A&M versus Auburn: The Selber - Key Civil War
Plus, the Weekly Wrap
Howdy,
We’re going to talk about sportsball, so if that’s not your thang, no worries, nobody is perfect.
This week, my beloved Texas A&M Aggies (8-2) plays the Auburn Tigers (4-6) at Jordan Hare Stadium. A&M — no jinx—can make it to the playoffs if they beat Auburn, tu, and win the SEC Championship game. I don’t think any of this is likely because our coach, Mike Elko, is in his first year, and we’re playing a very young QB. Nevertheless, Auburn is having a tough year, but they always play A&M very well.
During A&M vs. Auburn week, there’s usually some good-natured smack-talking between the Selber’s and my aunt’s family, the Key’s. My cousin, Taylor Key, is a diehard Auburn fan. We both suffer from a prevalent illness, pinning our hopes on the performance of 18-22-year-olds.
I don’t recommend it.
Taylor and I went to the last A&M vs. Auburn game at Auburn in 2022, and it was one of the worst football games ever played. In the third quarter, both teams combined for -25 yards of offense.
LOL.
This year’s game is still essential for both teams, but it is a little different. Taylor is a little under the weather, but he’s making great strides, and his tenacity and grit will help him fully recover.
Taylor is one of the best men I know. He’s kind, funny, and always takes care of his family. That’s as good as you can get in today’s world.
During my four and half years in Iraq and Afghanistan, Taylor was also one of the few people who wrote me religiously. Wherever I went, Taylor always reminded me that I was missed at home.
That was very important, as I often forgot what I was fighting for: the American people. Taylor always grounded me in those letters. He reminded me that my service was appreciated.
I still have all of his letters, and when I’m feeling down about the war, I’ll often read them again to remind myself that all is not lost. His kind words still uplift me. And I’m eternally grateful to have such a wonderful family on my side.
While I’ll be rooting hard for the Aggies, I’ll be happy for my cousin should we lose. Taylor Key is why I spent 4 1/2 years in Iraq and Afghanistan. That’s more important than a football game (I think).
He was worth it.
And that’s something I often forget.
Gig ‘Em
Podcasts
While we didn’t publish any podcasts, we have been busy with Shoulder to Shoulder’s second season and just cut the last episode of Voices of the Resistance for season 1. Here are some clips of future episodes.
Free Articles
had another great article in Whispers of Aqsa.Dad, if you’re reading this, I want you to ask yourself: Will joining the military make you happy? Because your happiness means so much to me, just like you always care about ours. I think it will make you happy, and I hope I’m right. But I’ll miss you so much during those training weeks that you say you will be away from us—even more than I’ll miss my teachers and classmates when we move from Arlington to where the military would want us to move!
I love you so much, Dad. You inspire me every day.
Her father, Colonel
, wrote passionately for this week's feature article.Joining the U.S. Air Force is not about restarting a career; it’s about
reclaiming purpose. As an Afghan Air Force pilot, I knew the fulfillment of
serving something larger than myself, just like Brent Taylor—evacuating
civilians under threat, supplying forces in remote areas, and contributing to
missions that mattered. That sense of mission shaped who I am, and it’s a
part of me I cannot let go.
We also had a great guest column this week focusing on Iran’s horrible treatment of Afghan refugees.
Iran’s oppressive government has never hesitated to commit any injustice against Afghan migrants. Throughout its history as a cruel neighboring country, Iran has always been thirsty for the blood of innocent and helpless Afghans. I consider the government of this country a shameful stain among the Islamic nations of the world.
For Paid Subscribers
We released our latest newsletter, The Wilderness, on Monday. The first article is free but will soon be behind a paywall.
Before we get into “rank punditry,” let’s get a few things straight. First, my opinions are my own. I’m not trying to convert you, I promise. I’m not of that tribe. Second, I have a long track record of backing losing candidates. The only candidate I backed the entire time and nearly got into the seat was John McCain. Third, I’m not a Democrat. I never have been, but I often vote for them. I’m that coveted swing voter everyone speaks of: the double-hater.
Other Publications
I wrote a little something, something over at
Long War Journal on General Yasin Zia’s Afghanistan Freedom Front.As the world focuses on Ukraine, Israel, and Chinese revanchism, the war against the Taliban is heating up. Resistance groups still do not pose an existential threat to the Taliban’s iron grip over Afghanistan but have increased the rate and lethality of attacks during the Taliban’s third year in power. While most of the press focuses on Ahmad Massoud’s National Resistance Front (NRF), General Yasin Zia’s Afghan Freedom Front (AFF) is taking on a more prominent role in the anti-Taliban resistance.
Support the anti-Taliban resistance!
Our Friends
Over on HUMINT, Sasha Ingber takes a look at some of Trump’s recent nominees.
First came the nomination of former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe to be CIA Director, a pick that many intel officers are fine with. Then came Tulsi Gabbard to oversee all intel agencies as the Director of National Intelligence, a selection that many officers are not fine with. The once Democratic Congresswoman has a military background but zero intelligence experience. Gabbard also flew to Syria to meet its dictator Bashar al-Assad and has been accused of taking Kremlin-aligned stances on national security matters. Some officers are nervous about who gets announced next.
As always,
had another great episode of The Afghanistan Project Podcast, this time with our good friend Jason Howk.
My brother,
, has started his own Substack, .As I prepare for the recruiter meeting, I think about what we can achieve when we refuse to let past achievements limit our future potential. It’s about inspiring others to see every challenge as an opportunity and every setback as a chance to start again.
Thank you for walking alongside me. Together, we’re proving that starting over isn’t just possible—it’s powerful.
2025
We’re gearing up for the new year and will be rolling out a bunch of new podcasts, groups, and newsletters. However, we’re interested in what you’d like to see more of on GCV+F. Please take the poll below and leave comments.
Football bonds 😍. Fond memories of those summertime trips from the MS Delta to Austin TX.
Taylor's always a stand up guy. The kind you want when things are tough. He quietly goes about his business of helping others and is a solid citizen. I love that you two spend time together still and that the rivalry continues with the Aggies vs the Tigers. Those bonds were forged from weeks in the summer when I would drop you off in my home state --deep in the heart of the Mississippi Delta --and Aunt Carol would take the reins. You'll were quite a bit of trouble and more than once she had to get her "Warden" face on. She and I still laugh about some of those "incidents".