I know we're in an economic downturn and I know that we should be careful with military expenses just like every other category of spending and I'm all for that. But I am also soooooo tired of our politicos AND the military establishment paying lip service to our heroes and then seemingly doing what they can to give them the shaft when they are most in need.
Tuesday, Nov. 25, the LA Times's front page headline read, The Pentagon narrows what constitutes a combat disability." That doesn't sound too bad but the next line in the deck read "The result is lost benefits." The Times calls it an "Open Wound for hurt veterans." Mmmmmm. That is closer the truth.
Then reporter David Zucchino gives us a couple of examples of wounded and maimed solders, hurt in Iraq while ON DUTY but are being denied benefits. They they must fight for every shred of help they can get at a time when they have the least strength to do it is nothing short of shameful.
The Pentagon blames Congress saying the new rulings are "consistent with Congress's intent when it passed a "wounded warrior" law in January." Chairman of the Armed Services Committee says that these results were not the intent of the law-making body.
That's quibbling. That means it's time to write you Congress person--again. While you're at it, fire a couple of salvos at the brass, and at the White House. The Disabled American Veterans group calls this new policy a "shocking level of disrespect for those who stood in harm's way" and is lobbying strenuously. They need our support.
----
Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry, Tracings, won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Kristin Johnson Lauds Historical Connections of David Conlin Mcleod's New Book
Today we have a guest blog from Kristin Johnson, freelance writer and screenwriter. Thanksgiving Day seems a perfect time for these memories of how connected are love and tolerance and our dedicated military.
By Kristin Johnson, founder of Poet Warriors
In January 2009 I will visit the USS Arizona Memorial in Honolulu, Hawai’i. In July 2008, I paid a visit to Manzanar War Relocation Center National Historical Site (NHS) in Lone Pine, California. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which relocated Japanese-Americans to detention centers such as Manzanar, Minidoka, Idaho, and Tule Lake, California.
In blistering July sunlight, I walked the paths of Manzanar, past the signposts for the barracks. The Visitor Center, which I had browsed upon arrival, was an avalanche of emotional information. The replica of a watchtower and pictures of dolls and shamisen (a Japanese musical instrument) balanced with the unforgiving California desert to create a picture of a community struggling to live as prisoners in their adopted or birth country.
One can make many arguments about balancing national security versus individual liberties, a debate that rages today, and I can see both sides. Yet in writer David Conlin McLeod’s book Running From The Sun (see review soon to be posted at www.TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com). set in 1940s America, an America that held prejudice against Japanese-Americans even before Pearl Harbor, I find myself caught up in the intimacy of the human experience and just how we as people complicate concepts such as peace and tolerance.
As the grandfather in Mcleod’s story says, “There will always be war at one time or another so long as there are foolish men trying to take what was never theirs to have. Time for little girls to enjoy being little girls however…there never seems to be time enough. There is too much time for problems and troubles…never enough time to sit and dream and do ordinary things anymore.”
Later in the story, after an incident with a prejudiced woman who calls Yuki “Jap girl” and “stupid Jap,” Mcleod’s heroine, Yukiko “Yuki” Yashida, sobs, “Why is everyone so changed now?” Her grandfather replies, “People haven’t changed, Yuki. You’re just beginning to notice what has always been.”
Yukiko, ten when the story begins, cuts through the official debates and arguments with a child’s simple yet complex point of view. The fictional Yukiko and her family as well as the Japanese community of Bainbridge Island, Washington, endure the austerity, heat and isolation of life in Manzanar, where they are relocated. As a visitor to Manzanar, I could picture dozens of children like Yukiko and her childhood friends—the Tanaka sisters and their little brothers Akira and Kozo, the orphan Kumiko and handsome self-confident Makato Soto—playing, doing chores or attending school in the dryness of the desert.
