The Havok Journal | Military & Veteran News, Commentary, Culture

• Democracy Does Not Pick the Best Leader—It Picks the Best Liar July 27, 2026
  Democracy is often framed as a meritocratic system of governance—one in which the most capable, disciplined, and strategically minded individuals rise to leadership. It is a comforting narrative. It is also, historically and operationally, incomplete. A more uncomfortable truth emerges when one examines both modern politics and the enduring realities of human decision-making: democracy does […]
  Charles Faint
• Veterans Day 2009 July 27, 2026
  “October has been the deadliest monthfor U.S. troops in Afghanistansince the war began eight years ago.” In the pre-dawn hours he stands,silent and watchfulupon the tarmacas another military planeslowly taxis into position.A ramp is lowered,and six uniformed mencarry a simple boxdraped with an American flagto a waiting hearse. Gone are those dreams:peace at the 11th […]
  Lou Marin
• Mom, I’m Going to Iraq July 27, 2026
  By Nancy B. Ronquillo Editor’s Note: The following is an excerpt from Nancy B. Ronquillo’s memoir, A Soldier in the Family, which examines the hidden burdens military families carry before, during, and long after war. In this opening chapter, Ronquillo recalls the night her son Matt, a soldier with the 82nd Airborne Division, called to […]
  Special Guest
• The Roller Coaster Called “Healing” July 26, 2026
  By Kasey Franklin This title here is a hard lesson I’ve had to learn.  I never thought I would be the one. I never thought I would be the one contemplating suicide. It honestly and wholeheartedly never crossed my mind.  Until I had to climb the Mount Everest of trauma, grief, heartache, depression, anxiety, and […]
  Special Guest
• Explosions and Rude Awakenings in Ramadi July 26, 2026
  (Editor’s Note: The following is the first chapter from Jared’s book It’ll Buff Out.) Chapter 2: Rush OP Hawk Ramadi, Iraq September 29, 2006 An explosion ripped through Outpost (OP) Hawk, waking me up. Rude awakenings were a common occurrence in the Marine Corps. Starting in boot camp, we were woken up whenever the drill […]
  Jared Prewitt