By Britta Reque-Dragicevic This first appeared in Britta Reque-Dragicevic's blog "Life After War" and is republished with the author's Continue Reading
Veterans
Imposter Syndrome and Why My Editor is a Pimp
My Havok Journal editor is a pimp! There, I said it. And I love him dearly. Do I have your attention? Good! Now let me explain. In some ways, he Continue Reading
The Oath
By Lt Col (ret), US Army, Darin Gaub In Norse culture, if a Viking took an oath and went back on his word, it was said that his sword would turn Continue Reading
Stop Giving Veterans What They Want and Start Giving Them What They Need
We keep thanking veterans with discounts and free stuff. Meanwhile, veteran health is lagging badly, and in some key ways, it’s getting Continue Reading
Welcome Home – Through Their Eyes
by Warriors Heart _____________________ At the end of each deployment, Chris* always came home. He would call often when deployed, and make sure Continue Reading
For Those Mourning Loss This Holiday Season
“It is not our job to remain whole. We came to lose our leaves like the trees, and be born again, drawing up from the great roots.” -- Continue Reading
For Veterans on Christmas
Twas the night before ChristmasBombs fell everywhereThe horrors and carnageSo very few shared Our country was snuggledAsleep in their bedsWhile Continue Reading
Just a Dream
If I die in this godforsaken country, I swear that I will come back and haunt somebody! I think to myself as the sound of my heart beating frantically Continue Reading
When You’re No Longer Part of the Machine
I’ve read accounts where amputees will feel sensations where their missing limbs used to be. One of the phrases describing it is “Phantom Pain.” The Continue Reading
Friends Lost in the Sandbox
by Vincent Johnson I am no special operator, ranger, or grunt of sorts. I never get why so many people I speak to about military service feel they Continue Reading
Where Beauty is Found in War
I'm behind a tree no bigger around than my fist with branches breaking and dirt flying. In a fleeting moment I hardly ever share, a grin spreads Continue Reading
The Pillars of Self-Reliance: Building Resilience in Modern Times
by Craig Caudill Self-reliance is a cornerstone of personal and community resilience, emphasizing the ability to meet one’s needs independently. Continue Reading