The remembrance of Pearl Harbor will no doubt invade my body and heart when I visit the U.S.S. Arizona memorial. Yet at Manzanar, a different sort of sensibility gripped me. I have not visited Minidoka War Relocation Center in Idaho, where Yuki along with her family and friends are relocated later in the book, but I am certain I would experience similar questioning thoughts and outrage. Yet at Manzanar I watched a 1980s video of President Ronald Reagan apologize for Executive Order 9066. The hope kindled inside me that the legacy (Densho in Japanese) of Manzanar will remind people that few of us are exempt from prejudice and distrust. As Yuki says, “The Japanese had a history of violence just as widespread as any other culture.” Yet good can come from adversity. We can all recognize that, as shopkeeper Mr. Matsu says, “Why hate at all? Makes no sense to hate anyone for wanting to live here and be American.” This is not politically correct talk. It is simple common sense. It is also common sense that, as Anne Frank said, people are really good at heart.
Yuki muses after the Pearl Harbor attack, “While it can be said that war oftentimes brings out the worst in people, I think it is fair to say that when the chips are down, there are still people compassionate enough and strong enough to see good prevail.”
Yuki’s philosopher and farmer father agrees: “People are angry with the Japanese that bombed Pearl Harbor, not with us. They just don’t know it yet…You can make it harder for them to hate us. When they call you horrible things, you let the words fly away with the wind and you smile. You be more polite and cheerful than the mean people. You stay bright and smart. You say ‘good day’ and ‘good afternoon’ and keep your manners.”
At Manzanar, I saw the U.S. military uniforms worn by relocated Japanese-Americans and read the stories of Japanese-American soldiers who fought in World War II, who left the darkness of the relocation centers to sacrifice their own safety on the battlefields of the European and Pacific theaters. These soldiers are represented in Makato and Akira, who fight in Mcleod’s novel for the 442nd “Go for Broke” Battalion much as African-Americans fought in World War II for a country that still denied them equal rights.
“The 442nd Regimental Combat Team was the most decorated unit for its size and length of service, in the entire history of the U.S. Military. The 4,000 men who initially came in April 1943 had to be replaced nearly 3.5 times. In total, about 14,000 men served, ultimately earning 9,486 Purple Hearts , 21 Medals of Honor and an unprecedented eight Presidential Unit Citations.”—Go For Broke National Education Center, http://www.goforbroke.org/history/history_historical_veterans_442nd.asp
These impressive numbers remind me of the number tag I took from an interactive exhibit at Manzanar. I matched the tag to a coat that belonged to one of the families at Manzanar. The tag had an ID number for the family. In Mcleod’s novel, Yuki and her parents are designated “Family 0034”. While, as some writers have stated, Japanese war relocation centers were not at all like Nazi concentration camps, there is no doubt of the mass distress that was nevertheless caused by wartime policies. As much as we remember the names of the soldiers who died at Pearl Harbor, as much as we remember the bravery in the battles of Word War II, we need to remember the Japanese-American families distrusted by a government and a nation. As we support our troops, we detest the sadness and confusion that war can bring.
One of my favorite books is still Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes (http://www.amazon.com/Sadako-thousand-paper-cranes-Eleanor/dp/0698118022). On this anniversary of Pearl Harbor, the quote on the statue of young Sadako Sasaki, who died of leukemia and radiation sickness, sums up the gravitas of the occasion and the plea of David Conlin Mcleod’s book: This is our cry. This is our prayer. Peace in the world.
Technorati Tags:
david conlin mcleod, kristin johnson, pearl harbor, manzanar, uss arizona memorial, world war II, 442nd regimental combat team
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Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/
By Kristin Johnson, founder of Poet Warriors
In January 2009 I will visit the USS Arizona Memorial in Honolulu, Hawai’i. In July 2008, I paid a visit to Manzanar War Relocation Center National Historical Site (NHS) in Lone Pine, California. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which relocated Japanese-Americans to detention centers such as Manzanar, Minidoka, Idaho, and Tule Lake, California.
In blistering July sunlight, I walked the paths of Manzanar, past the signposts for the barracks. The Visitor Center, which I had browsed upon arrival, was an avalanche of emotional information. The replica of a watchtower and pictures of dolls and shamisen (a Japanese musical instrument) balanced with the unforgiving California desert to create a picture of a community struggling to live as prisoners in their adopted or birth country.
