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Reflections

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

Latest

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

In addition to stony cliffs and soaring trees, there were poisonous spiders, fire ants, and vampire bats

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

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In case you missed it

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

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

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