The effects of the head cold seemed minimal: slightly runny nose, mild congestion. Both could be cured with Afrin, which I used several times before the mission brief. The flight lead that evening was Rhory “Hoser” Draeger, the squadron weapons office. He was thorough and demanding, with a heavy sense of purpose and a light … Read more
Just after midnight, the team and I positioned ourselves along a multi-story apartment wall on a desolate intersection in northern Baghdad. Within a matter of seconds, we dismounted and lined up into our stack. We immediately had breaching charges placed on the wooden door of our target house. Intel believed the space to be an … Read more
“And one for teamwork!,” bellowed SSgt* Perez (cadre member)**. “Hoo-yah***, sergeant!,” they yelled. A line of young airmen, all of them in the front leaning rest, completed one more push-up. They were wearing brown shirts and tiny black shorts, sweating in the hot Texas sun. “And one for the fallen!” “Hoo-yah!” Suddenly, I woke up, … Read more
When I first arrived to my command in the Navy, I made a terrible mistake. I explained to one of my superiors that I had construction skills from work I did prior to enlisting, and as a result, I was immediately put in charge of fixing anything and everything that broke in my department. I … Read more
I did not have a home-coming. For all intents and purposes I’m still there…. I never left. I was cheated of the complete combat experience… I lived. I was not even wounded. I am sick of being called a hero. I’m no hero. I made it home. I feel that I failed those who did … Read more
People say “The truth shall set you free.” The truth is It can’t. It can be dangerous And sometimes deadly. The truth is People have tried to kill me Sometimes they came really close. The truth is Getting shot at for the first time is scary By the tenth time it’s kind of fun. You … Read more
“Why does this always happen to me?!” I said to myself with frustration. I had just fallen asleep for a moment, till my body sent a surge of adrenaline through my body. I instantly pushed myself out of bed and looked for my weapon. It was the same feeling as being late for work, or … Read more
When I arrived in San Francisco a month before the start of school, I was finally convinced I had put my traumatic past behind me. I resumed my routine of going to the gym. One morning, as I slowly warmed up, I sensed someone’s eyes on my back. I turned my head and spotted her, … Read more
Woof. One a.m. The streetlight flows like smelted iron under a forge-black sky. Woof. Windows painted over with shadow, the houses stand a silent vigil on their concrete shore. Woof. Every muscle in my body is pulled so taut, I swear I’ll ring like a bell if struck. Woof. My teeth clench. I hear them … Read more