Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Serve.
My Transition from the Army.
Serving in the United States Army for the last 20 years 5 months and 18 days has been the most amazing experience of my life (so far). Are there moments I regret…. of course! Did I form amazing lifelong bonds with people…of course! I experienced so much that I could probably write a series of articles on that as well. However, this piece is on how I successfully (kind of) handled my transition from the Army.
By Brian Pehrson5 years ago in Serve
Book Review: "Balcony in the Forest" by Julien Gracq
Set in the war of 1939, the Second World War that is, this book makes an attempt at being a subversive war novel from the rest. Including dream sequences, almost folklore-ish creatures and stories, the book is almost trying to hard to get away from the type that is already running through it via its premise: a war novel. Do I think that this takes away from the harsh realities of the war? Yes, but only slightly. Let me explain.
By Annie Kapur5 years ago in Serve
Cowboys hang on
"An old guy in a wheelchair just arrived and he said he's really hungry, wet and cold and he says he's glad that we're here," Jason announces as he walks through the kitchen in Pioneer Hall. I look out and see that he's all set up with a plate of food and so I go back to trying to finish washing the dishes.
By Vanessa Houk5 years ago in Serve
Furious Angel. Top Story - January 2021.
In late winter 2007, I was a in charge of several human intelligence elements, which were comprised of 3–5 person teams who sallied forth to collect rumors. The practice provides a relatively good idea of the local vibe, motivations, and perhaps even a heads up to potential upcoming threats. One of my buddies who was in charge of ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) was on mid-tour leave, so I shifted my schedule to cover down her shift, which was the night shift. As I was the highest ranking person during that shift, I became the TOC (tactical operations center) commander. This was my first deployment, and I was a shiny new 2LT. Basically - I was Jon Snow and I knew nothing.
By Bele Royce 5 years ago in Serve
Out in the Military
When I originally wrote Homefront, I didn't consider other points of view when it came to others in the LGBT community serving in the military. I did take some of my experiences even though I did overdramatize them. I'm needed something more than the ongoing plotline and character development.
By Jax Altieri5 years ago in Serve
Andre
Among so many soldiers, he had expected songs and laughter and the noise of sportive fighting to come in through the window, but the night had been so quiet. Nothing broke his solitude in the little bedroom, and he was alone with his thoughts. His jailers had left paper, quill, ink, and plenty of candles; before dawn, the letter-writing was done. He had little to say, finally, and few loved ones to write anyway. The army had been his life, his passion.
By Kate Goodheart5 years ago in Serve
The Duel
Even in the very early hours of the morning, the heat was oppressive. My windows and curtains were drawn against the night air and the fevers it brought. A candle lit my writing desk and I looked down at the finished letter there. There were several others, finished and sealed in a stack, but this last one had hurt the most to write. Several years before, I had cause to write a similar letter, but it never seemed to get easier. My dear Theodosia, the only thing it would pain me to leave behind, and my greatest pride. My head ached as I sanded the letter, folded and sealed it. My hands went calmly through the familiar motions, long-fingered and deft. I checked my watch, holding the face near the candle to see the gold hands. The portraits of Theo and her mother regarded each other on its face. The faith that had so consoled my wife in her last painful months did nothing for me despite all her wishes. I reached out for faith and found empty resignation. Three hours until dawn.
By Kate Goodheart5 years ago in Serve
