In my work within the Veteran community, I have been blessed to get to know many members of the Ranger community. One of those Rangers is James Webb. As those connected to the military are acutely aware, transitioning from an active, fulfilled military career back into the civilian world, where the lines aren’t as clear between good and evil, love and hate, brother and enemy, … [Read more...]
4 Misconceptions And Outright Lies About Veterans With PTSD
4 Misconceptions And Outright Lies About Veterans With PTSD by David AllenIf you are a Veteran of the US military, especially one that served in any combat zone from Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan, you have undoubtedly been faced with misconceptions that many civilians have about Veterans and military service. For the most part, these are innocent and come from nothing … [Read more...]
“Prisoner Of War:” The Veteran Film You HAVE To Watch
Back in May of 2015, we told you about the upcoming movie Prisoner of War, a collaboration by Blackside Productions, Hand Crank Films, and the veteran charity Gallant Few. This month marks a year since the movie was officially released.Several big names in the veteran community were involved in this film both in front of and behind the camera, giving it the kind of … [Read more...]
A Message from Your RIP Instructor
A Message from Your RIP Instructor: Your conditioning saved you in combat, but it may bury you in life. by Brandon Young _____Note: The heartbreaking truth is that I can’t save you. And you cannot save your brother or sister. We can speak up; we can walk with the voiceless. We can have the courage to be real, be seen and be heard. We can hear others without judgement. We … [Read more...]
A Note On Brotherhood
A Note On Brotherhood by Kasey PipittI joined the Army on January 30, 2008 - a late bloomer to those of you that have been fighting the good fight for a while, I know. I arrived at 2nd Ranger Battalion in 2009, did three deployments and was wounded by a grenade on my third. I was then honorably discharged from the Army in 2012. The day after I was discharged, I came back … [Read more...]
Veterans: Why Don’t You Wear What You Earned?
In 2006, the Department of Veteran’s Affairs encouraged Military veterans to wear their medals on civilian attire during specific times of the year and or specific events. Times of the year include Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, along with other “patriotic holidays.” Specific events included funerals and weddings, retirement ceremonies, etc.I never knew … [Read more...]
National Donut Day: A POW’s Story
Published with permission from Angie Williams, wife of Vietnam POW and Founder of National Donut Day, LTC Orson Swindle, USMC (Ret.)November 10, 1775, is also the Marine Corps’ Birthday...and National Donut Day.As most of you know, my husband, Orson, was a Prisoner of War in Hanoi for 6 years and 4 months. Ironically his shoot down date is Veteran’s Day, November … [Read more...]
9 Ways To Keep The Faith On Veterans Day: A Ranger’s Never-Ending Mission
Editor's Note: Rangers get asked to do a lot of things for our nation, both overseas and here at home. Army Ranger and multi-tour combat Veteran Michael Kelvington, an active-duty Army major, was asked to give a Veterans Day speech to his local community while he was in graduate school at Princeton University. This is what he had to say about keeping the faith, continuing … [Read more...]
How the Ones We Love Destroy Us
How the Ones We Love Destroy Us by Matt VictorianoI left a good part of me in Iraq after my first tour in Iraq in 2003 as a Scout/Sniper Team Leader. After my second tour in 2004, I left even more. Or instead, did Iraq leave a piece of itself in me each time?For over 10 years now, I have struggled to make peace with the things I saw and did in combat. My struggle has … [Read more...]
The Hard Work of Positivity
The Hard Work of Positivity by John GuintaNot long ago at all, I learned some of the most valuable lessons in life through some of the hardest times I could have ever imagined. I wish I had the tools I have acquired along the way years ago, but the cliché thing to say is that all of our decisions and experiences bring us to exactly where we are today.Today I have a … [Read more...]