The human capacity for stress is much greater than what we individually believe. Was there a time where you thought that you weren’t going to be able to accomplish something? You were at your limits, emotionally, physically, mentally, spiritually? You’re still here, aren’t you? Life is challenging, and it’s even Read more…
While I was in the military, I didn’t take a whole lot of pictures. I never wanted to be a “combat tourist,” knowing full well that I could be missing out on some really great memories later in life. Don’t get me wrong, I love looking at pictures of time Read more…
The grief and loss that we experience after the death of a loved one is a highly individualized and subjective experience. As the nation, rightly so, pauses to remember the sacrifice of those service members who have sacrificed their lives so that we may enjoy the freedoms that we Read more…
On the Army Dress Uniform, there are a series of hash marks on one sleeve that indicate how long the Soldier has been in the service, and hash marks on the other sleeve that indicates how long the Soldier served overseas in a combat zone. The Army, in it’s neverending Read more…
As I look back on some of my posts, I get the sense that I could be giving the impression that all military service members are strong, capable, infallible heroes striding through the modern battlefield fighting for truth, justice, and the American Way. That simply by serving their country, veterans Read more…
There has been much discussion over the past fifteen years about the stigma of mental health with veterans and active duty service members. A recent report by the Government Accountability Office, which consists of results obtained from 23 focus groups at six locations, indicates that the stigma against mental health Read more…
“Hey, the Commander wants to see you.” “@#%$, what now?” “I don’t know, but he looked pissed.” Sound familiar? Replace “Commander” with any authority figure at any level, whether it be “Gunny” or “Smoke” or “Chief”, and you’ll get the same effect. In our time in the military, we learn Read more…
Take a knee, drink water. How many times have you heard that during your military service? On a range, during a march? Hydration is key. If you’re like me, slightly old-school, you remember the old Lister Bag, which was replaced by the ubiquitous Water Buffalo, and augmented by the Water Tanker and Read more…
Have you ever been through rollover training while you were in the military, or worse, actually experienced a rollover? A total loss of control, the vehicle that you’re in reaches a tipping point and over it goes. That can happen in life, too, especially when we’re navigating the treacherous and Read more…
Veterans love our Creeds. The Marines have their Rifleman’s Creed, The Army has the Creed of the Noncommissioned Officer and the Soldier’s Creed. Each of the other services…Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard…have their own Creeds. There are several similarities, and quite a few differences, but one of the key connecting Read more…