Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Serve.
Hello, Bootcamp
We talked about it six months prior. I had six months to mentally and physically prepare myself. I knew what I was getting myself into and that it would be hard. Every day for six months I knew December 5 would be a dreadful day. Six months flew by and though we talked about it nearly every day, it felt like it’d never actually get here. But it did. Quickly.
By Kristin Jones8 years ago in Serve
Best Tactical Combat Boots
Everyone in the military knows at least one "geardo;" also known as the one guy who insists on breaking the bank by splurging on all sorts of tactical combat gear. Some geardos do this to prepare for war. So, to a point, it does make sense.
By Buddy Brown8 years ago in Serve
Losing Yourself
The most important person in your life has seemingly and suddenly vanished. You said goodbye to him, you gave him a kiss and a hug and left with ten long weeks of waiting stretched between your next meeting. Even if you’ve tried to prepare yourself mentally for the upcoming challenges, nothing truly prepared you for what you’re going through. You find your mind drifting to dark places—the what-ifs, the worries, the fears. You hate him one minute and miss the hell out of him the next. You’re proud that he’s taking his future into his own hands and starting a new and exciting part of his life, but you’re worried that you and your relationship will fade away in his mind in favor of that new future. When you write him letters, you’ll try to be positive, even though you might want to break down more than anything, knowing that he won’t be there to pick up the pieces. When you tell him how much you love and miss him, those sentiments might seem unrequited because he won’t write it nearly as much as you will. It’s easy to lose yourself in the worry, fear and doubt, and to obsess over all of it. It’s easy to question if anything will be the same when he returns to you, if he’ll love you or treat you the same as he did before, and let the brick in your chest drag you down further, and further, until you can’t even see the light any more. You’ll feel like you’re losing him, and then you’ll feel like you’re losing yourself. It’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do.
By Lindsey Allen8 years ago in Serve
It's Finally Time
“Please, I need you here to tell me everything will be alright.” “Jesse, are you alright?” He stayed silent. But Chelsea knew something was wrong. Jesse was rarely this quiet. As she went to put her arms around him, a single tear started to roll down his cheek.
By Erika Solazzo8 years ago in Serve
Navy: My First Man Overboard Experience
I was a part of a helicopter squadron attached to the U.S.S Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier. Our motto was, “We Rescue. We Protect. We Deliver.” I never thought about how much weight those words carried until we had to put them into play.
By Kyndall Bennett - Kyrabe Stories8 years ago in Serve
What it's Like Being the Daughter of a Military Parent
Often times when I tell people that I have only lived in Georgia for nine years, they are surprised that a person as young as myself hasn't lived here my whole life. Well that's because I am the daughter of a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Air Force. I am also the granddaughter of a Lieutenant General (3 Stars) in the US Air Force. I have moved around a lot since I was born. My dad has moved even more times than me. I have been one of the more fortunate people to have at least lived somewhere for more than two years.
By Bryanna Burshnick8 years ago in Serve
How To Survive Basic Training as an Army Significant Other
The day you’ve been dreading is coming, or maybe it’s already here. Your recruit is leaving home to start his new life as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces. Whether you’re married, engaged, or in a steady relationship, these tips will help these next two or three months go by a little bit easier.
By Lindsey Allen8 years ago in Serve
US Veterans
We all celebrate the Fourth of July, Veteran's Day, even Memorial Day. We like to say thank you to a gentleman or woman we see on the street displaying veteran status, or to express our appreciation to the veterans that we know personally. But many do not realize the staggering number of veterans who are homeless, or who are struggling with mental illness, substance abuse, or chronic unemployment. These men and women were willing to sacrifice their lives so that we could continue to enjoy the freedom to tweet about hating Donald Trump, or simply vote in an open election. Little do we know what often happens to them if they are fortunate enough to return home.
By Kira Marie8 years ago in Serve
To the College Girl Dating a Military Man
We Marine Corps girlfriends have been lying to you. We tell you that while our recruit is in boot camp it gets easier. That’s not true. It never gets easier. You learn how to cope with how you are feeling, but it does not get easier.
By Hannah Beaton8 years ago in Serve
