The Havok Journal

The Voice of the Veteran Community

West and Dunn Law

Refuse Geez: Foreign Refugees vs. Homeless Veterans

Refuse Geez: Foreign Refugees vs. Homeless Veterans by Michael Baumgarten This article first appeared in The Havok Journal on November 27, 2015. There's nothing like scrolling through your social media and finding that perfect meme; you know the one I’m talking about. It's that politically charged meme that really says everything you don’t have the intellect or … [Read more...]

BVA’s Record-Breaking Year: Cause for Celebration or Concern?

BVA's Record-Breaking Year: Cause for Celebration or Concern? by Shana Dunn The Board of Veterans Appeals is celebrating a record-breaking year. In Fiscal Year 2019, which ended on October 1, the Board of Veterans Appeals decided 95,089 appeals, surpassing their goal by 5,000 decisions. The number of hearings held was also up by nearly 40 percent. This comes after 2018 … [Read more...]

The 10 Most Asinine Questions About Women in the Military: Answered

The 10 Most Asinine Questions About Women in the Military: Answered by M.B. 1. No. I was not raped. The "statistic" that 1 in 3 women in the military were raped is absolute BULLSHIT. Oh, and more men are raped than women. And don't worry about me getting raped if a POW. That's not your concern and in case you didn't know, the boys are more likely to be ass-raped than we are … [Read more...]

Motherhood and Brotherhood: A Simple Heartfelt Thank You from a Ranger Mom

Motherhood and Brotherhood: A Simple Heartfelt Thank You from a Ranger Mom by Scoti Domeij This article was originally published November 11, 2015. It’s been five years and 20 days since my son Kristoffer was killed and I still don’t know who you are. Your names were redacted out of a report (plus everything else I wanted to know) and I still want to personally thank … [Read more...]

Refugees Refused: What We Should Do, and Not Do, in the Current Crisis

Refugees Refused: What We Should Do, and Not Do, in the Current Crisis by Leonard Benton Editor's Note: Havok Journal regular Leonard Benton wrote this article in 2015. How will President Trump's immigration policies affect the points made below? _____ America was founded by immigrants. This is one of the principle cornerstones of our society. They fled oppression, … [Read more...]

Don’t Fear Islam, Fear “Prislam”

Don't Fear Islam, Fear "Prislam" by Christopher Paul Meyer This article first appeared in The Havok Journal November 26, 2016. In the wake of continued ISIS threats, the country is understandably concerned about when and where ISIS will strike in the US.  Especially when there are 900 active investigations into ISIS-related activity in all 50 states. But since I gave … [Read more...]

War: The American Way

War: The American Way by Michael Baumgarten There is an unfortunate disconnect when it comes to the American perception of war. The average American seems to think that war is conducted by drone strikes and jets dropping precision munitions on folks living in tents. Yes, we do kill our enemies this way but it is not the only way. Unfortunately what it does is paint a false … [Read more...]

A Military Moderate’s Thoughts on Guns

A Military Moderate's Thoughts 0n Guns by Chris Otero Once again, there was another heavily-publicized shooting, and once again, we are back debating guns. Judging by my Facebook feed, I would say the inevitable scrum on social media has become our new national sport. After this shooting, I intentionally looked at my watch and waited for the first ideological messaging to … [Read more...]

Being in the Military Won’t Prepare You for Civilian Jobs?

Being in the Military Won't Prepare You for Civilian Jobs? by Sean Lawrence This first appeared in The Havok Journal in October 2016. The issues discussed are just as relevant today. A few years back, former Fed chairman Ben Bernanke said that being in the military won’t prepare you for civilian jobs…and people lost their minds. Bernanke’s comments elicited a slew of … [Read more...]