Back on the Homefront
The adjustment from active duty to civilian life is rife with joy, emotion and challenges alike. Ponder the true nature of post-army homecomings and the reality of transitioning from soldier to veteran.
The Captain's Book
Lauren watched Kathy’s shoulders grow more rigid as she stared out the window above the kitchen sink. Finally she turned back to the others, her thin, red lips turned down in distaste, her red, acrylic nails tapping ceaselessly against the porcelain mug in her hand. “Something needs to be done. For two bits I’d go out there and settle this myself,” she barked.
PJ JackelmanPublished 3 months ago in Serve
Fortuitous serendipity
Introduction My most important possession is a little black notebook my wife got me for my birthday. Yet in order to explain why it's so important you first have to know a few things about me. My name is Marcus Stones, I am a 30-year-old veteran who just found out he has ADHD. Although I've never been formally diagnosed, with the benefit of hindsight I now realize how it's been a defining part of my life. As a child I thought I was simply prone to procrastination, You see, I grew up poor and black in the American south. My entire life I've struggled with depression and anxiety. My father was never in the picture and I learned early that bringing such issues to my mom would simply result in her attempting to pray my struggles away. I have nothing against prayer but praying never helped my brain learn to function in a world not built for me. I can often be quite forgetful and thus keeping a list of goals, tasks and general thoughts can be so crucial to my everyday life.
Martin StonesPublished 3 months ago in Serve
War Buddies
In the trenches of the Western Front, two young soldiers sit leaning against each other. They are cold, tired, but most of all frightened. The enemy is right on top of them. Grenades(sp) are exploding all around. Joe turns to Thomas and tells him that he is like his brother, and he loves him. The two men embrace. Joe sees a grenade headed towards them. He throws himself on top of Thomas.
Michelle CaffreyPublished 7 months ago in ServeThese Boots
The statement that I have heard 102 separate times. "I bet you are so excited to get home" the typical response, "yes I cannot wait".
How Veterans Can Stay In Good Health Back Home
Stay active A military career can be intense and often requires high fitness levels, but when you’re back home it’s easy to fall into bad habits and a far less active lifestyle. You should try to incorporate some level of exercise into your weekly schedule - maybe two or three times a week - so that you can stay in good health.
Truth
The sounds of summer are coalescing around me. They have always felt the same to me. Hot and oppressive, full of shouting and sorrow, fear.
Faye WildePublished 12 months ago in Serve
Veteran Benefits, Made Easy!
Veterans Benefits, Explained Simply Money for Vets is a new, completely free online resource dedicated to finding and explaining Veteran benefits to Vets, military members, dependents, and caretakers.
Matt CatesPublished 2 years ago in Serve
Translating Your Military Career to a Resume
Okay, you’ve made the decision that it’s time to transition from military service and start a new adventure in the “civilian world,” but how do you translate your military career into a language and skill set that is clear and understandable to prospective employers?
Without Them
They stood shoulder to shoulder, ten men in a line, hands pressed to their foreheads performing a salute. After 75 years their salute was slower, their balance aided by walking sticks, their sight somewhat deteriorated, but still they stood surveying the applauding crowd before them.
Jonathan ReedPublished 2 years ago in Serve
10 Easy Ways You Can Help Veterans
Freedom is something many Americans take for granted, but for every day we enjoy our freedom is a day a military member has served fighting for it. Whether they are active soldiers or veterans, these brave souls have put their lives on the line to protect our nation's civilians.
Jus L'amorePublished 2 years ago in Serve
The 10 Best Gifts for Service Members Returning Home
If you're a family member or friend who was faithfully sending care packages to a friend in the military, you already know how rough that life can be. Rougher still though is trying to re-integrate into the civilian world after being deployed at war.
Rowan MarleyPublished 2 years ago in Serve
10 Good Jobs for New Veterans
You served your country well, you met a bunch of new friends, and you learned to love the military lifestyle. Or, maybe you just did one tour in Iraq, only to find that you're alright with being a "one and done" type of veteran. Either way, you're working your life back into the civilian world and you need a new way to support yourself.
Rowan MarleyPublished 2 years ago in Serve
