Empty Chairs by a Fellow Ranger An empty chair standing still An empty chair- absence filled They're missing soldiers off to war Fighting enemies ne'er seen before Shielded warriors- many come home Proud of duties that they performed Armor off, swords sheathed Now it's time to settle and breathe Yet haunting thoughts come at night Long lost friends fill my … [Read more...]
What I Signed Up For
What I Signed Up For by Scott Cee I’ve seen increasing rhetoric these days from some veterans regarding their views on their service, and the service of others in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other GWOT areas of conflict. Some have even claimed to speak for ALL veterans, stating “No! That’s not what we signed up for.” I’m throwing the bullshit flag right now on that. Here is my … [Read more...]
A Note On Brotherhood
A Note On Brotherhood by Kasey Pipitt I 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...]
The Ranger Way: Earning My Combat Scroll
The Ranger Way: Earning My Combat Scroll by James Webb It was my 3rd mission that I bagged my first bad guy. Right out of the bird, I knew we were running up to the top of a hill and just above the target building. To be blatantly honest, all I paid attention to at that point was how far we were walking and if there was a terrain feature or not we had to cross, meaning a … [Read more...]
NO! We Didn’t Sign Up for This
NO! We Didn't Sign Up for This by Matthew Griffin What to do when this pops up in your comments? Empathize with the sentiment and let it slide? Think about your brothers that just died and wonder: If they would let it slide? What would they say? What would their families say? Think about your kids eligible for service in a few years. Would that be an … [Read more...]
Heroes and Horses: Not a Vacation Part I
Heroes and Horses: Not a Vacation Part I by Tim Selbrede #NotAVacation, that is what was repeatedly emphasized for weeks to months before I ever stepped foot on the Jumping Horse Ranch in Ennis, Montana. That point was driven home day after day during my time as a student in Class 2-19 for the Heroes And Horses program this past summer. “Not A Vacation” almost … [Read more...]
From War to Plow: A Ranger’s Transition
From War to Plow: A Ranger's Transition 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 … [Read more...]
Stop Thanking Me for My Service
Stop Thanking Me for My Service by J.C. Glick 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 … [Read more...]
A Ranger Calls for Kindness
A Ranger Calls for Kindness by J.C. Glick This article won’t go viral because I am not the one that should be writing it. I am not an academic at an institute of higher learning; or a social justice warrior fighting on a daily basis for equality; or a music star with a huge following; or an actor with a platform; or an athlete; or a religious leader. I am a retired Army … [Read more...]
“Combat Flip Flops: Are You ‘Anti-War?'” Veteran Entrepreneurs Deal with Facebook Trolls
"Combat Flip Flops: Are You 'Anti-War?'" Veteran Entrepreneurs Deal with Facebook Trolls by Matthew Griffin Ever wonder how veteran entrepreneurs deal with social media trolls? Well, wonder no more, because our friends at Combat Flip Flops have got you covered. QUESTION #1 IS COMBAT FLIP-FLOPS ANTI-WAR? F- yes we are. Have you ever been in a war? Seen your … [Read more...]
