Latest Stories
Most recently published stories 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
My Brother the Soldier.. Top Story - January 2021.
I have never served in the Military. I am in my early 30's now and looking back, I am glad I didn't. Not everyone has what it takes. For those who do, the Military can be a great career. It can be used to set a foundation as an adult to build the rest of your life on. Skills learned in the Military can be a great asset to a soldiers life.
By Andrew Donaldson5 years ago in Serve
What War Taught Me
During my time in the military it brought me to realize many things and truths about life in general, and also about myself. So if you are interested in hearing this story about myself and my experiences which have made me who I am today, then please keep reading.
By George William5 years ago in Serve
You’re My Friend
In a Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) somewhere on the East Coast of the United States, I had been staying in a facility at the VAMC for homeless veterans. The program I had to do or either be booted from the hospital grounds where I had been staying was Silver Spoons. It consisted of feeding older veterans meals. I accepted this charge only based on facing the alternative of being out in the cold.
By Skyler Saunders5 years ago in Serve
What is MEPS like?
So you want to know what it's like going through MEPS? Maybe you're planning on enlisting, or maybe you're reenlisting. Maybe you're at MEPS now, bored out of your mind, so you decided to do some reading. It doesn't make much of a difference to them. MEPS stands for Military Entrance Processing Station. MEPS is a long and tedious process that everyone enlisting in any branch of the military has to go through. If I had to describe it in three words, I would say "lots of paperwork." I'll be going through each step of the two day process that each enlistee experiences on their way to fighting for freedom.
By Zachary Zendle5 years ago in Serve
Dead Letter Office
Upstairs in the old house, Emily had just met ghost. “I’ve been talking to a man,” she announced casually as she cradled her cup of bedtime cocoa. Her father looked up from his paper at the little girl, snuggly in her flannel pajamas - skin rosy from her bath. She sat with her teddy bear on the couch, her legs tucked up under her. He knew she wasn’t one for make-believe friends or having imaginary conversations.
By Peter Davidson5 years ago in Serve
