By Andrew D. Fisher and Leo JenkinsThere is a certain group of men that have to live with a feeling of guilt when they lose a patient. I am not talking about a patient that dies on us due to an elective procedure or who arrived in cardiac arrest at the ER, I am talking about men dying in your arms in combat.The Ranger Medic/PA/Physician has that guilt. I have, too often … [Read more...]
The Death of a Ranger
EDITORS NOTE: I am honored to introduce guest contributor, Johnny B, who is both a former Ranger and a poet. I have read some of his other work and it is equally as stirring. I don't think I am alone when I say "This one hits home." The Death of a Ranger So, you heard a Ranger died today What a tragic waste, you said That he should die in a foreign land With so much of … [Read more...]
A Ranger In Vietnam Remembers
Some of the Team Leaders were more "aggressive" than others. For some reason, Team 4 always had a Team Leader the "aggressive" ones called NUTS. Of the first four Team Leaders of Team 4, three are members of the Ranger Hall of Fame. We always seemed to get more than our share of action. My guess would be that we came under fire about 60% of the time. Usually we were engaged … [Read more...]
You’re Not Entitled To Your Own Opinion
The following is not a statement of blame, and is in no way intended to pass the bill of responsibility, in affairs current, to which we have all collectively contributed. In fact, this is more of a confession of my own wrongdoing and an observation that I have made throughout the course of my travels and varied life experiences than a pointing of fingers.There are two … [Read more...]
Afghanistan serves U.S. strategic interests, and it is time to stop pretending it doesn’t.
On Monday, U.S. officials met with representatives of the Afghan Taliban in the United Arab Emirates to discuss a potential political settlement to the war in Afghanistan. On Wednesday, President Trump announced that the U.S. will immediately withdraw from Syria and only one day later, the Trump Administration announced that it is considering a significant drawdown of American … [Read more...]
Meditations of an Army Ranger: A Warrior Philosophy for Everyone
An excerpt from Meditations of an Army Ranger: A Warrior Philosophy for Everyone written by LTC (Ret) JC Glick and author, Dr. Alice Atalanta: Why philosophy? “Learn to ask of all actions, ‘Why are they doing that?’ Starting with our own.” ٠Marcus Aurelius٠ “War is the father of all things.” ٠Heraclitus٠ Philosophy is in a predicament: years of being used as a pawn in … [Read more...]
“Empty Chairs:” Written by a Fellow Ranger
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...]