If you have ever served in the military, you probably have many stories to tell about the people you met and the things you experienced. Military stories make some of the most memorable and inspiring narratives. Take a look at AFBA's top five military novels that epitomize what it means to be a soldier and most accurately recount war.
1. 'Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10'
This nonfiction story follows Operation Redwing leader Marcus Luttrell and his unit. This elite team was tasked with taking down a known al-Qaeda leader on the Pakistani border in 2005. By the end of their mission, only Luttrell remained alive. Operation Redwing saw the largest loss of Navy SEAL life in history, but it also recounts Luttrell's unrelenting will to live as he crawled, wounded and alone, 7 miles through enemy territory in the Pakistani mountains. This amazing story follows the leader's account of his survival and recovery, and it is a must-read for anyone who has ever known the loss of a unit member.
2. 'All Quiet on the Western Front'
Erich Maria Remarque's classic 1928 novel has often been referred to as the greatest war novel of all time. Remarque tells the story of Paul Bäumer, a young man who follows his friends into enlistment with the German army. Bäumer quickly becomes disenchanted with the war and rejects the senseless hatred that drives men into battle. The young soldier witnesses many horrors and makes a vow to combat the prejudices that turn men against one another if he can survive the war.
3. 'Band of Brothers: E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne from Normandy to Hitler's Eagle's Nest'
This novel follows the U.S. Army's 506th Airborne Division. The real men who fought in this unit were notorious for getting some of World War II's toughest assignments. Stephen Ambrose's nonfiction novel recounts their mission to parachute into Berchtesgaden in France on the morning of D-Day to the capture of Hitler's Eagle's Nest. This mission resulted in a 150 percent fatality rate. The novel demonstrates the unfailing courage of the American soldier to complete assigned missions and the brotherhood that is forged along the way.
4. 'The Killer Angels'
Michael Shaara's historical fiction is one of the most interesting accounts ever written about the Battle of Gettysburg. The novel gives unique insight into the thoughts and emotions commanders from each side may have experienced. More than that, it defines what the American Civil War was all about. More than brother vs. brother, the war pitted two different ideologies against each other. Starving, exhausted men fought with everything they had left to preserve the country they believed in. Shaara's dramatic recount captures all of this in an unforgettable way.
5. 'Black Hawk Down'
Set in Somalia in October 1993, Mark Bowden's nonfiction novel tells the story of the 100 Americans who were airdropped into a Mogadishu marketplace. Their mission to capture two lieutenants to a major Somalian warlord was supposed to be a quick one. Instead, it became one of the toughest missions in American history. The Americans had to spend an entire night fending off thousands of armed Somalians. The novel documents their bravery in the face of adversity, and it demonstrated the strength it takes to survive in the face of certain doom.
There are many novels that convey the bravery of soldiers and equally as many that tell of the strength it takes to overcome the horrors of war. However, the five novels outlined above stand out from the rest. They take the reader on a journey through the lives of soldiers and show what it takes to be a hero.
The Monmouth County 200 Club, an organization dedicated to providing financial assistance to the children of full-time first responders, awarded the 2015 recipients on Aug. 6. The club hosted the event that has become known as "the Scholarship Social" at Bar Anticipation in Lake Como, New Jersey. This year, the 200 Club raised over $100,000 that children of first responders can use for books, living or tuition in college.
"I think it means so much to the recipients and their families when this type of an award goes to the children of first responders," Claire French, former Monmouth County Clerk, told NewJersey.com. "It also means a lot to the community, because our first responders are there for all of us."
Over 320 people attended the event, and French said that the group of individuals who received this year's scholarships were some of the most talented and goal-oriented in the award's history. The Monmouth 200 Club has been participating in the scholarship event for four years, but the national chapter has been involved for much longer. Since 1985, when the club began the event, it has provided over $2 million in scholarships to the children of local police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and other first responders.
