The Havok Journal

The Voice of the Veteran Community

West and Dunn

Comfort Walk: Keeping a Ranger’s Memory Alive

Comfort Walk: Keeping a Ranger's Memory Alive by Steve Lewis The Comfort Walk helps to raise awareness of veterans mental health and suicide issues in the southern New England region of Connecticut and Rhode Island. It also helps to bring attention and funding to the cognitive agro-therapy program for veterans run by former Army Ranger Jon Jackson. On Memorial Day weekend … [Read more...]

Women and Weights: The Myth Behind the Mass

Women and Weights: The Myth Behind the Mass by Paige Jernigan and Jason Borne It's that time of year where so many want to be bikini body ready for their summer in the sun. Army Ranger Christopher Ryan and business owner of Custombuilt Performance Fitness Nutrition sent in this article to educate our audience and start this conversation that continues to transpire daily. … [Read more...]

“Best Ranger” Mentality: Push it to the Limit

"Best Ranger" Mentality: Push it to the Limit by an anonymous Ranger As I crossed that finish line in 2001, I genuinely, and finally knew what it was to be tested. Up until that time, I had conquered most challenges I had thrown myself into without feeling that I had ever, truly, been pushed to my limits. I had won State & National wrestling championships, a State … [Read more...]

Physical Fitness and Transitioning Back to Civilian Life

Physical Fitness and Transitioning Back to Civilian Life by Christian Lopez As time passes by, I often recount where my passion for fitness started.  It has been tough to put a finger on that exact moment in time, as there have been many instances where fitness has had a major impact on my life.  I started my personal training career as a young 18 year old, three years … [Read more...]

An Open Letter to the Future Women of Special Operations

An Open Letter to the Future Women of Special Operations by Leo Jenkins At least once a day I receive a message from someone with aspirations to join Special Operations seeking advice. It occurred to me recently that over the years and thousands of inquiries, I have yet to receive one from a female. Make no mistake, woman have been playing an integral role in not just our … [Read more...]

“Give it Over to the Road”: Turning 37, Looking Back and Accepting Life 

“Give it Over to the Road": Turning 37, Looking Back and Accepting Life By Brandon Young I shouldn’t even be here, but I am. This month I turn 37. It’s been a long 37 years. I have learned much, the first of which is that I have much to learn, but the second (and possibly most challenging) thing I’ve had to embrace is how to be alive. How to live with myself now. How … [Read more...]

Are You “Working Out” or are You “Training?”

Are You "Working Out" or are You "Training?" by Marty Skovlund This article first appeared in The Havok Journal on 26 March 2014. I recently read two articles recently that provoked some thoughts on the way we approach fitness in the military. One was written by former Ranger and professional competitive fitness athlete Leo Jenkins and the other by strength training … [Read more...]

Fitness and Sleeping: Intertwined

Fitness and Sleeping: Intertwined It may sound like a surprise to you, but sleep and your workout routine and performance are connected. People need at least 8 hours of sleep every day in order to start the day fresh and be ready for daily obligations. However, quality sleep will also positively affect your fitness. Just like diet and fitness are mutually connected and … [Read more...]

What a Runner Could Learn from a Ranger Mom

What a Runner Could Learn from a Ranger Mom by Kenneth Posner A long time ago, I was a U.S. Army Ranger. It was just about the toughest thing I ever did. Honestly, I wasn’t very good; my path ended up taking me to Wall Street, which was a better fit for my skills. But I’m proud to have served my country as best I could, and I remain very impressed with the caliber of people … [Read more...]