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The War Horse
Transgender Troops, Vets Warned to Avoid Florida Over Discriminatory Laws
When Jodi Jeloudov walked into the West Palm Beach Veterans Affairs center for her monthly doctor’s appointment this summer, she felt on edge. For eight years, she had approached VA the same way: high heels clipping the pavement, makeup…
I Can’t Afford the Grace of Failure. I’m a Survivor.
I stare down at the sink to avoid eye contact. The only sound between us is the lazy drip of water on porcelain. I can’t take the silence, so I look up at her. “When did you become my worst enemy?“ Her cold, blank expression stares back at…
The Military Is Missing Recruitment Goals. Are Thousands Being Unnecessarily Disqualified?
Carlos Morales was a few drinks in late one evening when he first contacted his local Coast Guard recruiting office, but when he woke up the next day, he did not regret his late-night submission.He had been eyeing service for a decade, he…
This Is the Crucible That Forged Me, But I Am No Piece of Steel. None of Us Are.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, consider the power of our memories that linger like hazy images until they are resurrected by the smell of burned rubber or bug spray, the nostalgic power of a song, or the sound of helicopters…
Marines Recognize War Horse Founder as First Enlisted Recipient of Gen. John A. Lejeune Leadership…
On April 6, the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation presented War Horse founder Thomas Brennan with the 2023 Gen. John A. Lejeune Award for Exceptional Leadership, making him the first enlisted Marine veteran to earn the recognition.“Your…
For 50 Years, Recruiting a Volunteer Military Was Salesmanship. Now, Few Are Buying.
In the spring of 1977, a letter appeared in Proceedings, the long-running journal of the U.S. Naval Institute.“I am no malcontent,” wrote a junior enlisted Navy man. “I love the Navy and believe in a strong national defense. But, I believe…
Dad Always Seemed Bigger Than Life. But I Had No Idea There Was a Hero in the Next Room.
It felt like a punch in the stomach. For a few seconds, I was breathless, then overcome by anxiety. Finally, a certain calmness took over.The call came around lunchtime on Feb. 5, 2009, a pleasant, sunny day. I worked as a letter carrier…
Combat Always Makes Fast Friends—Uncovering the Story of a Trailblazing Woman War Correspondent
The following is an excerpt from First to the Front: The Untold Story of Dickey Chapelle, Trailblazing Female War Correspondent by Lorissa Rinehart. From the beginning of World War II through the early days of Vietnam, photojournalist…
A Life of Service Doesn’t End When You Take Off the Uniform. Now I Forge My Own Path.
I fold my hands over my pregnant belly and shift in search of a comfortable position in an uncomfortable chair. My body feels the stress of the nearly full-term baby, but my brain is blissfully unaware of the full weight of impact the child…
Their Lives Would Never Be the Same. In Some Ways, Neither Would Mine.
I met Lt. Col. Benjamin Palmer when he took command of my first fleet unit in the summer of 2009. Later that year, I attended a Christmas party at his home, a place filled with family photographs and collages from each of his duty stations…
Play Hard. Get Dirty. Use Good Saop.