One Question Every Veteran Wants to Answer by Brandon YoungCivilians sincerely want to learn how to better approach veterans today in America, and the solution is far simpler than it appears at face value.Civilians can better understand the challenges and opportunities that veterans and military families face post service, including their experiences overseas, when we … [Read more...]
Government Seizure of Firearms Ahead of Natural Disasters
Government Seizure of Firearms Ahead of Natural Disasters by Matt JamesIn anticipation of an impending hurricane, Kenneth Mapp, the Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands, issued an order under Title 23. The governor's order directs the National Guard to seize “arms, ammunition, explosives, incendiary material and any other property that may be required by the military force … [Read more...]
Special Forces, Entrepreneurship: Accidental Leadership
In Far Eastern philosophy, there exists a very ancient concept, “The student becomes the master, the master becomes the student - 學生成為碩士，碩士成為學生.” While this has remained with me more than four decades now, most of that time I thought, “yeah, yeah, yet another undecipherable, Yoda-like, statement out of Asian mysticism.” Even after having diligently studied martial arts from … [Read more...]
Not Being There
Written by James WebbNot being there in the suck was probably the toughest part of this war to me, at least. I had the opportunity to attend the world's greatest military academy, West Point, and my short time there was ruined because I had already seen the leaders of men I wanted to walk among and fight shoulder to shoulder at the tip of the spear with.The rangers were … [Read more...]
The Ranger Way – A “Peer Eval” on Benghazi Survivor Chris Paronto’s Book
The Ranger Way - A "Peer Eval" on Tanto's New Book It is fitting on the first day of the week-long celebration at Fort Benning, Georgia known as “Ranger Rendezvous” to highlight a book published in May. The Ranger Way, written by Kris “Tanto” Paronto, underscores both the value and unique lifestyle of a Ranger. Having both earned the “coveted” Ranger tab and … [Read more...]
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 KelvingtonOn 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...]
Remembering Our Fallen
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 expectation 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 someone lay down his life for his friends” … [Read more...]
Actions Speak Louder than Words for America’s Veterans
Written by Special Guest Author: Kelly AltschwagerI wasn’t raise in a military household; however, I do specifically remember being raised to know why we, my sister and I, were afforded the greater things, such as freedom, opportunity and safety in life. Each year, we went to the Memorial Day service at a cemetery in Hazelhurst, Wisconsin, and talked to men who had served … [Read more...]
Definition of Rare: Interview with a Delta Force Operator
We were fortunate enough to have the chance to sit down with 1st SFOD-D ("Delta Force") Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Tom Satterly and talk PTSD, his time in the Battle of Mogadishu ("Black Hawk Down"), Tom's personal struggle with suicide, and "All Secure Foundation"--the non profit support group for Special Forces Veterans. … [Read more...]
“Don’t Ring The Bell:” A Senior SEAL’s Wisdom
Admiral (Ret) William H. McRaven, former SOCOM commander, told graduating seniors at the 2014 University of Texas commencement ceremony 10 lessons from his Navy SEAL experience. The final one: “If you want to change the world don't ever, ever ring the bell.”He’s right, of course. I know what happens when you do.Bad stuff doesn’t start when you ring the bell; it starts … [Read more...]