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Reflections

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

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From Group Homes to Navy Barracks: How Foster Care Prepared Me for the Military

From Group Homes to Navy Barracks: How Foster Care Prepared Me for the Military

‘While most of my shipmates were learning to live without home-cooked meals and privacy, I was cruising through the chaos’

by Katrina Mastrolia November 5, 2026

Death Terrifies Me. So I Asked My Grandfather, a War Veteran, How He Faced It

Death Terrifies Me. So I Asked My Grandfather, a War Veteran, How He Faced It

by Amanda Harding October 29, 2026

Salaries, Food, and Sumo Wrestling Suits. What I Learned Paying the Bills for War

Salaries, Food, and Sumo Wrestling Suits. What I Learned Paying the Bills for War

by Larry Spencer October 22, 2026October 27, 2026

In Afghanistan, I Put the Mission Ahead of Everything — Even a Lump in My Breast

In Afghanistan, I Put the Mission Ahead of Everything — Even a Lump in My Breast

by Ellen Schimmels October 15, 2026October 15, 2026

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I Was a Homeless Woman Veteran. The Programs Meant to Help Weren’t Built for Survivors Like Me

I Was a Homeless Woman Veteran. The Programs Meant to Help Weren’t Built for Survivors Like Me

by Tashandra Poullard October 8, 2026October 8, 2026

A Military Man Straight Out of Central Casting. I Got to Know ‘Dadmiral’ in His Final Days

A Military Man Straight Out of Central Casting. I Got to Know ‘Dadmiral’ in His Final Days

by Susan Macke Miller October 1, 2026

War Taught Me to Read a Room. My PTSD Service Dog Does It Better

War Taught Me to Read a Room. My PTSD Service Dog Does It Better

by Robert Macpherson September 24, 2026

I Still Have Hundreds of Texts From the Fall of Kabul. They Remind Me of the Promises We Broke

I Still Have Hundreds of Texts From the Fall of Kabul. They Remind Me of the Promises We Broke

by Tamara Geyer September 17, 2026September 17, 2026

The Global War on Terrorism Is Over—Except for the Veterans Who Fought It

The Global War on Terrorism Is Over—Except for the Veterans Who Fought It

by Michael Pereira September 10, 2026September 10, 2026

Jungles, Woods, and Deserts: The Army Was a Passport to the Wilderness I Loved

Jungles, Woods, and Deserts: The Army Was a Passport to the Wilderness I Loved

by Bill Glose September 3, 2026

How to Be a Proper Military Wife: Dress Modestly, Smile, and Keep Opinions to Yourself

How to Be a Proper Military Wife: Dress Modestly, Smile, and Keep Opinions to Yourself

by Alexa LeCureux August 26, 2026August 26, 2026

I Typed Forms While Other Men Went to War. That Shame Shaped My Life

I Typed Forms While Other Men Went to War. That Shame Shaped My Life

by G.A. Thompson August 19, 2026

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

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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