Firefighters in Midwest City, Oklahoma, recently installed fire alarms for the hearing impaired in about 25 homes across the region. The fire alarms, specifically designed to alert individuals with hearing impairments, were part of a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. One of the recipients of these life-saving devices was 10-year-old Jazmin Williams. Jazmin's hearing and vision are impaired because of a rare genetic disorder she was born with. When she was 5, there was a fire in her family's home and she did not hear the alarm. Luckily, Jazmin's family was able to get her out of the house without any injury, but the experience left her with a fear of fire.
What makes the special smoke detectors different from regular ones is that they flash a strobe light and vibrate when smoke is detected. This way, people like Jazmin will be alerted to danger even if they cannot hear the alarm.
"So now when I know that I have a fire, I know that I'm going to be safe," Jazmin told KFOR News.
Jazmin also said that the firefighters who were working to install these devices in the homes of the hearing impaired were her heroes.
When Category 5 Hurricane Katrina tore through the Gulf in August 2005, many people were in need of assistance. First responders in the area bravely answered the calls for help, sometimes risking their own lives in the treacherous weather and unstable environments. Ten years later, a group of dental students from Louisiana State University got together to show their appreciation for their service.
On Aug. 9, 150 LSU dental students woke up early to begin cooking a large batch of jambalaya, a Louisiana favorite. Not only did the students intend to feed local first responders, but they also made thank you cards and baggies of dental supplies. As training health care providers, they understand the call to serve the community and wanted to make sure the first responders who risked their lives during the hurricane understood their gratitude.
LSU Health Dean Henry Gremillion told WWL News, "We certainly appreciate everything that the first responders and all the service related people in New Orleans have done to facilitate coming back so strong for this last decade. We want to give back to them and say thank you."
The students packed a total of 250 meals for 12 police and fire stations around New Orleans.
Since 2014, the American College of Financial Services, the nation's largest nonprofit educational institution devoted to financial services, has honored an individual with the Soldier-Citizen Award. This award is meant to decorate an honorable person who served in the military, is successful in the financial services industry and demonstrated selflessness in giving back to his or her community. This year's honoree is four-star Gen. Ralph E. "Ed" Eberhart, formerly with the United States Air Force.
After graduating from the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Gen. Eberhart spent 36 years as a Commander, U.S. Northern Command and Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. During this time, he logged over 5,000 hours of command flight time. In retirement, Gen. Eberhart continued to serve his country by accepting the position of president and chairman of The Armed Forces Benefit Association in 2009.
Gen. Eberhart is also the chairman of 5-Star Bank and 5-Star Life Insurance Company, and he serves on the board of several organizations, such as TERMA, Jacobs Engineering, Rockwell Collins, Triumph Group, VSE and Segs4Vets. Not only does the general give his time to those companies, but he is currently a trustee for the Falcon Foundation and a director on the board of the USAFA Endowment. At one time, Gen. Eberhart served his alma mater as a member of the U.S. Air Force Academy Association of Graduates Board of Directors.
"General Eberhart followed his illustrious military career with a spectacular career in the financial services industry," said Ted Digges, the executive director of The American College Penn Mutual Center for Veterans Affairs and chair of the selection committee. "We are proud to honor such an individual with this award."
The award ceremony will take place on Aug. 20, 2015, at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
Military servicemembers and first responders have some of the most dangerous jobs in the world. Not only that, but they are more likely to experience a traumatic event than people in other careers. As a result, individuals who serve in the military and work as firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians and other first responders have a high probability of developing post-traumatic stress disorder, a mental health condition that can greatly affect the quality of an individual's life. AFBA has compiled a list of seven programs designed to help servicemembers, veterans and first responders heal their PTSD.
1. Starlight Military Program
The Stonington Institute launched this program after World War II. The Starlight Military Program specializes in unique treatment for active duty servicemembers and veterans. It offers cognitive therapy and substance abuse programs.
