Veterans are like a bunch of caged lions and lionesses that have been released in the wild. When we were in the military, we were strong, capable. We were fearsome and wonderful to behold (most of us). We were Kings and Queens of our domain, in many instances; we were Read more…
“Offensive operations, often times, is the surest, if not the only (in some cases) means of defense” – George Washington. In other words, the best defense is a good offense. In my experience, however, veterans often deploy a kind of offensive defense in order to let anyone get close, when Read more…
“For those who fight to protect it, freedom has a flavor that the protected will never know” I often hear those words, and both agree and disagree. As a combat veteran, or even a veteran in general, I do appreciate things more now than I did before. I think that’s Read more…
There are a lot of veterans using their ingenuity and inventiveness to talk about the unique experiences of veterans in their post military lives, and the guys over at the Change Your POV Podcast are among the best at doing so. The hosts, Eddie Lazzari and Bennet Tanton, are the Read more…
The Legend of Billy The Kid killed more people than Billy ever did When we were preparing to deploy to Afghanistan in 2009, our unit was going through the typical spin-up exercises. Field exercises, where we went to remote training areas on our base for days and weeks at a Read more…
This was originally posted on the Military Spouse Advocacy Network blog, and I’m honored to be working with them! You can read the original post, and find more great information for those who support service members and veterans most, by going here. Last month, I wrote a post that discussed how military and veteran spouses could Read more…
When it comes down to it, when life is on the line, we must match our deeds to our words. After twenty-two years in the military, and another three working with veterans as a mental health counselor, I understand the immense value in the concept of trust. Trust and the Read more…
There is always a moment that exists after getting punched in the face. What we do in that moment, and the moments beyond that, defines us. For better or worse. So maybe we’re not being punched in the face on a regular basis, but there are certainly left hooks and Read more…
Life throws a lot of crap at you. Forget life, PEOPLE throw a lot of crap at you. It was happening when you were in the military, and it happens now that you’re out. How do you protect against it? What if you’re leaving yourself vulnerable to attack? Imagine Read more…
This was originally posted on the Military Spouse Advocacy Network blog, and I’m honored to be working with them! You can read the original post, and find more great information for those who support service members and veterans most, by going here. “Daddy’s going to be leaving for a while. But don’t worry, here’s a new Read more…