by Sailor Jerri When 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 … [Read more...]
From Ritual to Reality: Because He Lives
From Ritual to Reality: Because He Lives by Scoti Domeij This first appeared in The Havok Journal March 27, 2016 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 … [Read more...]
I Love You Still
I Love You Still by Britta Reque-Dragicevic The 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 two, … [Read more...]
From Ritual to Reality: Because He Lives
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...]
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...]
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...]