2. Paws for Veterans
One issue many veterans face while dealing with PTSD is the feeling of isolation. Paws for Veterans works to eliminate these feelings by pairing returned servicemembers with a trained dog in need of adoption. The dogs are trained to have a variety of special skills, including therapy and guide dog behaviors.
3. The Station House Retreat
The program was specifically designed by first responders to assist other first responders with their PTSD recovery. Firefighters, police officers, paramedics and other first responders can come to The Station House Retreat to participate in therapy sessions, exercise programs, meditation and medication management classes all designed to treat PTSD.
4. Homecoming for Veterans
The EEG Institute developed this program to better understand the effects of PTSD on the brain. Homecoming for Veterans provides free neurofeedback and PTSD treatment for former military servicemembers. Not only is this program providing care for veterans, but it is working to better understand the neurological damage they experience in order to improve treatment.
5. Omega Veterans Trauma and Resilience Program
This program was created by health care professionals to help veterans heal from PTSD and other problems that may arise because of the trauma they experienced. Omega offers a variety of seminars and therapy sessions.
6. Princeton House First Responder Program
This inpatient program is designed to provide first responders with whole-body healing methods. It focuses on mental health therapy. The Princeton House First Responder Program teaches first responders who are experiencing PTSD to rediscover the mind-body-spirit connection through fitness, counseling and medication management.
7. Meghan's Foundation
The program was developed with the purpose of providing alternative healing to veterans dealing with PTSD. Meghan's Foundation offers veterans a chance to heal through yoga and meditation as opposed to doctors and medication. The foundation is designed to teach veterans to self-heal and rely on their inner strengths.
PTSD can be a life-altering condition, and many veterans and first responders will be faced with overcoming the challenges of this disorder. Fortunately, there are a number of programs created specifically for individuals in these careers. These programs offer healing, counseling, support and guidance as those coping with PTSD navigate toward healing. The VA also offers a regional-specific list of PTSD help.
Firefighters, police officers, paramedics and other first responders all have careers where success comes from a team effort. These fields are dependent on the ability of the group to work well together. Luckily, there are a variety of teambuilding activities your station can complete to increase your unit performance.
Mine field
This group activity is perfect for improving group communication. The idea is to set up a starting line and a finish line. Then, place various obstacles around an open space. Take turns blindfolding an individual member of the squad. The other members must successfully guide the blindfolded person to the finish line through the debris using only verbal directions.
All aboard
Challenge your squad to this game and you could see major improvements in inter-group patience and problem solving. The rules are simple. Start with a large defined space, usually a sheet. All members of your team must fit into the space. Once this is successfully completed, make the defined space smaller. Continue shrinking the size of the space until your team can no longer find a way to fit into the space.
Group mandala
This exercise is a great way to explore group dynamics and examine structural hierarchy. Begin by having each participant choose an object that represents himself or herself. The group then forms a circle and throws their objects like dice. When all the objects have settled, each person must tell the group how they feel about the position of their specific object and its relation to the others' items. Go through several rounds in which members can adjust their items until everyone is satisfied with his or her object's position. Discuss why the end result made everyone most comfortable.
Winner/loser
As first responders, there are many tough days on the job. This activity can not only help your squad learn to communicate, but it can also teach them to counsel others. Have your team pair up. One member of each pair will begin by telling the other of a bad experience or tough memory. At the end of the story, the partner who was listening must retell the same story using only the positive takeaways.
Toxic waste
First responders must be able to complete tasks as a team. This activity is excellent for coaching a squad to work together toward a successful result. To play, set up a circle at the center of a room. This will represent the "toxic waste radiation zone." In the middle of the circle, place a container filled with water or bouncy balls to symbolize the "toxic waste." Outside the circle, there should be a larger bucket that will act as the "neutralization container." Have an array of bungee cords and ropes outside the circle as well. The group must figure out how to get the toxic waste into the neutralization container without setting foot in the toxic waste radiation zone. This activity can be timed if you would like.
Being a first responder means working well in a team setting. Communication, problem solving and understanding of group dynamics are crucial to a squad's success. The activities above are specifically designed to help improve these areas.
