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The Mighty Pen Project

For several years, I have participated in the Mighty Pen Project, an intensive writing class for veterans sponsored by the Virginia War Memorial. https://vawarmemorial.org/mightypen The professor is David L. Robbins: Learn more about David here: https://www.davidlrobbinsauthor.com/ David has helped and encouraged us to tell the stories that should not be forgotten. Some are personal, meantContinue reading “The Mighty Pen Project”

Okay So Far

Camp Chesty, on the outskirts of An Numaniyah, occupied a patch of desert the Marines had taken from the Iraqis on 3 April on their way to Baghdad. Part airfield, it hosted the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force headquarters and subordinate units, housed in tents. Each unit had its own space, separated from the others byContinue reading “Okay So Far”

A Word for Those Who Need It: Holiday Version

In the next few days, many of us will gather with extended family to celebrate the holidays. For some, this will be a joyous occasion filled with laughter, stories, good food and the chance to relax with people they love. Others will spend quality time with relatives who insist on indulging in a favorite addiction,Continue reading “A Word for Those Who Need It: Holiday Version”

Close at Hand

A friend sent me a cartoon that, as she intended, gave me a good laugh. It was a drawing of a woman standing behind a table with the contents of her purse strewn across its surface. She had a look of panic on her face and a cell phone stuck between her shoulder and ear.Continue reading “Close at Hand”

Front Toward Enemy

The corpsman whispered, “One of those terrorists is here.” I rounded the corner, expecting to see the face of evil. Young enough to be my son, you lay shackled on a gurney. Face ashen, body not yet man-sized, you looked like one of us. How had you become a threat? Had an elder seen youContinue reading “Front Toward Enemy”

Questions

My grandmother lived two doors away when I was seven. I loved to visit and did so often. One afternoon, on her way to town, my mother pulled up in front of Nana’s mailbox. “Get in,” she shouted. I walked to the passenger side of the car. “Wait, I forgot something.” I ran back toContinue reading “Questions”

Kuwaiti Exchange

The sign on the door reads, “Please keep closed. Air conditioning is on.” Entering, it hits me. A kiosk of keychains. We had not been inside a building for months. A shelf of sneakers. Many had lost legs, feet to IEDs and shrapnel. A carousel of chocolate. It’s 130 degrees. Watches. Only if they canContinue reading “Kuwaiti Exchange”

Facing the Philistines

In the Valley of Elah, two armies faced one another: the army of the Philistines, and the army of the living God. From among the Philistines, a booming voice raised a challenge: “Choose a man for yourselves and let him come down to me.” When the Israelites saw Goliath, the source of that challenge, theyContinue reading “Facing the Philistines”

War in Pieces

Thanks to David L. Robbins, the Mighty Pen, the Virginia War Memorial and the Virgina Repertory Theatre for the opportunity to see our plays produced. My play is called “Living on a Prayer.” Getting some publicity ahead of opening night! https://richmondmagazine.com/arts-entertainment/stage-screen/mighty-pen-project-war-in-pieces/ https://www.broadwayworld.com/norfolk/article/Virginia-War-Memorial-Foundation-and-Virginia-Repertory-Theatre-Co-Produce-Four-New-One-Act-Plays-Written-by-Veterans-20230223https://urbanviewsrva.com/2023/02/28/war-in-pieces-four-one-act-plays-written-by-veterans/ https://www.audacy.com/mix981richmond/latest/virginia-war-memorial-foundation-and-virginia-repertory https://va-rep.org/_war-in-pieces-va-war-memorial.html See website for tickets if you are near Richmond, Virginia: https://tickets.va-rep.org/events

The Guys

As the congregation finished singing the recessional hymn, I walked down the aisle toward the open sanctuary door and took my place just inside. I smoothed my white robe, adjusted the cincture, and made sure the stole hung evenly around my neck. This was my first Sunday as the associate pastor. I needed to lookContinue reading “The Guys”