veterans’ service reflections Archives - Page 3 of 43

The Chivalry of Medieval Knights

While today's definition of chivalry places a moral emphasis on social virtues, the medieval sense of chivalry guided knights both in and out of combat, especially in their interactions with women. There was a good reason for orders of knights to introduce such a code of conduct: their heavily armored mounted troops needed to be reined in the unrestrained violence they inflicted on civilian populations. The Chivalry of Medieval Knights: Myths and Mercenaries In the modern day, we tend to...

Blind Descent: Surviving Alone and Blind on Mount Everest by Brian Dickinson

Global War on Terror, Military Book Reviews, Vietnam War

Brian Dickinson is a former U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer who specialized in combat search and rescue. His military experience is not the most difficult situation he's ever faced. For six years, he served as a rescue swimmer, but in his post-military career, he has climbed some of the most challenging mountains in the world, including Denali, Kilimanjaro, and even the Sentinel Range in Antarctica. In 2011, Dickinson climbed Mount Everest by himself, which was a difficult challenge in...

Elder Financial Abuse: How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

USAA Financial Advice For Veterans

Elder financial abuse is a growing concern that affects thousands of seniors each year. Scammers, caregivers, and even family members exploit older adults by stealing their money, pressuring them into financial decisions, or committing fraud. From government impersonation scams to coercive tactics by trusted individuals, recognizing the warning signs and understanding how to protect yourself or your loved ones is crucial. Learn about common scams, risk factors and practical steps to safeguard against financial exploitation on USAA.

‘Only Son’ Law and the Draft

Military Myths and Legends, World War II

This military urban legend is only as old as World War II, and probably because out of so many Americans registered for the war, a relatively small number were actually drafted for the war. It makes sense that more than a handful might not understand why they weren't called up to serve or what the rules for being called up or passed over might be. Only Son Being Exempt from the Draft When the war ended, a number of myths and legends began to circulate. Stories about things that happened...

VA Guidance: Answer to Five FAQs from Veterans

VA Guidance Articles

In the weeks just before Veterans Day, I talked to several companies' Veteran groups about their benefits. Across the groups, I noticed five common questions. I am sharing these, with answers, below. Question 1 – I am not happy with the results of my claim for disability compensation. What can I do? The short answer is: Appeal the decision. I described this process in detail in this article. When I asked each Veteran who posed this question, I learned that they filed the claim without help....

Colder Than Hell by Joseph Owen

Korean War, Military Book Reviews

Joe Owen enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943. He deployed shortly afterward with a forward observer squad during World War II. If you talked to the man, however, you would quickly learn it was the Korean War that defined his service to the country. In 1997, he would literally write a book about his experiences in Korea, an experience that culminated with the infamous Battle of the Chosin Reservoir. By the time North Korean tanks rolled into South Korea in June 1950, Owen was a...

Korean War – The Chosin Reservoir

Battlefield Chronicles, Korean War

Few battles loom as large in modern Marine Corps history, like the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. A massive, combined force of U.S. Marines and U.S. Army soldiers, along with troops from Britain and South Korea, suddenly found themselves surrounded, outnumbered by around four-to-one and forced to fight their way out while enduring subzero temperatures and often knee-deep in snow. The "Frozen Chosin" and Strategic Consequences The "Frozen Chosin" may not get a specific mention in the...

Adm. David G. Farragut, U.S. Navy (1810-1870)

Civil War, Profiles in Courage

We've all heard the phrase, "damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead" at some point in our lives. We may have even used it ourselves. But do we know what it actually means, aside from being a really cool thing to say right before you do something insane, irrational, or both? If you're a fan of U.S. Navy history, you might know it was the command barked by David Farragut during the Civil War Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864. The Legacy of Adm. David G. Farragut Badass orders weren't the only legacy...

A1C Stevin John (Blippi), U.S. Air Force (2006-2008)

Celebrities Who Served, Global War on Terror

Blippi, a beloved children's entertainer known for his vibrant personality and educational content, may not be the first person that comes to mind when thinking about military service. However, before captivating young minds with his joyful videos, Blippi served in the Air Force as a loadmaster. Blippi: Real Name and Early Life Blippi, whose real name is Stevin John, is also known by other names, including Stephen Grossman (his birth name) and Steezy Grossman (a pseudonym he used earlier...

LCDR Montel Williams, US Navy and USMC (1974-1986)

Celebrities Who Served, Cold War

Montel Williams is best known as the Emmy Award-winning host of The Montel Williams Show, which aired nationally for seventeen years. Montel Brian Anthony Williams, known to most as simply “Montel,” is also an actor and motivational speaker. But did you know that Montel Williams served in the military? His decorated military service spanned 22 years in two branches of the service—the United States Marines and the United States Navy. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1974 and later became the...

Cpl Charles Dennis Buchinsky (Bronson), U.S. Army Air Force (1943-1946)

Celebrities Who Served, World War II

Charles Dennis Buchinsky (or Bronson) who served in the US Army Air Force between 1943 and 1945, went on to be one of Hollywood’s pre-eminent tough guys, the face of the Death Wish film franchise. However, his time as the silver screen’s top draw was preceded by a very humble childhood. Enlisting in the United States Army during World War II, Bronson’s service would lay the foundation for a remarkable career in Hollywood, where he would go on to captivate audiences with his unique charisma and...

LCpl Adam Douglas Driver, U.S. Marine Corps (2001-2004)

Celebrities Who Served, Global War on Terror

Adam Driver is an accomplished actor with two Academy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and four Primetime Emmy Awards, among other accolades. But did you know that before he became the face of Kylo Ren in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Driver served in the US Marine Corps? Inspired to join USMC shortly after the tragic events of 9/11, Adam Driver was preparing for active duty in Iraq, when he suffered an injury in a bicycle accident that prevented his deployment. Although his service in the...

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The Chivalry of Medieval Knights

Blind Descent: Surviving Alone and Blind on Mount Everest by Brian Dickinson

Elder Financial Abuse: How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

‘Only Son’ Law and the Draft

VA Guidance: Answer to Five FAQs from Veterans

Colder Than Hell by Joseph Owen

Korean War – The Chosin Reservoir

Adm. David G. Farragut, U.S. Navy (1810-1870)

A1C Stevin John (Blippi), U.S. Air Force (2006-2008)

LCDR Montel Williams, US Navy and USMC (1974-1986)

Cpl Charles Dennis Buchinsky (Bronson), U.S. Army Air Force (1943-1946)

LCpl Adam Douglas Driver, U.S. Marine Corps (2001-2004)

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