Empty Chairs Written by a Fellow RangerAn empty chair standing still An empty chair- absence filled They're missing soldiers off to war Fighting enemies ne'er seen beforeShielded warriors- many come home Proud of duties that they performed Armor off, swords sheathed Now it's time to settle and breatheYet haunting thoughts come at night Long lost friends … [Read more...]
What I Signed Up For
By Scott CeeI’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 respectful … [Read more...]
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 and evil, love and hate, brother and enemy, … [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...]
The Ranger Way: Earning My Combat Scroll
The Ranger Way: Earning My Combat Scroll by James WebbIt 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
Written by Matthew GriffinWhat 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...? OR WHAT WOULD THEIR FAMILIES SAY...?THINK ABOUT YOUR KIDS ELIGIBLE FOR SERVICE IN A FEW YEARS.WOULD THAT BE AN ACCEPTABLE ARGUMENT … [Read more...]
A Ranger Calls for Kindness
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 Ranger, who imagines a better society. Though … [Read more...]
Want to thank me for my service? Stop saying thank you.
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...]