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Reflections

Vivid, intimate storytelling by service members and military-connected civilians that provides the emotional context for our reporting.

Latest

Desperate for Help, a Marine Battles Phone Trees, Hold Music, and Indifference

Desperate for Help, a Marine Battles Phone Trees, Hold Music, and Indifference

The system is callous. Not maliciously. It just happens. Checkbox by checkbox. Door by door. Doctor by doctor.

by Evan Slusser February 25, 2026

I Thought Removing Confederate Names Meant Black Soldiers’ Legacy Mattered. Then, the Names Were Restored

I Thought Removing Confederate Names Meant Black Soldiers’ Legacy Mattered. Then, the Names Were Restored

by Jack Lowe February 18, 2026

He Hunted Roadside Bombs in Iraq. Now He Hunts Adventure to Combat PTSD

He Hunted Roadside Bombs in Iraq. Now He Hunts Adventure to Combat PTSD

by Casey Elliott February 11, 2026

I Decided Not To Go On a Patrol in Iraq. An IED Killed My Friends

I Decided Not To Go On a Patrol in Iraq. An IED Killed My Friends

by J. Michael Comstock February 4, 2026

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In case you missed it

A Marine Father, an Air Force Son, and the Distance Between Them

A Marine Father, an Air Force Son, and the Distance Between Them

by Michael Hyon Johnson January 28, 2026February 10, 2026

I Carried Death’s Shroud With Me From Afghanistan. But I Do Not Fear It

I Carried Death’s Shroud With Me From Afghanistan. But I Do Not Fear It

by Cindy Seipert January 21, 2026January 21, 2026

After 30 Years in the Military, an Army Colonel Asks: Who Am I Without the Uniform?

After 30 Years in the Military, an Army Colonel Asks: Who Am I Without the Uniform?

by Alan M. Evans January 14, 2026

Curing Insomnia with Magic: How One Veteran Finally Got a Good Night’s Sleep

Curing Insomnia with Magic: How One Veteran Finally Got a Good Night’s Sleep

by Eric Hook January 7, 2026January 12, 2026

A Look Back At Some of Our Favorite Reflections of 2025

A Look Back At Some of Our Favorite Reflections of 2025

by The War Horse Staff December 22, 2025January 14, 2026

We Pined for the Comforts of Home. We Got Tube Socks and Old Candy for Christmas Instead

We Pined for the Comforts of Home. We Got Tube Socks and Old Candy for Christmas Instead

by Zach West December 17, 2025

I Left the Military and Tried to Heal, But I Was Unraveling. This Helped Me Reset

I Left the Military and Tried to Heal, But I Was Unraveling. This Helped Me Reset

by Samantha Juan December 10, 2025January 21, 2026

A Marine Fights a New War. This Time With Her Own Body

A Marine Fights a New War. This Time With Her Own Body

by Tamara Geyer December 3, 2025February 10, 2026

The Army Had a Crazy Thanksgiving Plan. I Had a Chainsaw

The Army Had a Crazy Thanksgiving Plan. I Had a Chainsaw

by Matt Stone November 26, 2025January 21, 2026

Air Force Veteran Didn’t Need Permission to Drink—or Find New Path to Sobriety

Air Force Veteran Didn’t Need Permission to Drink—or Find New Path to Sobriety

by Heather King November 19, 2025January 21, 2026

‘I Won’t Shed Any Tears the Day I Leave.’ Letters Home From Marine Officer Candidates School

‘I Won’t Shed Any Tears the Day I Leave.’ Letters Home From Marine Officer Candidates School

by David Nelson November 12, 2025

I Wanted Peace, Freedom, and to Vote in Vietnam. The Air Force Was Not Amused

I Wanted Peace, Freedom, and to Vote in Vietnam. The Air Force Was Not Amused

by Ed Meagher November 5, 2025

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