Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Serve.
Silver Lining of War
War, war is such a destructive event. Sadly, this world has to encounter it so often. I can hardly think it's so loud. Mortars and cannons fire left and right. My friends, who were once beside me, are there no more. It's easier said than done to run out of hiding and flank your enemies when they least expect it. Many have tried and many have failed. I hide behind a barricade praying nobody will see me. I now comprehend that I am not cut out for war. Every muscle in my body aches. Every movement and every thought requires energy I do not currently obtain. Tears slowly run down my cheeks, getting wedged at every patch of dirt that covers my face. What I wouldn't give to be at home right now in my nice warm bed with my loving family around me. I miss my family, but I can't focus on them right now. There is only one mission at hand and it's to eliminate the enemy. Staring at the AK-47 in hand, I look over to all the bodies on the ground. Their limbs detached from their bodies. Blood covers the ground like a thick blanket and cries echo in my mind. Looking at my friend's head, I feel numb. The body is meters away and to see his spiritless eyes stare into my soul like this....it's too much. Nothing in the world could ever prepare you for something like this. For all my innumerable friends that are now dead, I realize I must complete their mission. Reaching into my green jacket pocket, I pull out the photo of my beloved wife one last time.
By Chantell Schulz7 years ago in Serve
Surviving My Life as a Military Wife
In 2009, I married the love of my life! He is charming, funny, a great listener, and the best friend I've ever had in life. We still get each other, even after eleven years of wedded bliss. It hasn't always been easy, but somehow, we made it work. When we married that fall day, I had no idea what I was signing on for. I married my husband, but his mistress is the military. My husband has served this great country of ours for 31 years... and counting! He loves serving his country and he loves his troops.
By Denise Joyce Williams7 years ago in Serve
What's a Dependapotamus?
In military circles, especially online, you’ve probably seen or heard some of the most popular slang terms used among military members. One you may or may not have heard of though are the terms "dependapotamus," or just "dependa." What exactly is a dependapotamus though? Well, the word is pretty self-explanatory: It is a combination of “dependent,” describing someone who is a military dependent, and “hippopotamus,” as in…well, a really chubby creature that chews with its mouth open. That’s more or less how the term is used, too: To refer to military dependents, usually the wives of service members, who don’t work, and leech off of their husband’s benefits.
By Nicola P. Young7 years ago in Serve
10 Tips for Military Spouses on Your First Deployment. Top Story - October 2018.
Your husband or wife is gone and you feel like you've been left behind. Scratch that attitude! In order to survive deployment, you’re going to need to keep a positive attitude. There will be lots of situations that may appear to be discouraging at first, but if you keep your head on straight and your heart inspired, there’s no reason why this needs to be a gloomy time. We’ve done half the work for you by rounding up these expert-approved tips for military spouses to make the best use of time while your spouse is on active duty.
By Carolena Trissel7 years ago in Serve
To Be a Military Spouse
Before I met my husband, I was one of the many who thought about joining the military. All the benefits and time traveling while also learning some pretty badass skills were extremely appealing, but I was never convinced that I had what it took to be a soldier; so I never enlisted. Plenty of my friends did though and that was my first taste of military life. I got a feel for the schedules, the time during deployments, and some military jargon. But what didn't hit me was everything the family went through while these people were gone, especially wives and husbands.
By Shelbie Fae7 years ago in Serve
10 Reasons Why Nuclear War Is Still Terrifying
The Cold War was a weird time in American history that had both Russians and Americans fraught with panic. It was a time where the biggest threat to existence was nuclear war. The threat of using atom bombs was very real—and there were certain times where it almost seemed imminent.
By Skunk Uzeki7 years ago in Serve
10 Best Military Discounts at Major Retail Stores
One thing you've probably learned as an active service member or veteran is that it never hurts to ask. By that, I mean it never hurts to check if a store, restaurant, airline, or any other company that takes your money might also take your military ID for a nice discount. You would be surprised how many retail stores actually do, but just don't advertise it year-round. Of course, when you want to get the best discounts, you don't want to find out if you qualify after you've done your shopping. Here are some of the best military discounts at major retail stores that you can get year-round, from apparel and shoes to major auto purchases to even some of the best everyday tactical essentials. Plan your shopping accordingly!
By Nicola P. Young7 years ago in Serve
Love in the Military
My name is Katie and my boyfriend’s name is Christopher. He is a Loadmaster in the United States Air Force. We’ve been together two and a half years. That’s honestly a pretty good length of time even for a non-military relationship. I’m writing this article today to share my experience of what it’s like being a military spouse and to hopefully give advice to help out other military spouses or even just couples in long distance relationships.
By Katie Danielle7 years ago in Serve
10 Signs You Were in the Military
As a major military force in the world for many decades and a number of generations, the United States has many active soldiers and veterans who have served their country with honor and pride. Though some veterans are easy to identify, others are a bit stealthier. While many are proud to celebrate their service with hats, bumper stickers, fatigues, BDUs, or dress uniforms and other items that reference their time in the military, not all display their accomplishments overtly. However, there are certainly other, albeit subtle, indicators of someone's past or present military service. Like anyone, a careful study of these past and present military personnel can identify and reveal certain patterns of behavior that soldiers all share in common. These hints may not all be readily apparent at first, but a closer look will be a dead giveaway of the signs you were in the military.
By Fred Eugene Park7 years ago in Serve
How to Prepare for Joining the Navy. Top Story - October 2018.
Joining the Navy is a huge decision for anyone to make. For most men and women making this choice, going through the enlistment process is their first experience as an adult after receiving their high school diploma. When you are getting ready to join the Navy, there are many requirements—mentally, physically, and emotionally. If you are joining the military, or if you specifically want to prepare for joining the Navy as an enlisted sailor, an officer, or even a Navy Seal, here’s a list of how to do so.
By Morgan E. Westling7 years ago in Serve
