The Havok Journal

The Voice of the Veteran Community

An Army Ranger’s Perspective On Happiness

Army Ranger's Perspective On Happiness by Kasey Pipitt, Army Ranger Veteran When I look in the mirror, I see a man who doesn’t know what he’s looking at. A man who has never truly known. A man that’s always second guessing himself due to his lack of confidence in everything he does and every decision he makes. A man who wants some sort of defining symbolism for himself that … [Read more...]

Horse Shit, Nose Tips and Best Friends

Horse Shit, Nose Tips and Best Friends by Mark McHale So what in the world could horse shit, nose tips and bestfriends have in common? Read on, I’ll tell you… No shit, there I was, in the airport before returning home from an exposition in San Diego hosted by the 800 pound gorilla in the tactical military market, enjoying the view of all the beautiful Cali girls when I … [Read more...]

Lest We Forget: An Excerpt

Lest We Forget: An Excerpt An excerpt from 'Lest We Forget: A Ranger Medic's Story': "Should we have a BBQ for the fourth of July this weekend?" Asked Matt. "This is America isn't it?" I respond. It is the final days of June 2005 and I was already preparing to leave on my second combat deployment. Matt and I shared a two story, three-bedroom condo that was considered … [Read more...]

Fatherhood: What Ranger Regiment Taught Me

Fatherhood: What Ranger Regiment Taught Me by Kevin Newhard Fatherhood is a chance to mold this Nation as well as the world. People often look to athletes or famous people to be the heroes for there kids. My opinion? That is the place of both parents and it is an  important role that a father should take up. I learned this from my time in Regiment. As the Ranger … [Read more...]

The Modern Warrior’s Battle for Balance

Written by Special Guest Author, Luke Ryan. Modern warrior culture generally concerns itself with two things: practical effectiveness and health, also known as “the mission and the men” – complete the mission and do it as safely as possible. That should be it, right? Many of us know it’s not quite that simple. Mental health is still a huge obstacle among our ranks; … [Read more...]

We Enlisted for the Last Drops and The National Treasures

We Enlisted for the Last Drops and The National Treasures Special Guest Author: Mark McHale "We Enlisted for the Last Drops and The National Treasures."  Seriously though, what the hell does that mean? What could those three items, taken separately, possibly mean? So, no Shit, there I was, on my 24th birthday on 06 November 1986, yes I was born on Election Day, … [Read more...]

War Poetry: Shrouded in Midnight

Shrouded in Midnight written by Special Guest Author, Luke Ryan. Side by side we sat In the belly of a bird Made of steel parts and iron men Who cut their teeth on brimstone long ago.   We flew together Heading to a wretched place Where wretched men Hid among beautiful and timeworn mountains.   Our futures were shrouded in midnight, And we did … [Read more...]

On Being A Veteran… After Being a Ranger

It doesn’t seem that long ago.  The memory of pulling away from the brown fence that surrounded 3rd Ranger Battalion for the final time is still as vivid in my memory as the taste of the burnt black coffee that I had for breakfast this morning.  Despite it being 7 years and 2 weeks since I was honorably discharged I still recall how that particular drive home felt.  Notions … [Read more...]

Thanks for Your Service?

Thanks for Your Service? Why it is about deeds not words for leaders? Unfortunately, we have come to accept that those that serve in political office are not leaders, but people who are egocentric and desire money, power and the other trappings that come with political office.  We see it every day, on both sides of the isle, people who pander to constituents, make false … [Read more...]