One can make many arguments about balancing national security versus individual liberties, a debate that rages today, and I can see both sides. Yet in writer David Conlin McLeod’s book Running From The Sun (see review soon to be posted at www.TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com). set in 1940s America, an America that held prejudice against Japanese-Americans even before Pearl Harbor, I find myself caught up in the intimacy of the human experience and just how we as people complicate concepts such as peace and tolerance.
As the grandfather in Mcleod’s story says, “There will always be war at one time or another so long as there are foolish men trying to take what was never theirs to have. Time for little girls to enjoy being little girls however…there never seems to be time enough. There is too much time for problems and troubles…never enough time to sit and dream and do ordinary things anymore.”
Later in the story, after an incident with a prejudiced woman who calls Yuki “Jap girl” and “stupid Jap,” Mcleod’s heroine, Yukiko “Yuki” Yashida, sobs, “Why is everyone so changed now?” Her grandfather replies, “People haven’t changed, Yuki. You’re just beginning to notice what has always been.”
Yukiko, ten when the story begins, cuts through the official debates and arguments with a child’s simple yet complex point of view. The fictional Yukiko and her family as well as the Japanese community of Bainbridge Island, Washington, endure the austerity, heat and isolation of life in Manzanar, where they are relocated. As a visitor to Manzanar, I could picture dozens of children like Yukiko and her childhood friends—the Tanaka sisters and their little brothers Akira and Kozo, the orphan Kumiko and handsome self-confident Makato Soto—playing, doing chores or attending school in the dryness of the desert.
The remembrance of Pearl Harbor will no doubt invade my body and heart when I visit the U.S.S. Arizona memorial. Yet at Manzanar, a different sort of sensibility gripped me. I have not visited Minidoka War Relocation Center in Idaho, where Yuki along with her family and friends are relocated later in the book, but I am certain I would experience similar questioning thoughts and outrage. Yet at Manzanar I watched a 1980s video of President Ronald Reagan apologize for Executive Order 9066. The hope kindled inside me that the legacy (Densho in Japanese) of Manzanar will remind people that few of us are exempt from prejudice and distrust. As Yuki says, “The Japanese had a history of violence just as widespread as any other culture.” Yet good can come from adversity. We can all recognize that, as shopkeeper Mr. Matsu says, “Why hate at all? Makes no sense to hate anyone for wanting to live here and be American.” This is not politically correct talk. It is simple common sense. It is also common sense that, as Anne Frank said, people are really good at heart.
Yuki muses after the Pearl Harbor attack, “While it can be said that war oftentimes brings out the worst in people, I think it is fair to say that when the chips are down, there are still people compassionate enough and strong enough to see good prevail.”
Yuki’s philosopher and farmer father agrees: “People are angry with the Japanese that bombed Pearl Harbor, not with us. They just don’t know it yet…You can make it harder for them to hate us. When they call you horrible things, you let the words fly away with the wind and you smile. You be more polite and cheerful than the mean people. You stay bright and smart. You say ‘good day’ and ‘good afternoon’ and keep your manners.”
At Manzanar, I saw the U.S. military uniforms worn by relocated Japanese-Americans and read the stories of Japanese-American soldiers who fought in World War II, who left the darkness of the relocation centers to sacrifice their own safety on the battlefields of the European and Pacific theaters. These soldiers are represented in Makato and Akira, who fight in Mcleod’s novel for the 442nd “Go for Broke” Battalion much as African-Americans fought in World War II for a country that still denied them equal rights.
“The 442nd Regimental Combat Team was the most decorated unit for its size and length of service, in the entire history of the U.S. Military. The 4,000 men who initially came in April 1943 had to be replaced nearly 3.5 times. In total, about 14,000 men served, ultimately earning 9,486 Purple Hearts , 21 Medals of Honor and an unprecedented eight Presidential Unit Citations.”—Go For Broke National Education Center, http://www.goforbroke.org/history/history_historical_veterans_442nd.asp
These impressive numbers remind me of the number tag I took from an interactive exhibit at Manzanar. I matched the tag to a coat that belonged to one of the families at Manzanar. The tag had an ID number for the family. In Mcleod’s novel, Yuki and her parents are designated “Family 0034”. While, as some writers have stated, Japanese war relocation centers were not at all like Nazi concentration camps, there is no doubt of the mass distress that was nevertheless caused by wartime policies. As much as we remember the names of the soldiers who died at Pearl Harbor, as much as we remember the bravery in the battles of Word War II, we need to remember the Japanese-American families distrusted by a government and a nation. As we support our troops, we detest the sadness and confusion that war can bring.
