by Sean RussellThis article first appeared in Havok Journal n 24JAN15.There sure is a lot of hubbub these days about American Sniper, a biopic loosely based on Chris Kyle’s memoir of the same title. For any readers who haven’t yet seen it, the Clint Eastwood brand lives up to its name. American Sniper is slick, intense, and well-acted. It provides the viewer with … [Read more...]
6 US Troops Killed In Afghanistan Suicide Bombing; Afghan President Warned Via Facebook
A suicide motorcycle-borne improvised explosive device detonated inside a joint US/Afghan Army ground patrol earlier today, killing six Americans and wounding two more Americans and an interpreter. The names and units of the troops killed and wounded in the action were not immediately released.This news comes on the heels of disturbing reports of Taliban gains in both … [Read more...]
Taliban 2.0: Afghanistan at a Crossroads
Originally published on 02DEC14 _____ by Michael MancinoAs the War on Terror rages into its 14th year, gains and losses echo throughout the campaign. In Afghanistan the Taliban was swiftly defeated, only to reemerge a short time later. Questions abound as to why the Taliban has been able to regroup and reemerge as a significant threat to stability. Our ally, Pakistan, has … [Read more...]
Save Dave: A Case For Earned Immigration
To my left in this photo, just above my company guidon is a man who loves and believes in America. He loves America so much, he had the courage to do what many Americans never have: serve the United States in combat. In fact, because he loves what our great country stands for, he served our country in combat for almost six consecutive years. He’s been shot at and had more … [Read more...]
The Story Of 6 Boys: In Honor Of Master Sgt. P. Andrew McKenna
by PR After a full day of crying, phone calls, and texts I finally have it together enough to compose this:Today was one of those days, if you’re in the life or you’ve been a part of this life you’ve no doubt suffered through it before. You’ve no doubt cried waiting to hear from loved ones or brothers and you no doubt know that these dark days never get … [Read more...]
A Special Forces Veteran Remembers: “I Thought I Was Going to Die” (Part IV)
Editor’s Note: This is the fourth and final part of a four-part series from Special Forces veteran Kevin Flike. These posts originally appeared in the blog Wounded by War and are presented here with the permission of the original author. You can read Part III here. _____ On my first deployment, the thought of dying or being severely wounded never crossed my mind. I wanted … [Read more...]
A Letter to the Generals in Regards to the Pope
“The last mosque we helped restore, the roof collapsed. Since then, we don’t touch the mosques.” Those direct words came out of the mouth of a full bird Colonel.I asked, “Why, and what sense that made?” Did this Colonel fall into the superstitions that run rampant in Afghanistan?We — the infidels — is how many locals looked at the coalition force. But when we went in to … [Read more...]
Special Forces in Afghanistan: A Diamond in the Rough
Editor's Note: If you have been following Havok Journal for a while, you might remember the "Open Letter to the Political Leaders of America" that went viral a few months back. Well, Special Forces member Myke Brahman (a pseudonym, since the author is still operational) is at it again, this time giving us a sense of the kinds of ties that he and other Quiet Professionals are … [Read more...]