Freedom Isn’t Free—And It Never Was

Silhouettes of people watching fireworks on Independence Day, honoring the cost of freedom

Imagine tomorrow, Americans gather in backyards and parks. Kids are running around with sparklers. The smell of barbecue fills the air. Flags wave proudly. Fireworks will light up the night sky. It’s the Fourth of July—and this country is celebrating. And we should celebrate.But let’s not forget what—and who—we’re celebrating. You see, I didn’t always … Read more

Summer Bucket List ≠ Just BBQ and Baseball

Family holding hands at sunset with checklist overlay of 8 summer goals

8 Intentional Ways to Strengthen Your Family This Summer When we think about summer, our minds often go straight to hot dogs on the grill, baseball games under the lights, and road trips with the windows down. And while those are all great—we need something deeper. What if your summer bucket list wasn’t just fun…but … Read more

What to Do When a Retired Soldier Passes Away: A Guide for Veteran Families

Veteran family reviewing Retired Soldier Casualty Assistance Checklist

When a Retired Soldier passes away, the grief is overwhelming—but what often hits families just as hard is not knowing what to do next. In my 26 years of service in the U.S. Army, I helped run countless Soldier Readiness Programs. We updated emergency contacts, SGLI forms, and trained leaders on casualty procedures. But I’ve … Read more

The Veteran’s Last Bivouac

Veteran funeral ceremony with honor guard

There’s a saying among old NCOs: “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” And when it comes to our final mission—the last bivouac—that hits harder than most of us want to admit. Whether you believe your last stop leads to glory, rest, or reunion with the saints, one thing is true—leaving your loved ones unprepared … Read more

A Reflection on Integrity, Faith, and Leadership

Kirby Ingles with integrity, reflecting on a decision to leave the Army after 26 years, symbolizing the transition from military service to faith-based leadership.

This Army veteran left after 26 years due to a profound shift in values and integrity within the institution. Disillusioned by leadership politics and a controversial vaccine mandate, he chose conscience over comfort. If you value integrity and steadfast principles, you’ll understand why stepping away was an act of true leadership.

A Monument of Legacy and Leadership: Liberty Memorial

While new monuments and memorials seem to spring up across the nation, others are torn down by the people; one place holds deep significance for me: the Liberty Memorial in Kansas City. Since 2012, I’ve visited it six times, and each visit has shaped how I think about leadership, legacy, and sacrifice—not just in a … Read more

Supporting Male Veterans Through Military Sexual Trauma

Male veteran finding support and healing from military sexual trauma through community and resources.

A Path to Healing Have you ever wondered what it takes to heal after unimaginable trauma? What support is available for male veterans who survived military sexual trauma (MST)? Today, people are talking about mental health and trauma. But the stories of male MST survivors remain in the shadows. Understanding Military Sexual Trauma Military Sexual … Read more

Complex Relationship Between Childhood Adversity and PTSD

A child in a dark, troubled environment transitions to an adult soldier in combat, culminating in a veteran struggling with PTSD, illustrating the link between childhood adversity and PTSD.

When we think about the experiences that shape a veteran’s life, our minds often go straight to the battlefield. We picture the harrowing scenes of combat, the split-second decisions between life and death, and the immense psychological toll that war can take. But what if the seeds of a veteran’s struggles were sown long before … Read more