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Author's note: The following is as accurate account as can be expected under the circumstances, as any reasonable reader can imagine. Names and dates are presented exactly as remembered. "Who the hell is 31?" It was either Day One, or Stardate 310762.2 of boot camp and my first Recruit Division Commander (RDC) Chief looked up from a sheet of paper, presumably a list of everyone who was supposed to be there. I raised my hand, and for the rest of time (or until Memorial Day wee

Image: “Cheshire Cat in the Tree Above Alice,” hand-colored proof by John Tenniel (1820–1914). 19th-century illustration. Public domain. Sourced via The Morgan Library & Museum: www.themorgan.org/prints/item/250313 In Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland , there’s a moment when Alice first meets the Cheshire Cat. Most people remember it for the line, “We’re all mad here.” But the beginning of that conversation has always held my attention a little more. It goes something like thi

I began kindergarten in a small church school that used the Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) program. In 1986, this meant working through PACEs—Packets of Accelerated Christian Education—while sitting in a cubicle facing the wall, my back to the center of the room. To get the attention of the supervising adults, we raised small flags: one American, one Christian. I don’t remember which meant what. Within a month, I was moved into the main classroom. My reading, writing,

Even offline, I’m still confronted by politically charged content—especially when it crosses into professional territory. I don’t share my political or religious views online. I prefer in-person conversations for those topics. That’s just me. But today, I want to comment on something politically adjacent—because it touches on professionalism, ethics, and training. A video has been circulating showing two retired Army veterans, in uniform, interrupting a Senate hearing to pro

Was I looking for travel? Longing for adventure? Hoping to continue a legacy? Nope. I joined the Navy because I was broke, divorced, living with my parents—and inching toward 30 with a résumé full of odd jobs and a master’s degree I couldn’t afford. This isn’t the beginning or the end. Just the part I feel like telling today.

It was a difficult decision, although I’m not entirely sure why. No—that’s not true. I completely know why I deactivated it. In short, it...

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” It’s a question asked of every child. I know it was asked of me—and I always had an answer....