Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Serve.
Movie Review: '12 Strong'
The story of the Horse Soldiers of Afghanistan in the wake of the September 11th attack is pretty damn remarkable. As told in 12 Strong, 12 American soldiers became the first American soldiers to hit back at al Qaeda by riding horses over some of the roughest terrain on the planet and taking the fight to the enemy in a way that hadn’t been seen since Roosevelt and The Rough Riders.
By Sean Patrick8 years ago in Serve
Hell's Memory
Two nights have passed since Private Douglas was gunned down, nearly sawed in half by the relentless wave of lead raining down on us. He is gone, yet, I sit here watching his chest rise and fall as if air were feeling his lungs, not the rats burrowing deep eating his flesh. Closing my eyes magnifies the sound of tearing muscle and claw scraping bone. Another wave of bullets, another cry pierces the night as the dull thud of cartridges hitting their mark reminds us all of this hell we can’t escape. Captain barks an order to advance.
By Jayres Green8 years ago in Serve
Best Songs from War Movies All Soldiers Should Know
War movies as a whole have so much meaning behind them. Even though they're based on wars, they're also about the individual soldiers who were significantly involved in these wars. We know that going into war is a terrifying experience that can either lead to victory or death. And these brave individuals are fighting for their country and beliefs. Yet, many of us don't entirely know the experience of heading into a battle. And these war movies made sure that we get the whole picture.
By George Nekilan8 years ago in Serve
The Strangest Stereotypical Guys You Meet in the Military
It's often assumed that the military attracts three kinds of people: the hard on their luck, the best and the brightest, and the downright weird. At times, you'll see all three types rolled up in a single person, other times, you'll just see one of these groups being represented.
By Rowan Marley8 years ago in Serve
Outer Banks Beach Life... Things to Do When the Beach Isn’t an Option...
I am often asked, "What is there to do at the beach in the winter?" Living in a beach town and a military town, there is ALWAYS something to do. We often have weather extremes all year on the Outer Banks. We had spring-like weather for much of December 2017. I have lived on the beach for over 30 years and moved to Jacksonville last year. Like a lot of locals, I know about activities at the beaches, art galleries, microbreweries, local clubs, fitness clubs, family destinations, garden centers, churches etc. As a mother of two very active young adults, I spent many hours on school field trips, as a classroom volunteer, and a sports mom. I was also the co-owner of a well established local nursery, growing facility, landscaping company and retail store. I was a physician recruiter for over 20 years. I taught various gardening and art classes, as well. I also contributed through my photography and many blogs to both written and personal engagements, all over eastern North Carolina.
By JS Redfearn8 years ago in Serve
Being a Brat
Most people seem shocked when I ask: "What do you mean by where I'm from? As in hometown? Where was I last? Where I call home?" More seem even more shocked when I answer with my hometown, Misawa Air Base. Located 500 miles north of Tokyo, Japan's metropolis capital city, Misawa is in the peaceful countryside, filled with rice paddies, old buildings, forgotten towns with age-old traditions still being practiced side by side with modern buildings slowly being put up throughout the prefecture. In Japan, there are large prefectures that make up the islands, and each prefecture had its own primary product they were known for. My home was located in Aomori, most known for its agriculture with the rice, apples, and salmon. I loved going to the local festivals, trying all the new foods, and getting fresh rice off the harvest, normally as gifts from our local neighbors and friends that were connected to the farms and colleges that helped keep our part of Japan healthy and green.
By Mary Parker8 years ago in Serve
Congratulations, Chief Petty Officer
Congrats, newly minted Chief Petty Officer! So you’ve just made it to the rank of E-7 in the United States Navy. We know the climb up was rough, but now that you’re finally near the top, you can take this opportunity to make sure the climb is even rougher for those coming up after you. In my five part series, we’ll take you through such valuable lessons as:
By D.M. Kiely8 years ago in Serve
Military Myths Hollywood Taught Us to Believe
For centuries, poets and other entertainers have discussed military tales at length. Before the advent of television, we had great books like Homer's Illiad and Ajax by Sophocles. Plays have shown war to be valiant and heroic—and at the same time, tragic.
By Iggy Paulsen8 years ago in Serve
Military Wife Life. Top Story - January 2018.
The morning of my husband's deployment wasn't like any other morning. The house was filled with sadness as we prepared for that night where we would say see you later and give our last kiss for nine months. As the time approached, our emotions only grew stronger. My husband, being the strong gentleman he is, showed no sadness and shed no tears cause he knew he would see me again sometime soon. I, on the other hand, was a mess. At the age of 19, I had no idea I would be married to a soldier and preparing to face my first deployment. I had no idea what was in store for the next nine months. Fear raced over my body as my husband left my arms to go to the buses. Tears streamed down my face as I watched him wave goodbye and blow me a kiss. I watched the buses roll away and my friend and I hugged each other and walked to our cars.
By Brooke Clarke8 years ago in Serve
Review: By Dawn's Early Light (1990)
The Cold War and the ever-looming threat of nuclear war between the United States and the Soviet Union inspired many works of its time. These included films that explored just how a nuclear war might begin with such classic 1960s films as Stanley Kubrick's dark comedy Dr. Strangelove and the more serious Fail Safe. Coming at the tail end of the Cold War in 1990 between the fall of the Berlin Wall and the break up of the Soviet Union, HBO's By Dawn's Early Light was the last triumphant grasp of that sub-genre of Cold War storytelling as it told a gripping tale of potential Armageddon on the edge of peace.
By Matthew Kresal8 years ago in Serve
Simple Ways Veterans with PTSD Can Get Help
There are plenty of ways veterans with PTSD can get help, and starting anywhere is a start to be proud of. Coping with such an invasive disorder such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is draining, life-halting, and a constant struggle.
By Adrian Scott8 years ago in Serve
