Words of Service: A Veterans Day Reflection

Camp Hovey, South Korea - 2009.

Today is a day to pause and remember the courage, sacrifice, and strength of every person who has served — and the families who quietly serve alongside them.

As a veteran, this day always carries deep meaning for me. Service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off; it becomes part of how you see the world, how you show up for others, and how you tell your story.

My writing — especially my poetry — often reflects that journey: the resilience built through hardship, the hope that lingers even after loss, and the quiet power of starting again.

FOB Diamondback, Mosul, Iraq - 2011.

💛 To every veteran and loved one: thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your light.