Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Serve.
Classic War Films That Need a Reboot
Seemingly every other movie these days is a superhero flick or remake, but there is one classic genre that doesn't often get the updated treatment—the war film. Some of the greatest cinematic masterpieces have been war movies, but imagine them with a 21st-century update? The special effects for the battle scenes alone would be worth checking out.
By Joseph Farley8 years ago in Serve
You Can't Control Everything
When I was a junior in high school, I decided that I wanted to join the military. My family was more than a little hesitant at first. I had previously wanted to be a veterinarian, and they couldn't understand why I wasn't seeing my potential. I knew deep down that this is what I wanted to do. I wanted to be a part of "the 1%." I had been recruited by the Navy Seals and the Army at this point. I set my sights elsewhere. I decided that I was going to join the Air Force. At the young age of 17, I sat down face to face with a recruiter and signed the dotted line. From that day forward, all of my attention was focused on the day I would ship out to basic training. I prepared myself physically, mentally, and spiritually. I was in the gym working out for no less than 90 minutes a day. I was talking to every service member I could find, learning all the tricks of the trade to have a step up on other recruits. When my ship-out day finally arrived, I knew that I was ready. I flew out from my hometown and arrived in San Antonio, Texas on July 26, 2016. The air was buzzing with anticipation and anxiety from each recruit wondering what was waiting for us. The minute the bus stopped we were rushed off and set to a task. I was assigned to a dormitory with 50 other women. I kept my head low, talked to few people, and simply did what I was there to do. I worked hard, and eight weeks later I graduated from basic training. One week later I was bussed to the base where I would be trained to do my job. I sat in a classroom for eight hours a day for a month before being pulled from my assigned course. This wasn't uncommon in my field, but was still a little worrisome. Most people pulled from their course returned to class within a month. I however was still not in class at my six-month mark. I was assigned to work in the front office with the sergeants of my squadrons dormitory. I handled all accountability for 500+ airman everyday as well as mandatory office work. I enjoyed my job working with the sergeants. I grew closer with them everyday, especially my flight chief. His name was Technical Sergeant Henry. He was a serious man, tough on his airmen, but you could see that he cared for each and every one of them. He became my mentor. We talked often about my struggles, and about my career. I worked with him in the front office for eight months before learning that the commander was planning on discharging me. I fought this discharge for four more months before learning that there was nothing I could do. I separated on July 21, 2017. My world crumbled. I felt like I had lost all purpose and direction. How could this happen to me? Everyone that knew the details of my situation knew what was happening to me was completely unfair, but still I was left helpless. I was angry and bitter at the way my military career had come to an end. Everything I had worked so hard for amounted to nothing. I couldn't imagine waking up and not putting on my uniform as I had done everyday before. I struggled with depression, and began drinking. I couldn't go home and face my parents. I didn't want people that I grew up with prying into my life asking about what had happened. I stayed in Texas for five more months working at a bar. My life continued to become more and more chaotic the more that I drank and surrounded myself with people who were drinking. Then about six months after my discharge I ran into a sergeant that I had worked with in the front office. We sat down and talked for an hour about me and how I was doing. I explained everything to him, and what he had to say hit me. He told me that my life was just beginning. What was the point in staying stuck on the past. It was over and there was nothing I could do now to change it. I had the chance to experience it, but life had something else in store for me. I had so much potential if only I would get over myself. His words although harsh spoke a lot of truth. He made me realize that I couldn't control everything that happened, nor what people thought about me, and pushed me to go on with my life. I let go of all the pain and hurt I had been feeling, and instead focused my energy on my relationships. I moved back with my parents and started working on a new career. Life has its hills and valleys. I changed my focus from preventing problems in life to dealing with them in stride. This was by far the hardest lesson that I had to learn, but now I feel like I can conquer anything.
By Katie Berkenpas8 years ago in Serve
A Comedy of Errors in the British Army UOTC, Part 2. Top Story - November 2017.
So I had passed the UOTC’s selection process, which at the time I felt quite proud of. The next weekend we were shipped off to Cardiff to get our kit, have our medicals and…er….sit around and not do anything?
By Iain Baker8 years ago in Serve
A Comedy of Errors in the British Army UOTC: Part 1
Some elements of the British armed forces are considered elite fighting units in the eyes of many. The SAS, the SBS, The Royal Marine Commandos, The Paras and The Cheshire Regiment are all highly regarded and have earned their formidable reputation.
By Iain Baker8 years ago in Serve
Z Day Chronicles: Genesis (Pt. 6)
Commander David Miller led Jake, Dylan, and Cassandra to the Norfolk Naval Base, which has now been set up as a refugee camp. There were hundreds of survivors that had taken sanctuary there. Lines of blood soaked body bags laid outside of the gate. Only a handful of the remaining men, which consisted of different military branches as well as law enforcement, kept watch at the borders.
By Kameron Williams8 years ago in Serve
A Service of Love
Dating has always been a wonderfully complicated experience people experience in their lives. New relationships make your heart race with anticipation and wonder, and those of us who've experienced a long-term relationship learn to appreciate the little things we've gained from each other along the way. It goes without saying that no two relationships will ever be alike. So in light of Veteran's day, let me share my experience in a relationship with someone in the military.
By Lauren Gonzalez8 years ago in Serve
How to Survive Marine Corps Basic Training
If you thought that getting through the Marine Corps basic training was easy, then you're wrong. There are certainly things you may not know about the US Marine Corps. Anyway, the Marine Corps is among the toughest of the four branches of the United States Armed Forces. Which means that their training program is going to be tough, too. In order for these individuals to be part of the branch, they have to deal with strict regulations, hard work, and a lot of dedication if they want to be part of the Marines. And if you're planning on getting into it, don't arrive at training unprepared. Every single future Marine should be well prepared and motivated upon arrival.
By George Nekilan8 years ago in Serve
Best Military Training Movies to Watch Right Now
America has some of the most incredible soldiers the world has ever seen, and unlike what most war movies may suggest, soldiers aren't born excellent. They're trained to be excellent, and that training is absolutely grueling.
By Rowan Marley8 years ago in Serve
Must Read Books Written by Veterans
War isn't pretty. Odds are you know of someone in the military, or at least have had a relative in one of the many wars from our brutal past. Either way, it doesn't take an astrophysicist to know how utterly destructive war is to many various things, such as international relations, the human psyche, physical health, Earth itself, and much more. Whether or not there is a victor, and even if it is America that triumphs, there is no happy endings in any war, nor is there really a true winner. That's the myth of war, the fact that nothing but death comes with it.
By Donald Gray8 years ago in Serve
Why Celebrating Veteran's Day Is Important... Everyday
If you are like me, you have veterans in your family, you know someone who is currently serving, or you have youngsters in your life who have decided to enlist in the armed forces instead of going to college. I've been lucky enough to gain a stepdad who has taught me the importance of serving your country.
By Megan Roche8 years ago in Serve
