The Havok Journal

The Voice of the Veteran Community

Sean Parnell

A Ranger’s Faith: Afghanistan Knocked Me Down. Faith Brought Me Back Up.

A Ranger's Faith: Afghanistan Knocked Me Down. Faith Brought Me Back Up. by Major Mike Kelvington On the 25th of April, 2012, I experienced a rare, but significant tactical defeat in Afghanistan. Since then, my career and outlook stems from the events of that day.  I was the Battle Company commander in the 1-508 Parachute Infantry Regiment, leading my Soldiers through a … [Read more...]

8 Things Leaders Should Know About Addiction To Help Their Soldiers

I am an addict in recovery. I am 9 months sober. My addiction destroyed my marriage and put me at risk for catastrophic and traumatic consequences. I’ve led men and women in combat and in garrison as a platoon leader, staff officer, detachment commander, and company commander. I saw Soldiers self-admit into the Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) and other Anonymous groups. I … [Read more...]

Letters From War: A Timeless Form of Communication

April is "Military Family Month" here at The Havok Journal. Letters are a timeless yet oft-forgotten form of communication between Soldiers and their families.  We challenge our readers to put pen to paper, and write a long hand letter to a friend, loved one, family member, or deployed servicemember.  _____ I wrote over 100 letters to my wife during my last deployment. I got … [Read more...]

You Are Not “Broken,” You Are “Refurbished”

You Are Not "Broken," You Are "Refurbished" by Six Jane I need all you out there who feel they're lost, who cry themselves to sleep, those battling some medically labeled disorder, anyone who feels alone because it seems people have turned their backs, and all of you who are just tired of what life has thrown at you. I need you to listen... and listen real good, … [Read more...]

“Situational Awareness:” The Gold Standard

Have you ever had a conversation with someone, only to have them look at someone or something directly behind you or off in the background of your environment, but they still appear to be maintaining their focus point and listening to what you are saying? Most people would probably say that this is an example of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, but in reality it … [Read more...]

Influence-based Leadership: Critical Importance of the Alpha

Mostly in the West and Far East, post-WWII, but increasing dramatically during the Vietnam War and after, the understanding, acceptance and role of the Alpha has been mostly, intentionally, lost. After two catastrophic world wars, with tens of millions of dead, and vast amounts of resources destroyed, it is only natural the role of the Alpha would be questioned during the … [Read more...]

It Is What It Is: 10 Things Military Veterans Just Do

No person leaves the military the same as when they entered. Here are some things Veterans do after some time in the military: Sitting towards a door or exit. Spouses and family members, don’t try to change this in your veteran. If your wife wants to sit towards the door to have the exits covered, let her. If your husband feels calmer protecting his family from a position … [Read more...]

Violent Ends: “You Are Only A Victim If You Let Them Make You One”

Violent Ends: "You Are Only A Victim If You Let Them Make You One" by Leonard Benton When you need it badly enough, when you want it badly enough, anything can be a weapon as long as you use enough force and violence. One man kills several, one man kills several, one man…. I do not for a moment doubt the fear in the room. I don’t question the panic that went through the … [Read more...]