The Havok Journal

The Voice of the Veteran Community

Sean Parnell

Martyrdom and Modern Mobilization: Jane McCrae and the Battle of Saratoga

Martyrdom and Modern Mobilization: Jane McCrae and the Battle of Saratoga by Major Steve Ferenzi This article was originally published by West Point's Modern War Institute. _____ Historians consider the Battle of Saratoga one of the fifteen most decisive battles in world history and a turning point in the American War of Independence. As the fireworks, parades, and … [Read more...]

Get In The Damn Robot: What Veterans Can Learn from Neon Genesis Evangelion

Get In The Damn Robot: What Veterans Can Learn from Neon Genesis Evangelion by Kevin Wilson I can’t sleep. That’s not exactly unusual, coming off a deployment. What with the drastic changes to both time zones and lifestyles, it’s no small wonder that circadian rhythms tend to go visit with their distant relatives, leaving one to contemplate their existence while browsing … [Read more...]

Eight Resume-Writing Tips for Veterans

Eight Resume-Writing Tips for Veterans by Marshall McGurk I recently spoke with a recruiter from my current company and he mentioned the wide gap in quality of resumes he received from veteran applicants. Here are eight tips to bolster your transition success. You do not need to take it as gospel, but these tips work. 1) Do not lie, omit, or embellish. I once read … [Read more...]

Public-Private Partnerships (P3): Cultivating Workforce Talent in the U.S. Army

Public-Private Partnerships (P3): Cultivating Workforce Talent in the U.S. Army by: MAJ Bobby Ali Enabling the U.S. Army to fulfill the rigors of U.S. military strategy requires constant technological enhancements. Some may think that to be a non-issue, given the common knowledge that the U.S. always leads the way forward for defense advancements. Yet, structural changes … [Read more...]

Self-Discovery, and Coping Strategies for Veterans

Self-Discovery, and Coping Strategies for Veterans by First Lieutenant Moriamo Sulaiman-Ifelodun “Don’t over-analyze the situation, and be present in the moment. Accept that there is only so much that can be done that is in your control.” On my journey to self-discovery there are a few strategies that helped me along the way, whether that is coping with the stresses … [Read more...]

Know Your Role: 7 Rules For Supporting Special Operations

Know Your Role: 7 Rules For Supporting Special Operations by Michael Kane While I still have a few years left, I am on the tail end of my military career. I have been fortunate enough to spend most of my time in uniform supporting Special Operations Forces (SOF).  I have done a wide range of work. I've done everything from working out of safe houses to sitting behind a desk … [Read more...]

July 4 Fireworks and Wounded Warriors

July 4 Fireworks and Wounded Warriors by DiAnna Steele What I'd really like people to know is that fireworks are particularly disturbing to our veterans. I've worked with wives of wounded warriors who tell me every year that their spouse experiences a spike in PTSD-related trauma around this time of year because of fireworks. How ironic that those who fought for the very … [Read more...]

The 5 Dumbest Things Anti-Gunners Have Said (Recently)

The 5 Dumbest Things Anti-Gunners Have Said (Recently) by Shan Swell Ok, class. Today we are going to cover the subject of Anti-Gunners. More specifically, Anti-Gun politicians, celebrities, and media. More specifically, we are gonna cover the stupid shit that falls out of their word holes. Everyone has heard the saying, “There is no such thing as a stupid question.” … [Read more...]

Veterans, The Fourth of July, And Those Fireworks Signs: Don’t “Be Courteous,” Just “Be American”

Veterans, The Fourth of July, And Those Fireworks Signs: Don’t “Be Courteous,” Just “Be American” by Scott Faith It’s that time of year again—time for America to celebrate its very own “Brexit” in the most American way possible: gratuitous consumption and loud explosions. It’s the week of the Fourth of July, a time for beer, barbecues, and good old fashioned Red, White and … [Read more...]