The Havok Journal

The Voice of the Veteran Community

West and Dunn

Gratitude in the Time of COVID-19

Gratitude in the Time of COVID-19 by Major T. We, the world, are in our sixth month of dealing with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. At the time of this writing, every country save a select few has found positive COVID-19 patients within their borders. Over 340,00 have died, and more unfortunately will die until the virus subsides or a vaccine is discovered. In the … [Read more...]

“Defending the Dream” On Memorial Day: Was It Worth It?

"Defending the Dream" On Memorial Day: Was It Worth It? by Leonard Benton With Memorial Day come and gone, I have seen numerous questions asking why, why is the sacrifice worth it? They are not questioning the Fallen, they are questioning the need. Having delved into this question myself, perhaps the answer I came to might help others. America is an idea. The … [Read more...]

Memorial Day—Remembering the Fallen

Memorial Day—Remembering the Fallen by Scoti Domeij Tandem-jumping into Normandy with Army Rangers who served with my son, Sgt. First Class Kristoffer Domeij, to honor the fallen at the 2019, 75th D-Day commemoration makes this 2020 Memorial Day even more sobering. Our documentary, Here Am I, Send Me, captures what we experienced in Normandy. Standing on Omaha Beach, … [Read more...]

Memorial Day — Pause for a Random Hero

Memorial Day — Pause for a Random Hero by David Hartmann This originally appeared in Dave Hartmann's blog May 24, 2019. It is published here this Memorial Day with the author's permission. “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.” -- General George S. Patton It’s coming around again. For many it is the first … [Read more...]

Memorial Day is Not My Holiday

Memorial Day is Not My Holiday by Baz Khan I hope you are enjoying your barbecues and discount shopping this weekend America. Crack open a cold one and turn your music up, it’s a three day weekend! Never mind the reason for your day off; don’t let the somber nature of this holiday cast a shadow over your merriment. Go about your lives in the blissful ignorance … [Read more...]

“Sacrifice A Minute for Those Who Sacrificed Their Lives”: A Civilian’s Perspective On Military Service

"Sacrifice A Minute for Those Who Sacrificed Their Lives": A Civilian's Perspective On Military Service by Ben Buehler-Garcia Editor's Note: Ben Buehler-Garcia is a friend of mine, and more importantly, he is a friend of the U.S. military. Through his show, American Warrior Radio, he promotes veterans' issues and gives voice to the celebrations and concerns of veterans and … [Read more...]

Remembering Our Fallen

Remembering Our Fallen by Brandon Young I remember them, all of them. Every day. I don’t live for them, I could never do this justice. I cannot hold myself to any expectations worthy of their sacrifice because I could never earn what they willingly gave. Nobody can. Nobody ever could. We cannot live for them. But we can live. “Greater love has no one than this, that … [Read more...]

Love and Loss: Dreading Memorial Day

Love and Loss: Dreading Memorial Day by Scoti Domeij My son's body came home on Memorial Day in 2007, I hate Memorial Day, and I have to admit, it drives me nuts when people see it as the start of summer instead of what it is: a day to honor our fallen. My husband and I go to the local military cemetery and an honoring for all, then I go home and cry.” — Candie Glisson, … [Read more...]

Wounded Warrior Project Solicits Combat Medic — and He Rejoices

Wounded Warrior Project Solicits Combat Medic — and He Rejoices by Donavin Ronin A sensation of warmth ran up the back of my neck. A quick jolt of stress tingled behind the right rear portion of my skull. My ears began to ring in familiar tinnitus melody. A barrier of uneasiness exuded from my palms as the mailer unfolded. The last time I saw his face, it was impaled … [Read more...]