One of my favorite books is still Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes (http://www.amazon.com/Sadako-thousand-paper-cranes-Eleanor/dp/0698118022). On this anniversary of Pearl Harbor, the quote on the statue of young Sadako Sasaki, who died of leukemia and radiation sickness, sums up the gravitas of the occasion and the plea of David Conlin Mcleod’s book: This is our cry. This is our prayer. Peace in the world.
Technorati Tags:
david conlin mcleod, kristin johnson, pearl harbor, manzanar, uss arizona memorial, world war II, 442nd regimental combat team
-----
Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/
Monday, November 24, 2008
Fayetteville Supports Our Soldiers and Pregnant Mamas
Time magazine runs a regular feature called "Postcard" in their pages. This week it is on how Fayetteville, North Carolina is remarketing itself as military friendly by giving their mini baby-boom mamas a shower (and other marketing efforts). One thing I didn't like about their marketing is that they paint a picture of the rest of the nation being somehow ungrateful or downright hostile to military personnel. I think that is absolutely false (to say nothing of bad marketing!). I see people everywhere thanking, applauding, offering to buy soldiers coffee. The yellow ribbon on my mailbox is still up and that is a small gesture of support.
Still, credit where credit is due. The Fayetteville planners expect the military's economic impact in the area to go from $5 billion of $6.5 billion as bases elsewhere are close down and Fort Bragg and the Pope Ar Force Base grow. But that shouldn't take away from their good intentions.
I know you'll want to know: The baby boomlet came about after the return of some 22,000 of the 82nd Airborne soldiers from Iraq in October of 2007. (-: You'll also be interested to know that the town has assembled a support team of civilians to advise and help military personnel, some 900 of them.
-----
Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/
Still, credit where credit is due. The Fayetteville planners expect the military's economic impact in the area to go from $5 billion of $6.5 billion as bases elsewhere are close down and Fort Bragg and the Pope Ar Force Base grow. But that shouldn't take away from their good intentions.
I know you'll want to know: The baby boomlet came about after the return of some 22,000 of the 82nd Airborne soldiers from Iraq in October of 2007. (-: You'll also be interested to know that the town has assembled a support team of civilians to advise and help military personnel, some 900 of them.
-----
Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Ranting About Tolerance, Raving About "Boy in the Striped Pajamas"
I used to do movie reviews for the Glendale News-Press. I can't get out of the habit so I do snappy mini movie reviews along with book promotion tips on www.twitter.com/frugalbookpromo. But last night I saw a movie that I must at least tell you about. It is "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas."
In my area (Southern California), it's at the Laemle, an art house in Pasadena. I hope you don't have trouble finding it. Based on a book that has to be one of the great tragedies of all times, it is a beautiful period piece set in WWII Berlin and near a death camp. No, it isn't easy viewing. But it is a must see for anyone who cares about tolerance and can see that combatting it is the way to reach for peace in the world.
This can't be a full review (I'm on my way to Malibu to walk the beach for a little reflection!) but keep in mind that that at first the protagonis may appear to be Bruno, the eight-year-old son of a German officer. But the tragic character, the one with the tragic flaws and hubris, is his father.
What a statement on tolerance and forgiveness this one is!
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Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/ref=cm_pdp_arms_dp_4
In my area (Southern California), it's at the Laemle, an art house in Pasadena. I hope you don't have trouble finding it. Based on a book that has to be one of the great tragedies of all times, it is a beautiful period piece set in WWII Berlin and near a death camp. No, it isn't easy viewing. But it is a must see for anyone who cares about tolerance and can see that combatting it is the way to reach for peace in the world.
This can't be a full review (I'm on my way to Malibu to walk the beach for a little reflection!) but keep in mind that that at first the protagonis may appear to be Bruno, the eight-year-old son of a German officer. But the tragic character, the one with the tragic flaws and hubris, is his father.
