We are thanked for our service numerous times a day. Sometimes we don’t even know how anyone knew to thank us. Maybe it’s our demeanor, maybe it’s our tattoos, or maybe it is our service dogs that give us away as veterans. Whatever it is, everywhere we go, someone is thanking us for our service.The problem with this?Well, none, really. It doesn’t hurt anyone; it is … [Read more...]
Common Sense Transition: An Excerpt
This is an excerpt from Karl Monger's book, Common Sense Transition: Chapter 10: Staying on AzimuthTransition is like night land navigation, old-school. For those of you who haven’t had the fun, here’s how it works: lie on the ground and cover yourself with a poncho or other cloth that blocks light and plot two points on the map: where you are now, and where you desire to … [Read more...]
TODAY IS SEPTEMBER 12, 2001: “For the Soldier Dying Young”
TODAY IS SEPTEMBER 12, 2001: "For the Soldier Dying Young" by Mike Kelvington This article was first published on September 12, 2016."Today is September 12, 2001."With September 11, 2001 far behind us, a new school year beginning, and the anniversary of the attacks on 9/11, my thoughts immediately go to those who died in the attacks and those who have paid the … [Read more...]
I Sat at Your Grave Site…
Written By Special Guest Author JR ColemanI went and sat at your grave site...I couldn't bring myself to go to the wake and viewing, didn't feel right.Was like, that body...a shell, absent of life wouldn't capture the moments we shared.I remember the jokes we cracked while sucking on the 8 miler to Cole range in RIP.The time we gave either other a hug and … [Read more...]
Perspective from a Ranger: I was an Animal
Perspective from a Ranger: I was an Animal David Venzor originally published in September 2017When I was about ten years old my older brother (by five years) got a pump action BB gun for his birthday. This was the real deal. I'm talking 1990's, pump this thing up 12 times and it was going through a wooden fence, weren't quite the regulations their are today, real deal. My … [Read more...]
Horse Shit, Nose Tips and Best Friends
Horse Shit, Nose Tips and Best Friends by Mark McHaleSo 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...]
Army Ranger Perspective: On Happiness
Written by special guest: Kasey Pipitt, Army Ranger Veteran When I look in the mirror, I see a man who doesn’t know what he’s looking at. 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 will give his life meaning, … [Read more...]
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 "on-post" housing on Fort Benning. … [Read more...]
Fatherhood: What Ranger Regiment Taught Me
Written by Kevin NewhardFatherhood to me is a chance to mold this Nation, as well as, the world. Too much now-a-days people look to athletes or famous people to be the hero's for there kids. My opinion? That is the place of both parents and it is a very important roll that a father should take up.I learned this from my time in Regiment. As the Ranger Creed says I … [Read more...]
On Being A Veteran
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...]