As VA considers how it can meet changing medical needs of veterans, I hope it also recognizes it has the opportunity to transform the nation’s health care.
Nate Eckman
Nate Eckman is the author of After Thought. Before writing, Nate served as a Marine infantryman with Third Battalion, Second Marine Regiment from 2011-2015. During his service, he toured on the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit and deployed to Southeast Asia. He now lives in Austin, Texas and writes speculative fiction at Speculatively.
Posted inReflections
A Fake Raid, A Fake Village, and a Sinking Track
“We’re piled on top of each other at 15, sometimes 20 at a time, in a vehicle built for 12.” A Marine reflects on a narrow escape at sea.
Posted inReflections
Military Suicide a Different Kind of Plague
After two men from the same unit killed themselves, maddening questions about life take their place for those who remain.
Posted inReflections
Putting Down Our Guns and Ammo for a Tray of Hummus
Nathan and his unit traveled to Oman in 2013 to train with its military. Quickly, training evolved into an experience the Corps had not prepared them for.
Posted inReflections
Recall and Regress, Battling to Redefine Identity When Military Service Ends
Nathan Eckman wonders what a recall to service would mean for the life he’s built since exiting active duty, and if he’d answer that call.
Posted inReflections
A Military Family’s Love Thrives or Dies Thanks to the Marine Corps
Nathan Eckman wrote off the idea of having a relationship while he was in the Marine Corps. When he met Emily, the Corps helped forge their relationship.
Posted inReflections
One Marine’s Struggle to Find Purpose After Military Service
Nearly two years after separating from the Marine Corps, Nathan Eckman struggles to define “service” and understand how to serve as a civilian.
Posted inReflections
Some Journeys Home From War End With a Bullet
William Gehrung was a veteran who’d written for The War Horse. In late August 2017, he killed himself. Fellow War Horse writer Nate Eckman remembers his friend.
Posted inReflections
Fate In What I Cannot Fear
Nate Eckman believed he remembered the events of 9/11 correctly. He was wrong. A teacher from his past helped him realize the flaws in his own memories.
Posted inReflections
Becoming A Veteran Without War
How do some veterans feel about killing? Do they want to kill? Nathan Eckman shares his story on what it means to be a veteran without the experiences of combat.
