Archives for February 2013

Feb
27

Redeployed review by Greg Drobny of Ranger Up

Introducing, guest reviewer, Greg Drobny who posts and writes reviews ’round the net’ under the name:  Mr. Twisted. He is a writer for Ranger Up and Rhino Den. His concerns revolve around giving a public voice to Veterans who’ve returned from combat and are suffering–either mentally or physically or both. PTSD has many tentacles,  including a high rate of suicide among returning military veterans. These daily deaths are just one reminder of the challenges of re-integration and transition that face warriors returning to every day civilian lives, families and jobs.   

Greg Drobny in thought 1“Mr. Twisted” counts these at the top of the list that he feels need the military community and general public’s attention.

From my own civilian point of view, I see “warriors” coming back with all manner of skills. Most, my peers and I might never think to master. Nor would we consider ourselves capable of performing at such a physically fit level. We could not even claim control by virtue of the discipline instilled along with determination in our nations’ warriors.

Some of these are awesome powers and we wonder, us non-hero accredited folks, how does it feel to come home with that kind of mindset and bodily energy to a civilian, smaller and limited playing field?

The book, Redeployed, has been embraced by Greg and his colleagues, because it reflects their and other warriors’ experiences. Speaking as a civilian, looking into the ‘ring’ of sport and competition that some veterans enter, we see a memory bank of intensive muscle and mind training. We wonder how they will channel all that energy and experience from the battle ground into the mixed match set up of every day life. We hope that they are equipped and know ‘what to do with themselves’ in such ordinary, yet challenging circumstances.  (HK for MilSuccessNet)

The MilSuccessNet team met Greg Drobny on a rare occasion – in that its unusual for all three of us to be in the same country, same city and in this case, one Writers’ Conference. The event, Sangria Summit , held in Denver, Colorado was designed for aspiring and experienced Mil Writers. Others will be featured in coming posts. (SUBSCRIBE NOW and be alerted to your battle buddy’s debut)

Now to Mr. Twisted’s review of “Redeployed”, in his own words….. [Read more…]

Feb
22

Ops by the book & cat life advice via veterans

It’s Friday and MilSuccessNet is branching out… actually we’re  stretching out towards the weekend with Doctrine Man‘s take on work. So, you can leave it, if you can, for a bit, with a smile….Debut strip on loan  with permission from DM whose daily dose of humor and sense gets us all through the week:

DM Manual word change 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AND MORE NEW features:  Advice from the “former” Mr. and Mrs. Smith  ……. [Read more…]

Feb
20

Siren’s Song book review by Nate Brookshire

A post on the process of a warrior writer was shared by newly published author, Antonio Salinas, in his own words recently on Military Success Network.  With WoW- Words on Wednesday we continue to present reviews of books and other materials produced by military writers and often reviewed by current, separated or retired military members. 

Nate_Brookshire and Marius_Tecoanta

Nate Brookshire (L), co-author of Hidden Wounds: A Soldier’s Burden shares his review today of Siren’s Song: The Allure of War.   (Deeds Publishing, 412 pages)

[Read more…]

Feb
18

Siren’s Song seduces warriors – Antonio Salinas

When we met Antonio Salinas he introduced himself as a Writer, Warrior and Lover.

Marius, Nate en route to Sangria Summit

Marius, Nate en route to Sangria Summit

The ‘we’ were Military Success Network’s three co-founders, joining Salinas and other warrior writers at the first Sangria Summit Writers’ Conference in Denver, CO. Like other participants, we soon accepted that his 4th, self chosen description of Scholar was also apt.

Salinas was one of a select few who were able to workshop passages from their current manuscripts in a special session with the larger group. Feedback was good. Edits are in the process for book #2.

Today, however, Salinas answered questions about his first and recently published book – the provocatively titled, Siren’s Song: The Allure of War.  In this segment, he talks of the experience of war .. in his own words….. [Read more…]

Feb
15

A little planning, a lot of satisfaction post military

MilSuccessNet invites you to follow the passage of CW4 (RET.) Shaun M. Collins from military career to civilian roles and new missions. We continue from part 1 and  so today we discover:

  • Alphabet soup  that spells out a 23 year career path 
  • Retirement applied for, delayed, manifested 
  • Education moves from pupil to teacher  
  • Planning well for an unfettered future

…and now in his own words…..we continue from part 1  

Shaun Collins

Shaun M. Collins

 

I spent the remaining 23 years of my career as a CID Special Agent and had the opportunity to attend FBI, DEA and other Federal Law Enforcement training courses. [Read more…]

Feb
14

Military source for advice on Valentine’s Day?

