On Creating
Enjoying Life Again
Howdy,
I’m digging all this writing, pontificating, and podcasting. It’s like waking up in the morning and just breathing air for me. After 20 years of being hemmed in by Civ-Mil principles (which many didn’t follow), I feel great just waking up and doing what I love.
My BFF4EVA, Kate, and I published our first episode of Shoulder to Shoulder: Untold Stories From a Forgotten War. You can find it on YouTube, Substack, Apple Podcast, and Spotify. I also had some thoughts on Iran’s attack on Morning Shots this morning.
You can also watch our show right here:
I must admit it is a minor miracle that I could handle some of the technological hoop jumping that this required. I’m something of a Luddite, so I’m thrilled that this process is idiot-proof (that would be me).
I mused on Facebook recently that I’m not nearly as effective without my NCO/SNCOs/and Commander’s Support Staff. I had advice on tap and people who helped me make decisions. I had a great team that supported me so that I could take care of the formation.
I do miss them. However, learning to create again after a lifetime spent destroying things (especially the enemy) is refreshing.
I don’t know where this is going, but I’m excited to be doing it. I’m working on another Podcast, tentatively titled “Stories From My Brothers: Tales From the Afghan Security Forces.” More to follow.
Again, thank you for supporting this Substack and our podcast(s).
Our aim is to create a space for people to talk about war. For far too long, this civil-military gap has prevented this country from having frank conversations. For the last twenty years, the All-Volunteer Force has prevented civilians from having “skin in the game.”
Since the All-Volunteer Force is likely here to stay, we need to bridge this gap so we as a country can make wise decisions about the wars fought in our names.
We hope to help you in that endeavor.
G*d bless every one of you for reading/listening.
Until Next Time
I was born in a military hospital, and I grew up thinking health care was just something you got rather than something you had to turn yourself into a pretzel to obtain. My dad spent 20 years as a military musician, so we were not exactly the pointed end of the spear. But I also grew up with an absolute fascination with WWII and American history, both of which involved massive amounts of military effort upon which turned the fates of millions. The military is serious business, and it needs to be almost always at the top of our minds.
This is what I call perfect timing! I know pretty much nothing about our military. While I have always held gratitude and respect for those who have served and who are currently serving, I always told my kids (since they were babies, seriously) that they should not (could not) join the military. Mostly, I would say this because the thought of them being killed is too much to bear. Also, my attitude comes from a fear of the military and disagreeing with much of the politics that seem to drive our country into military action. As of late, after my husband's nephew joined the Marine Reserves, I decided to face these fears and beliefs head-on. That's when I found a podcast with Will and a guy from the Bulwark talking about Afghanistan. I decided to follow you, Will, to legitimately learn and create more understanding. Like I said, perfect timing. As a side note (and of no less importance), Kate is beautiful, and I love her hair! 😍 Now, I'm off to watch the rest of the podcast past the podcast's introduction to the podcast. Thank you! ♥️