It was the last day of the crucible, a three-day challenge that every Marine must complete in boot camp in order to join the ranks of the Corps. We were at Camp Pendleton. The day began at zero dark thirty. My hands shivered from the cold, my desert “cammies” smelled like a wrestler’s locker, and … Read more
Am I being punked right now? Why are we waiting around for hours on end? Why isn’t the armory opened? How is it possible that the crew that stayed here enjoying banker hours and a lax schedule isn’t prepared for our homecoming? You have got to be kidding me! Duly noted! I remember those thoughts … Read more
This piece has been written by the author from the perspective of an Afghan interpreter with whom he worked. It was approximately 4 PM and Jasper had just finished the confidential portion of the briefing for the following day’s operation. He met with me in front of the Operations Center, and told me to be … Read more
Note: the author wrote this piece from the point of view of a drug runner that his ship was pursuing. Am I crazy?!! Is my life really this bad?!!! Is being cold, miserable and seasick really the best way for me to make a living? How did I get to this point where I am … Read more
“Would you like us to cut down this grass over here?” she asked. “Uhhh what?” I replied. “Would you like us to cut down this grass?” She must have overheard my squad leader talking; it was the whole point of this patrol. There was some overgrown grass near our compound and the leadership was concerned … Read more
In kindergarten I found a stuffed bunny rabbit that I named Snowball. He’s been with me for so long now that I don’t remember a time without him. He traveled everywhere with me, so it was no surprise that when I left for basic, he came too. He spent nine weeks in my bag, locked … Read more
Working as a medical technician during my stateside deployment in 2005 meant eight- to sixteen-hour shifts, when I took care of wounded soldiers at the Contingency Air Staging Facility, or CASF. Some of them would be there for a day or two, while others might stay longer, depending on their condition. As a medical professional, … Read more
Just grazing my left ear, the wineglass shattered as it impacted the oak paneled wall behind me. “Anyone who ever had a heart wouldn’t turn around and break it.” Sarah almost sang it as she cried. Oh, God. Here she goes again with the lyrics. A memory of a nearly violent argument with her in … Read more
August 2008. This would be my first time home since I had enlisted in the Navy. Home is wherever Mom is. It could be any corner of the world. The last time I had seen her in person was July 2003, five long years ago. I had taken a 30-day leave, packed a small duffel … Read more
I joined the Marine Corps in 2007. He was a Marine as well, but two years later it all ended. It was as if the light had been turned on in my room for the first time. I saw it clearly lining the top shelf of my TV console with my DVD player and speaker … Read more