Many people believe veterans “knew what they signed up for.” The reality is far more complicated. Part one of this series explores the physical cost of military service and the misconceptions surrounding VA disability.
Tag: Army life
Prepping for the Knife
Facing an upcoming shoulder replacement, I reflect on my Army days, the scars—both physical and emotional—and the strange peace that comes with surviving. I may be a little battered, but I’m still here, still writing, and still grateful for the second (or third) chances.
Mirror Wars: Body Image and the Ghosts That Linger
From the schoolyard to the Army scale to bariatric surgery, body image has haunted me like a ghost. The mirror doesn’t always tell the truth—but neither do the voices that shaped it.