What a statement on tolerance and forgiveness this one is!
-----
Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/ref=cm_pdp_arms_dp_4
Friday, November 21, 2008
Author/Artis Joyce White Shares Thoughts on War and the Universe
A new writing friend who works with art therapy send me this. I find the passion in it touching and hope you will, too.
Who should die and who should live?
By Joyce White
Rated "PG13" by the Author.
I think a lot about our men arguing over who should die and who
should live, I think about how they worry about the sky dropping
fire and brimstone on them and all they love, I think about
how they end up sore and bleeding standing on corners,
I always give them a nod, a word or two, and they look at me
through swollen unforgiving eyes; what more can I do?
Will it matter who I vote for? Will the killing stop?
I'm recalling my own pops, who served both in the Navy and Army,
from l17 to 40, even though his heart is now cold stuck inside a box,
I think about my brother committed suicide when he got back from
Viet Nam, don't think he ever voted...
I hear them scratching and moaning just outside my reach, probably
patrolling somewhere between the living and dead, weighed down
by these last indignities.
Poem by Joyce White, author of Sculpting the Heart: Surviving Depression with Art Therapy www.scuptingtheheart.com
www.joycewhiteblog.com
www.rejoycerag.com
www.wingedforarttherapy.com
www.joycewhiteart.com
www.AuthorsDen.com/joycewhite
www.blogit.com/Blogs/Affil/?305539
http://twitter.com/joycewhite
-----
Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry, Tracings, won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence.
Who should die and who should live?
By Joyce White
Rated "PG13" by the Author.
I think a lot about our men arguing over who should die and who
should live, I think about how they worry about the sky dropping
fire and brimstone on them and all they love, I think about
how they end up sore and bleeding standing on corners,
I always give them a nod, a word or two, and they look at me
through swollen unforgiving eyes; what more can I do?
Will it matter who I vote for? Will the killing stop?
I'm recalling my own pops, who served both in the Navy and Army,
from l17 to 40, even though his heart is now cold stuck inside a box,
I think about my brother committed suicide when he got back from
Viet Nam, don't think he ever voted...
I hear them scratching and moaning just outside my reach, probably
patrolling somewhere between the living and dead, weighed down
by these last indignities.
Poem by Joyce White, author of Sculpting the Heart: Surviving Depression with Art Therapy www.scuptingtheheart.com
www.joycewhiteblog.com
www.rejoycerag.com
www.wingedforarttherapy.com
www.joycewhiteart.com
www.AuthorsDen.com/joycewhite
www.blogit.com/Blogs/Affil/?305539
http://twitter.com/joycewhite
-----
Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry, Tracings, won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Draw on a sprig of holly for holiday wishes for our soldiers!
My friend, May Lattanzio, sends me this lead for helping our soldiers:
When doing your christmas cards this year, take one card and sent it to the following address. If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these wonderful special people who have sacrificed so much would get!
Please send the card to:
A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 10307-5001
And, if cards are too expensive this year, just send a note of gratitude. You could draw in a sprig of holly.
-----
Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence.
When doing your christmas cards this year, take one card and sent it to the following address. If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these wonderful special people who have sacrificed so much would get!
Please send the card to:
A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 10307-5001
And, if cards are too expensive this year, just send a note of gratitude. You could draw in a sprig of holly.
-----
Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Send Cards to Solders You Know--and Don't know!
May Lattanzio sends you all a way to send holiday cards to our soldiers and Snopes assures us that all is well with the offer: http://www.snopes.com/politics/christmas/soldiercards.asp
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Blogger Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence.
-----
Blogger Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Buy A Soldier Thanksgiving Dinner!
I continue to be on a mission to help soldiers in better ways than sending weepy Internet pictures to friends (though, that's OK, too! (-: ) Here is a link to buy a needy soldier a Thanksgiving gift that counts--a really great meal. https://www.donatefast.com/donate3/index.cfm?id=csahtg2&mailcode=CHL7NEN4 And thanks to May Lattanzio, perhaps the best web researcher ever!, for this suggestion.
-----
Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry, Tracings, won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence.
-----
Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry, Tracings, won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence.
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