The Havok Journal

The Voice of the Veteran Community

West and Dunn Law

Preparing for a Natural Disaster Can Save Lives

Preparing for a Natural Disaster Can Save Lives by Luke Cain “There’s no harm in hoping for the best as long as you’re prepared for the worst.” Different Seasons, Stephen King It goes without saying for most of you, but preparation is key. Here is some great information for anyone needing to prepare for natural disasters such as hurricanes: 1. For a big storm like … [Read more...]

Russia Hacking Considerations

Russia Hacking Considerations by Matt James Editor's Note: This article first appeared in The Havok Journal in August 2017. Given what's going on in our country right now, it seems appropriate to republish it. The media’s craze surrounding possible Russian interference with the U.S. election through hacking isn’t going away anytime soon. Though the hype is primarily … [Read more...]

Going For Woke in Board Games Isn’t the Point…and Isn’t Fun

Going For Woke in Board Games Isn't the Point...and Isn't Fun by Kevin Wilson Should board gamers play the role of racists, slavers, and Nazis? This is the question posited in the title of Kevin Draper’s article in the New York Times that tackles the subject of board games with overt historical themes. In the age of digital entertainment, it might surprise many of you to … [Read more...]

Israel, Palestine, and the False Hope of “CoExistence”

Israel, Palestine, and the False Hope of "CoExistence" by Mike Kelvington Editor's Note: Former Army Ranger and longtime Havok Journal writer Mike Kelvington penned this piece for a journal run by the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism in the Interdisciplinary College (IDC) at Herzilya, Israel. We're re-posting an excerpt here, I highly encourage you to read the … [Read more...]

One Hell of a Ride Back to the FOB

One Hell of a Ride Back to the FOB by Carlos Techera There I was laying on my back in a ditch. Everything flashing before my eyes, in an empty silence. "What just happened, no way did that just happened. Shit, we crashed... we crashed," my inner voice yelling at me open your eyes. There the silence subsided, my senses restarted I gasped for air, "I am alive." … [Read more...]

How To Study Abroad As A Veteran

How to Study Abroad as a Veteran By Aaron Ferencik In 2012 I left the Marine Corps and enrolled in the University of Colorado’s Denver [editor's note: link non-functional as of 24 June 2019] campus. At first, I had no idea what to study, so I leaned toward teaching. After a semester or two I decided on an International Studies degree. I’ve always loved learning … [Read more...]

The Ranger Way – A “Peer Eval” on Benghazi Survivor Kris Paronto’s Book

It is fitting with the upcoming, week-long celebration at Fort Benning, Georgia known as “Ranger Rendezvous” to highlight a book published in May 2017.  The Ranger Way, written by Kris “Tanto” Paronto, underscores both the value and unique lifestyle of a Ranger.  Having both earned the “coveted” Ranger tab and served in 2nd Ranger Battalion, Tanto underscores the importance and … [Read more...]

What’s Wrong with Huawei Seeking $1 Billion from Verizon for Patent Infringement?

What’s Wrong with Huawei Seeking $1 Billion from Verizon for Patent Infringement? by Matt Trevathan I disembarked my plane to fill my lungs with the thick, humid air of Guangzhou. Although it was still early morning, the heat was just to the point of “oppressive” as my undershirt began soaking up the sweat to provide some good old southern air conditioning. But I wasn’t in … [Read more...]