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Reflections

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

Latest

The Marines Created a Warrior. But I Forgot How to Be a Woman

The Marines Created a Warrior. But I Forgot How to Be a Woman

‘The Marine Corps gave me things I wouldn’t trade. Discipline. Toughness…But it also asked me to get smaller, to take up less space’

by Shayla Sullivan August 12, 2026August 12, 2026

Everybody Wanted to Visit the Wounded Soldier. I Wanted to Be Left Alone

Everybody Wanted to Visit the Wounded Soldier. I Wanted to Be Left Alone

by Justin Watson August 5, 2026August 5, 2026

My Little Sister Is Deployed in the Middle East. Her Base Was Hit

My Little Sister Is Deployed in the Middle East. Her Base Was Hit

by Karen Marks July 29, 2026

Military Spouse Life Prepared Me for Almost Anything. Then Came Retirement

Military Spouse Life Prepared Me for Almost Anything. Then Came Retirement

by Tina G. Williams July 22, 2026

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Every Ambush in Vietnam Held Surprises. This One Ended in Death

Every Ambush in Vietnam Held Surprises. This One Ended in Death

by Stanley Ross July 15, 2026

My Father Was a Decorated Black Soldier With a Secret: Me

My Father Was a Decorated Black Soldier With a Secret: Me

by S. Renée Phillips July 8, 2026

I Watched an Execution. Was She a Viet Cong Spy—or Just Fighting for Her Country?

I Watched an Execution. Was She a Viet Cong Spy—or Just Fighting for Her Country?

by Dennis White July 1, 2026July 1, 2026

I Once Made My VA Therapist Cry. Then an AI Chatbot Got Me Talking About War and Guilt

I Once Made My VA Therapist Cry. Then an AI Chatbot Got Me Talking About War and Guilt

by Casey Elliott June 24, 2026

A Marine Walked Into Rehab Like He Owned the Place, But Learned You Can’t BS a Horse

A Marine Walked Into Rehab Like He Owned the Place, But Learned You Can’t BS a Horse

by Nathan Fletcher June 17, 2026June 17, 2026

The Vietnam War Killed My Father Decades After His Tour. Am I a Middle-Aged Gold Star Child?

The Vietnam War Killed My Father Decades After His Tour. Am I a Middle-Aged Gold Star Child?

by Karen Hartman June 10, 2026

Yes, I Served in Iraq. But What if People Mistake Me for a Hero?

Yes, I Served in Iraq. But What if People Mistake Me for a Hero?

by Sarah Barbo June 3, 2026June 3, 2026

My Grandpa Was Killed in World War II. I Met Him Through His Letters Home

My Grandpa Was Killed in World War II. I Met Him Through His Letters Home

by Gina Wolf May 27, 2026May 27, 2026

The Worst Job in the Marines: Telling Parents Their Child Was Dead. It Was Also an Honor

The Worst Job in the Marines: Telling Parents Their Child Was Dead. It Was Also an Honor

by Christopher Murphy May 20, 2026May 21, 2026

Military Suicide Prevention Training Did Not Prepare Me for the Deaths of My Friends

Military Suicide Prevention Training Did Not Prepare Me for the Deaths of My Friends

by Samuel Caleb Sturm May 13, 2026May 13, 2026

I Love My Air Force Husband. My Feelings About the Government He Serves Are More Complicated

I Love My Air Force Husband. My Feelings About the Government He Serves Are More Complicated

by Alexa LeCureux May 6, 2026August 7, 2026

A Combat Infantryman Stood In the Gap. Made the Calculation. Pulled the Trigger. But At What Cost?

A Combat Infantryman Stood In the Gap. Made the Calculation. Pulled the Trigger. But At What Cost?

by Jarrod Toothman April 29, 2026April 29, 2026

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