It’s LOVE DAY out in the world, and all heart week at Military Success Network. We are introducing new guest bloggers on the soul of resilient military to civilian transition and a NEW ADVICE COLUMN. 

TO THE RESCUE today, is the 1st of many valuable columns to come! Reprinted with permission of  GUIDON in Ft. Leonard Wood. They are graciously sharing the HE SAID SHE SAID advice column, written by our own new dynamic duo of guest bloggers and veterans Pam Collins and her partner in life and practical advice prose, Shaun Collins. (Formerly, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, till both officially retired from military service and entered civilian life, with resilience!!)

Today, they address a universal quandary. Oh, I hope it’s not too late for you today. Our MilSuccessNet editor was found this morning, way past deadline,  hunched over, asleep and clutching  a half empty heart shaped virtual box of chocolate… on the screen.

He Said, She Said: Husband stumped at what to buy wife for Valentine’s Day 

He Said She Said

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Read more…]

Feb
12

Fire and Forget book review by Jonathan Raab

“Searing stories… a necessary collection, necessary to write, necessary to read.”  E.L. Doctorow wrote these words about FIRE AND FORGET (Da Capo Press, launching on Amazon, February 2013).

We feel the same about the stories and the passion to share them on Military Success Network.  Now, we’ll read how Jonathan Raab,  writer, teacher and Afghanistan veteran feels about this book in today’s  WoW – Words on Wednesdays[Read more…]

Feb
11

Sue Daigneault reveals process of “Writing Shadow”

Sue Dahlgren Daigneault, whose book, In the Shadow of a Mountain , was featured on our last  WoW-Words on Wednesday, takes us with her today, into the heart of her process. 

Edward Dahlgren MOH

Edward Dahlgren MOH

Her intimate sharing today, reminds us that warriors are not the only ones to experience transition from war, virtually over a life time. And, to be called on to meet the challenge of post traumatic stress.  

We asked if Ms Daigneault was impacted by the reliving of her father’s  painful transition from combat to home and civilian life after. As she explains, the transition cycle continued after his passing and then, unexpectedly through Daigneault’s own retirement and passage into yet another level of maturity and understanding.  

And now…… in her own words…. [Read more…]

Feb
10

Preparation is foundation of CW4 (Ret.) Collins’ transition from Active Duty

This week, we slide over a little on the blogger bench of  our valued military guest writers and make room for Shaun M. Collins.

Shaun M. Collins

Shaun M. Collins

  A native of Yreka, CA, Collins enlisted in the United States Army in October 1986, not long after his high school graduation. 

Today, he is a retired CID Special Agent/Forensic Science Officer, family man and educator. And, he’s agreed to share with MilSuccessNet readers some of his experiences, and the conscious and the “lucky” decisions that went into preparing for a satisfying and successful transition. 

Shaun Collins is co-author, with his real life partner, Pam Collins of “He Said / She Said.” The weekly advice column appears each Thursday in the “Guidon,” which is the post newspaper for Fort Leonard Wood, MO. 

Soon, military members’ questions in the popular column, known for it’s balanced and practical approach, will also be featured on Military Success Network.

But first, let’s share in the insights that resulted from Shaun Collins’  process. [Read more…]

Feb
05

Review: In the Shadow of a Mountain by Sue Daigneault

In the Shadow of a Mountain [Kindle Edition]

Susan Dahlgren Daigneault (Author)

Available at Amazon
Dahlgren_Banner 2Susan Dahlgren Daigneault, author of “In the Shadow of a Mountain” gives us an invitation into the family of Medal of Honor recipient Edward C. Dahlgren. This is a deeply personal account of the life of a true hero. It has many layers and gives the reader insight into the character of a man who epitomized selfless service, humility, integrity and honor. [Read more…]