This is first post in this series explained what my inspiration was for writing my first novel while in Afghanistan. The I posted about learning How do you Write a Book?

But what happens when you start to second guess yourself?

The first week of December 2010 I had written over 27K words of my first manuscript and began to panic. Was I really going to do this? Could I really write a book? Who am I? I’m just some Soldier. I have no training on how to write a book. What if I’m just wasting my time? Maybe I should get some help? My mind began to spin as these self-doubting thoughts filled my brain.

Those that write know this already: all writers have self-doubt about their work. Yes, even the likes of Steven King, J.K. Rowling, Nelson DeMille, etc have faced … Read More »

Ask them to support the bill that recognizes military working dogs as members of the armed forces!

Currently working dogs are classified as equipment in the military.

Retired Military Working Dogs are stranded at their final duty station.
Military Working Dogs receive no medical benefits after retirement.
Military Working Dogs receive no recognition for their faithful service.

Let me tell you what this means from a Soldier’s perspective. Let’s take our hero Military Working Dog Anax who lost a leg fighting for his country? Specialist Marc Whittaker and Anax are currently stationed in Germany. Marc is adopting the retired military working dog. Transporting Anax back to the United States could cost Marc anywhere from $500-$1000. If you have ever been a specialist in the military as I have, you know Marc’s pockets aren’t lined with cash.

We in the Army are retiring our military … Read More »

“If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.”
-Unknown

Corporal Kory Wiens never got the chance to get married and have a family. He was tragically struck down by an enemy improvised explosive device (IED) in Iraq when his adult life was just getting started.

He was an American soldier, who raised his right hand and volunteered to fight for his country, knowing full well he would be heading to Iraq or Afghanistan.  Kory was willing to give his life in the defense of his country.  He never knew when he enlisted he would find a son.

His handsome yellow labrador retriever, Cooper, was more than a dog or an explosive finding weapon to Korey.  Cooper was a fellow soldier, a brother in arms, who Korey often referred to as his son.   Here is … Read More »

“BOOM! You and your dog just blew up, Sergeant. You both would be dead if this was Afghanistan and that was a real improvised explosive device,” declared the military working dog team evaluator.

Army Sergeant Noah Carpenter kicked at the dirt and shook his head in disbelief. He looked over at the 65 pound Belgian Malinois who was still digging at the explosive training aid. The dog had dirt and dust all over his paws and face. His tail was wagging with excitement. Noah looked at the other military working dog handlers who were shaking their heads at the two year old, squarely built dog. His temper flared.

The stress and pressure of certification can be overwhelming for a handler. Noah started to get light-headed as he stared down at the ground. He seethed with rage and embarrassment but … Read More »