Donald A. Ranard’s writing has appeared in The Atlantic, New World Writing Quarterly, The Washington Post, Gargoyle, Litro, The Best Travel Writing, 100 Word Story, and elsewhere. His one-act play about a wounded war veteran, ELBOW. APPLE. CARPET. SADDLE. BUBBLE., placed second in Veteran Repertory’s 2021 playwriting competition and was recently performed at Vet […]
In war, everyone loses. Participants sacrifice their lives, limbs and sanity; perpetrators their morality. ∼Joe Campolo Jr War is the unfortunate endeavor which mankind seems intent on carrying out on a never-ending basis. Maybe we’re just too damn good at it. And one of the most unfortunate aspects of that unfortunate […]
My long-time friend George Dooley has contributed another blog article for us. George and I both served in the US Air Force, and met through a mutual friend who I served with at March AFB, California back in the early 1970’s. George and his wife Diane currently live in North Western Washington […]
The patio attached to our condo has at least five bird houses. A few fancy ones, one I made with the help of my grandchildren, and an A frame bird house that’s been around the longest. And despite the availability of all the other fine dwellings, there’s a pitched battle for the A […]
My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give to another person, he believed in me. ∼ Jim Valvano Introduction I’m a member of an outdoor website called Lake-Link. Lake-Link features reports, articles, forums and advertisement for outdoor activities throughout the Midwest, although the majority of the activity is in […]
Raul Herrera is a U.S. Navy Vietnam War veteran. Raul served time on Swift Boats and has written an intriguing book about his experience. Raul has provided us some details about his book, which is available on Amazon and other on-line book sellers. *** CAPTURING SKUNK ALPHA ∼Raul Herrera […]
Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world. A veteran does not have that problem. –Ronald Reagan In January of 1971, I flew into Seattle, Washington after having served a one year tour of duty in Vietnam. It was […]
Las Vegas is the only place I know where money really talks. It says “Goodbye”. ∼Frank Sinatra I have an acquaintance who recently visited Las Vegas. He had an enjoyable time there and made out all right. His trip got me thinking about the many times I traveled […]
In this article guest writer Dave Wagenblatt recalls his arrival for duty in Vietnam, and his first few weeks there. Dave served in the United States Air Force in the later stages of the war, and though assigned to base supply, Dave was also tasked with various other duties at Phu Cat Airbase, […]
Cherish all your happy moments; they make a fine cushion for old age. ∼Booth Tarkington A Welcome Service For about five years I delivered meals to senior citizens and disabled people as part of the “Meals on Wheels” program in our town of Kenosha, Wisconsin. The program, administered by […]