Darren is a 2nd generation US Army retired Sergeant Major; was founder and President of the Warrior Thunder Foundation, a Veteran nonprofit; developed combat equipment as a DoD civilian for 9 years; and now works for a consulting company that focuses on helping companies who employ people with disabilities navigate the government acquisition world.
Pool and garden
Chapter 3 - Life as a Veteran

The Folly of Faith Part Deux. The Faith Continues

Many months ago I wrote of The Folly of Faith. I discussed having faith in something, anything. This wasn’t referring to a religious faith, but rather our faith in something good, a faith in belonging, a faith of trust. Any faith, really. Do you still have faith in something or do you feel hopeless? Maybe […]

Chapter 3 - Life as a Veteran

The Love of Admiring Failure

My Household 6 went away for the weekend to shop and giggle with her best friend. So, I did what every red-blooded, steely-eyed American Warrior would do. I sat around with my dog, Red, drank fake beer, and watched the Warfighter Exposition live on social media. This was the inaugural showing from AUSA. The part […]

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Chapter 2 - Military Service Chapter 3 - Life as a Veteran Health & Wellness

Burnout Before Dishonor

I am such a burnout. No, not like a 70’s teenager with long hair and a roach clip hanging from the rear view mirror of his love van. I mean I am burned out. I mean, it’s not surprising. I have a full time job, am writing 3 different books, volunteer at a local nonprofit, […]

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Chapter 2 - Military Service Chapter 3 - Life as a Veteran

Writing an OPORD for Your Healthcare

Healthcare for Warriors in Chapter 3 of our life, post-Service, is likely one of the most challenging aspects of our transition out of Chapter 2, our service. Whether you served 4 years or over 40 years, like my Dad, SGMB1, particularly if you were combat arms and /or deployed, you are likely facing many healthcare […]

Chapter 3 - Life as a Veteran Health & Wellness

4 Reasons You Quit Serving

Many Warriors spend between 4 and 40 years of their life serving, and then quit. After a storied, good, or bad career of training, schooling, leading, and possibly a deployment or five they simply quit. Why is it? Hold on before you get your undies in a bunch. I’m not saying that when you leave […]

Chapter 2 - Military Service Chapter 3 - Life as a Veteran Employment Health & Wellness PTSD VA

On Suicide (Part I)

This article has been the hardest to decide to write. There is so much behind it emotionally for everyone; for parents of those who chose this action, comrades of the self-life takers, for those who would contemplate such an action, for those who want to prevent it. Look, there is no way this can be […]

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Chapter 3 - Life as a Veteran

Cut Your Hair and Get Off My Grass! Or don’t.

According to recent studies, the Army’s decision to allow lipstick, nail polish, earrings, and ponytails in uniform has caused an increase in heart attacks in older Veterans with the rank of 1SG and above. This rise in blood pressure has also been attributed to a rise in global temperature and melting of the numerous glaciers. […]

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