#Military

Reconnecting With My Tribe – memoir

I spent twenty years away from my place of birth. Seven years as a military wife and thirteen more working among active duty military, veterans, and their families. I returned home to reconnect with family and friends, and instead of feeling a part of the group, I felt like an interloper trying to wheedle my way in. It was work.

Fifteen years later, I attended a veterans writing group on a research mission. Within minutes, I felt I was back among my tribe. I was an immediate integral part. The military brotherhood is a bonded group stronger than family.

Note; I’m sorry I couldn’t include “and Sisterhood” due to word count restriction.

Written in response to Charli Mills February 6, 2024, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about something lost now found. Is it an object or person who is lost? How are they lost? What happens when what was lost is found? Go where the prompt leads!

02/12/2024 7

The Brothers Understand

Michael and Tessa moved with the line snaking toward the cruise ship. The slow pace was difficult for Michael, yet he smiled at every set of eyes that met his. When an older man came opposite them in the cue, he said, “Welcome home, brother.”

Tessa burst into tears watching Michael and his brother-for-life shake hands, and exchange understanding nods. The man’s companion touched Tessa’s arm and handed her a tissue. “It hurts my soul that our servicemen wait to hear that from their brothers. I admire your man for sharing his legs.”

Tessa mumbled, “Me too. Thank you.”

November 7, 2023, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about waiting. Where does this waiting take place? Does it have a past or a future outcome? Who is waiting and why? Go where the prompt leads!

11/13/2023 2

Grounding Roots

Michael said to Tessa, “When you left college for marriage, did you ever think about moving home one day?”

“No. I thought my marriage would last and couldn’t see that far ahead. I didn’t know about people growing apart.”

Michael replied. “I had no intentions of returning before I lost my legs. A counselor suggested my mother needed me to and then I heard you were getting divorced. That took care of any indecision.”

Tessa’s eyes watered. “I longed for the hills and colorful seasons. But it’s you and the other vets who ground me because of our experiences.”

Author’s Note: Michael and Tessa were high school sweethearts. She married an Army Officer, and he was enlisted Army. He lost his legs above the knee in an IED bomb in Iraq. They both moved back to their hometown and are now married to each other. The series is three years old.

Written in response to Charli Mills August 8, 2023, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about roots like a mountain. Feel free to play with both concepts of roots and mountains. How can you create a story from the combination? What character (or traits) come to mind? Where and when does the story take place? Go where the prompt leads!

08/14/2023 3

A Letter of Complaint – Part 1

Dear Owner,

I heard your establishment specializes in Irish music. I traveled a distance for the music and hoped to meet other Irish folks. What I heard were patriotic and beer-drinking country songs and, finally, TWO Irish songs. I was disgusted.

I tried to find out your name and was told, Mac. Do you not have a first and last name? And the name of your establishment, “No Thanks Needed.” Do you not expect your patrons to say thank you? Maybe I shouldn’t have left a tip either.

My meal was good, but I won’t be returning.

Disheartened Lady

A Letter of Complaint – Part 2

Mac read the complaint letter and shook his head. He scribbled his response to purge the angry feelings that were boiling.

Lady,

Do you have a name? How about an address? Are you real?

Did you not see the large informative poster behind the bar?

Have you ever met a veteran before? Maybe you should search for someone with a military branch hat on and ask them what they did for our country.

Most people don’t know my first name because I don’t like it, so none of my employees would dare share it.

Get a life. Elsewhere!

Mac

Written in response to Charli Mills June 27, 2023, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story as a response to “we’ve received your complaint.” Who has received the complaint and why? How was the complaint delivered — with grace, humor, vitriol? Go where the prompt leads!

07/03/2023 0

Sand Becomes an Enemy

When I'm a preschooler, I love my sandbox. 
Trucks go over dunes and airplanes crash into them.
Sand gets in my hair, clothes, and cracks.

As a blond teenager, I crave the sandy beach.
Suntanned girls and volleyballs. I can't get enough.

When I'm in Iraq. EVERYTHING is sand color except doors.
Dunes don't offer reliable protection. I learn to hate the heat.

Now I'm a veteran who hates the sand.
My daughter's name is Sandy. I call her by her middle name.
My head is shaved.
There will never be sand in my hair, clothes, or cracks again.

Note: The author is not a veteran but spends many hours with them. This could have been written by anyone who served in Iraq

Written in response to Chaarli Mills June 20, 2023, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about grains of sand. Where are these grains and what importance do they hold? How many ways can you think of to use sand? Who interacts with the sand and why? Go where the prompt leads!

06/26/2023 2

Michael Plays the Age Card

Part 1 – originally posted on 10-29-22

Wearing Army t-shirt and shorts, Michael sat in a wheelchair on stage, his leg stumps showing so all entering the Walter Reed activity room could see. He spoke. “We soldiers share the experience of missing skin and bones. At twice your age, I lived the hopelessness and depression you may be feeling.” He turned sideways in the chair, swung himself to the floor, and put on the prosthetic legs lying there. Then using the chair for support, he stood up and walked around. “I’m proof you can heal and become friends with whatever prosthetic you need. You’ve got this.”

Part – 2

Michael continued walking and making eye contact with the soldiers that would look at him. “I came to think of myself as a pungent onion, and life as flat broth. What could I do to insert myself into something that could use a shot of flavor, that would enhance the broth?” He picked up his guitar. “This is my friend. It helps me turn into an onion.” He strummed a few chords. “I went home to revive my church’s youth choir. Those kids think I’m a superhero. I make a difference in their lives as coming here enhances mine.”

Written in response to Charli Mills February 27, 2023, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a golden onion. Any golden onion. One planted or harvested. An onion chopped for a meal. How can you use an onion as a prop in a character’s hand? Go where the prompt leads!

03/03/2023 9