Saint Louis University recently approved reduced tuition cost for firefighters, police officers and other first responders looking to continue their education. This lowered rate will take effect on Aug. 17, the start of the Fall 2015 term. The cost per credit hour will now be $400 for first responders who enroll in the university's School of Professional Studies. The university made the decision to offer the same lowered rate to veterans and active duty military personnel last school year and decided it was time to extend the program to first responders.
The university's president, Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., told PR Web, "At Saint Louis University, we recognize that first responders continuously go above and beyond in their day-to-day lives, and we are proud to recognize their service to our community as part of the Jesuit mission."
Both current and new students are allowed to apply for this program, giving them access to the many courses offered by SLU. More than 20 of those courses in the School of Professional Studies programs are online and designed with busy lifestyles in mind. This makes it perfect for first responders, who often have hectic schedules.
When people think of the Army, they don't usually think of their favorite food. However, the military is responsible for creating some of America's tastiest treats. Take a look at which foods are products of the U.S. military.
1. Supermarket bread
Out of necessity, the military created bread that lasts much longer than it used to. Regular bread goes stale and grows mold much faster than supermarket bread. This is because the bread you buy at the store is treated with starch-eating bacterial enzymes. These enzymes keep the bread soft and safe to eat longer.
2. Cheetos
During World War II, the military needed a way to reduce the volume and weight of its food shipments without losing the caloric intake of its soldiers. As a result, they created a full-fat dehydrated cheese product. When the war ended, the manufacturers responsible for the production of this food decided to add it to crunchy corn snacks, and the Cheeto was born.
3. TV dinners
While we mostly enjoy these convenient meals in front of the television or computer screen now, they were originally intended to feed bomber crews during World War II. These crews often had to take long overnight flights to get to their mission point, so the military found a way to freeze the basic parts of a meal such as meat, vegetables and starches in a tray for later heating.
4. Energy bars
For centuries, the military struggled with convenient, portable ways to keep its soldiers fed and alert. Luckily, in 1940, the Hershey corporation invented a melt-resistant chocolate bar for World War II soldiers. The Hershey invention was later freeze-dried and sent to space with the first astronauts, but it still had not reached its full potential. Not until Natick Soldier Systems Center took control in the mid-1960s did the modern energy bar take shape. While most energy bars today are dessert flavored, Natick's initial product was hamburger flavored.
5. The McRib
The military cannot really take credit for inventing the McRib, but the sandwich would not exist without military technology. In 1976, the Natick Soldier Systems Center innovated military rations once more. They needed a way to reduce the amount of money spent on meat, so they restructured cheaper cuts to look like tasty expensive ones. A few years later, fast food powerhouse McDonald's borrowed the process to create the seasonal meal we know today.
Maybe you didn't think of the military as an inventor of food before, but maybe now you do. Many of America's favorite foods are the direct result of military supply and demand.
Every so often a story comes along that reminds us that police officers and first responders are good guys with service-oriented hearts. Brian McGraw, a 34-year-old Port Authority police officer, is one of those good guys. In the early hours of the morning of Aug. 4, Officer McGraw was going about his patrol in the World Trade Center Port Authority Transit Hub.
At 2:36 a.m., McGraw and his partners were called over to assist a woman, Marwa Abdrabo, who was on her way to the hospital with contractions. McGraw had previously been trained as an emergency medical technician in Jersey City, New Jersey, and knew Abdrabo would not reach the hospital in time for the delivery. McGraw told The New York Times that his partners counted on him to deliver the baby safely due to his medical training.
After several minutes, McGraw assisted Abdrabo in delivering a perfectly healthy 6-pound-14-ounce girl. Abdrabo and her newborn daughter were sent to the hospital shortly after the birth for standard assessments. McGraw said that it was fortunate that this unusual event occurred in the early morning as it would have been much more difficult to deliver the child in a crowded station. The officer stated it was a day he would never forget.