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His photograph stands framed on the nightstand next to my bed.  It’s a 1917 portrait of my grandfather in his World War I doughboy uniform.  He strikes an impressive [...]

I feel the rush like everyone else when the singer belts out the “Star Spangled Banner” before the beginning of each Chicago Blackhawks hockey game.  My heart races when [...]

Recent tension between the US and Iran have renewed debate about the need for a military draft in the event of an escalation of hostilities between the two nations.  [...]

I believe God is on the sidelines in war not choosing sides, not favoring one nation over another.  God isn’t sitting on the Christian side and opposing the Muslim [...]

On January 10, 2020, Bishop Thomas Gumbleton, the former bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Detroit, issued a call to Catholics to end their complicity in war.  Following [...]

At parades and on the street of my little town, people notice my Vietnam Veteran cap and feel compelled to thank me for my service.  I’m beginning to resent [...]

Churchly spire In the midst of war, A weekly respite of Comfort and familiarity. Tiny organ Pumping chords of Cherished melodies And boyhood memories. Images of war Cast aside [...]

I volunteered to join an advisory board that oversaw a federal grant for mental health services for veterans and families. The work was tedious and at arms-length from the [...]