posted 11-02-09

$ NONFICTION BOOT CAMP BARBIE BY JESSICA BOOHER “I stood there for a moment, wide eyed and flabbergasted, staring at him in disbelief. I internally debated for a moment whether or not I should ask him to carry my bag.” A WIDOW SPEAKS OUT the saga of terry soles by barbie perkins-cooper veterans-for-change MORE FEMALE VETERANS HOMELESS va resources strained; many are single parents Angela Peacock spent years with no home after serving in Iraq. By Bryan Bender boston globe FEMALE SOLDIER REFLECTS ON INJURIES by michele norris Coburn Dukehart, NPR Army Spc. Sue Downes lost both of her legs when the truck she was traveling in was hit by anti-tank mines in Afghanistan. During a recent physical therapy session at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C., Downes works with therapist Bunnie Wyckjoff. more stories about women in combat A COMBAT ROLE AND ANGUISH, TOO by damien cave NEW YORK TIMES pirate’s letter to damien cave Damien, Reading your article on women in combat and PTSD broke me up. I'm a twenty year Marine & disabled vet, self-diagnosed with PTSD. I started Milspeak Creative Writing Seminars to help other vets heal psychological wounds and reduce stress through narrative writing. Now I'm in the process of forming Milspeak Foundation to keep the programs I create free to participants. I hope you will help to get the word out about Milspeak programs. Not everyone wants to write but the stories of those veterans who do write can saves lives of readers. It's so important for vets to know someone else has successfully navigated the difficult territory of coming home after combat, of living with disability, of living with ghosts. The program website is http://www.milspeak.org You can read the stories that have been written during the past 10 workshops I've held over the last four years. You can read stories from around the world at Milspeak Memo. The website receives an average of 3000-10,000 visitors a day. This with no advertising, and no funding. I've operated without funding all this time because Marine Corps Community Services gives us a place to meet and I do all my work as a volunteer. Milspeak Foundation will keep programs free to participants. The only thing that matters is communication and that's not exactly what the military likes. There is a tradition of silence in military life. I haven't been seen as exactly good for the military for my work. But I can tell you the results for individuals have been amazing. Last week I visited Wounded Warrior Bn East at Camp Lejeune to introduce myself. It took two years to get a one hour appointment, and I'm a retired Marine! I plan to visit Walter Reed Medical Center during the first week of December to introduce myself. I'm determined to reach as many military people as I can. Thank you for what you're doing. I could only read the first page of your article. Then my stress symptoms kicked in. Anxiety mounted in my chest. I felt smothered. I saw myself in those women. I saw my own experience validated, verified. I've always felt a lot in common with Vietnam Vets. Last night, while I was reading your article, I understood why. They never received a welcome home. Neither have I. Sincerely, Sally Drumm, GySgt USMC, Retired Milspeak MEET MARINE WIFE CARISSA MARINE AUTHOR OF THE LITTLE MARINE AND THE FLAG AT BOOKS-A-MILLION SIGNING EVENT 7 NOV 09 1030-1200 JACKSONVILLE, NC MILQUEST 10 QUESTIONS - TWO HOURS CARISSA MARINE ACCEPTS THE CHALLENGE THE WARRIOR SONG “The Warrior Song” is currently for sale to the public on iTunes for .99 cents. Every purchase supports members of the United States military, as the profits derived from its sale will be donated to the Armed Forces Relief Trust, to be dispersed by, and at the discretion of, the respective charities operated by the Navy/Marines, Army, Coast Guard, Air Force, and National Guard. plus HEAR NO, SEE NO, SPEAK NO MILSPEAK AT QUEENS UNIVERSITY OF CHARLOTTE CHARLOTTE NC SYKES AUDITORIUM 6 NOVEMBER 2009 1600/4PM “If the words honor, nobility, self-sacrifice, and altruism mean anything to you, this is the book to buy.” --Stephen Page-- BA Insider: Capital Living in Buenos Aires “Perhaps I expected a rasp, salty language, an edge of bitterness. Instead, Sally spoke softly about the healing power of writing and about MilSpeak Foundation, which she initiated to extend that potential for healing to military members, veterans and families.” --Terri Barnes-- SPOUSE CALLS/STARS & STRIPES A PORTION OF ROYALTIES GOES TO WALTER REED CHAPLAINS FUND. YOUR PURCHASE OF THE ANTHOLOGY ALSO HELPS FUND THE MILSPEAK FOUNDATION MISSION AND KEEPS MILSPEAK PROGRAMS FREE TO PARTICIPANTS. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING MILSPEAK FOUNDATION. contributors retain all rights to their works. ©2009 MILSPEAK FOUNDATION OOHRAH! PRODUCTIONS MILSPEAK MEMO NOW INCLUDED IN POETS & WRITERS LITERARY MAGAZINE LIST! SEND LETTERS TO THE COMPILER\\\ KUDOSORKRAP@MILSPEAK.ORG END OF POST V5.11-02-09$ shapeimage_2_link_0