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Afghanistan War

Male U.S. Marine in dress uniform with large medals

Corporal John K. Goeken, U.S. Marine Corps – Two Wars, Three Deployments, and a Commitment to the Corps

Those who want to become U.S. Marines must have, or want to develop, the self-confidence, courage, and swagger necessary to confront enemies without ever thinking of backing down. They know they will win the fight, no matter what the odds—and their enemies know it, too. Corporal John K. Goeken, U.S. Marine Corps, has those qualities in spades. In fact, they compelled him to join the Marine Corps and deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan a total of three times while wearing the uniform. Once back in civilian life, they drove him to return to Afghanistan as a contractor providing security for U.S. government facilities and personnel. Now he is channeling those qualities to become an engineer.

Cover of Spare by Prince Harry

Spare by Prince Harry

I thought it time I review something contemporary, so this month I listened to Spare, narrated by the author, Prince Harry. I have always admired Prince Harry because of his military service in Afghanistan. When I was assigned in Bahrain in 2007-2008, I remember Prince Harry departing Afghanistan because his presence endangered his unit – he […]

Female Army soldier in uniform with helmet on

Specialist Andrea Marshall, U.S. Army – Something Bigger Than Self

It takes courage to enlist in the military. Once you raise your right hand and take the oath to serve and defend the Constitution, you must go wherever the military says you are needed most. When the nation is at war, that need could very well be in a war zone where your life is at risk. Such is the case with Specialist Andrea Marshall, who enlisted in the Army in 2008. Four years later, she found herself assigned as a combat medic at a Forward Operating Base in Afghanistan. This is Andrea’s story.