Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Serve.
What Happened to Me?
I try to remember the turning point. No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to put my finger on one specific event or moment that changed it all. I had such lofty plans for myself. I had such hope. And now, all I can do is wonder how I became this puddle of depression and anxiety.
By Melanie Banar8 years ago in Serve
Marine Corps Ball Traditions Every Recruit Should Know
The history of the Marine Corps begins on November 10th, 1775, when a branch of the US Armed Forces was created, in part, as a protective and domestic agent, yet it was intended as a swift and tactical task force that was capable of rendering even the most dangerous of areas into a pseudo-state of order whose actions and responsibilities were directly dictated by the sitting US president. What are the requirements for joining the Marine Corps? A whole hell of a lot of grit, stamina and courage, not to mention an attitude that's been molded and blended under a set of life principles that you'll carry to the grave. That is just one single part of what has made them a treasured and ever-loved faction in the history of the American military, but there are still quite a few things you may not know about the US Marine Corps.
By Donald Gray8 years ago in Serve
Famous People You Didn't Know Were Marines. Top Story - February 2018.
Anyone with dedication, courage, and immense passion can enlist in the Marine Corps. While it's the toughest branch out of the US Armed Forces, many people who enlist believe that they're more suited for this branch. With a lot of responsibilities, tasks, and difficult Marine Corps training, you'd never believe the type of Marines that served for the country.
By Jennifer Violet8 years ago in Serve
Marching in a Different Parade
When I was about eight-years-old, I was still living in Germany. My uncle took me to see a military parade in our town. That was almost 60 years ago. I don’t remember what the occasion was, and it likely doesn’t matter. What I do remember is something that has been with me all of these years. I didn’t know then exactly what all of those machines and men with guns did but I knew that they could hurt you. I remember fear. I remember the absolute fear that those machines instilled in me. I saw massive pieces of iron rolling along. I closed my eyes and could hear the roar of the engines and the gnawing of the cleats, the stomp of the boots. When I opened my eyes, they were still there steadily rolling on in what seemed like an endless line. We left the parade, but I could still hear the sounds of the military might grinding and pounding away. And today, I can still hear them.
By Heinz Weverink8 years ago in Serve
Goodbye Is Not Forever
Saying goodbye is hard. The goodbyes never get easier, especially knowing that my rock is going to be gone for so long. I thought this time would be different. We’ve been through this before—we know what’s coming. We know all the actions that we are going through, we’ve done the drop off of the bags and waiting for them to draw weapons. We did all of this not too long ago.
By Emily Bloyd8 years ago in Serve
Oscars Countdown: 'Dunkirk'
Dunkirk takes a less is more approach to the often-glamorized war genre, foregoing over the top heroics for a gritty survival experience. The film’s consistent sense of realism contains just about all of its appeal because, to be honest, this is a pretty boring movie. A filmmaking style capable of great suspense is let down by shallow, forgettable characters. This is a tough one to love or hate, leaving Dunkirk with a mysteriously mediocre result. I will now attempt to review something that isn’t interesting enough to praise, but also not bad enough to make fun of. Happy Oscar season, everyone.
By Mike Charest8 years ago in Serve
Most Memorable USO Moments in Military History
They weren't involved in the bloodiest battles fought in American history, but there's a good chance they were there. For those who don't know what the USO is, it's a service of love; a sort of collaborative effort and a form of organization that has helped to boost morale for GIs since WWII. The USO is similar to Arts in the Armed Forces, but is far older and was organized through a challenge issued by Franklin D. Roosevelt. According to history, the president had requested private organizations to design a way for troops to feel "at home" while still in combat zones and in the middle of wars (as the build up of WWII was ongoing at the time).
By Donald Gray8 years ago in Serve
Hidden Economic Struggles of Military Spouses
When it comes to being in a relationship with someone in the military, it can be difficult to adjust to. Even though serving in the military comes with many benefits, being financially comfortable is tough. There are many issues you and your spouse can come across, and it's normal. You're not the only one going through struggles.
By Rachel Blanchard8 years ago in Serve
Best Scholarships for Military Families
Education has and continues to grow increasingly more expensive as we progress into the future. A top notch education, whether it be at a college or university, can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000 a year (often even per semester), plus that's not even factoring in books, supplies, or food. As you can see, this is no way to thank our military personnel's families for their own service in providing their loved ones as defense in the name of this great country. It's about time we begin adapting a better form of aid for our military and design a service of love.
By Donald Gray8 years ago in Serve
Yes, I Married Him Anyway
I'm not really sure where to start. We've known each other since I was 16. Back then he went by Chris but has since decided to go by is first name, Warren. He was in my art class in high school. It was my favorite class because of him. He used to come in and lay his tall lanky body over mine and yell "I'm a human blanket!" I would giggle and blush while my insides would bubble up and feel like my heart was about to explode. He was a bad boy and I was just his friend in art class. We never hung out outside of that class yet those small moments we were together in school left a lasting impression on my soul that I carried with me for 17 years.
By Mary Finch8 years ago in Serve
Types of People Outside of Every Military Base You Will Meet
Once you join the military, it becomes pretty easy to get accustomed to life on base—even when you're in a different country. You know your fellow troops, know what to expect of them, and also can relate to them just because they're American military folks like you.
By Rowan Marley8 years ago in Serve
