Even worse, how do you fix everything when the universe seems to be out to keep you busy with repairs? Between drainage issues, storm damage, and motorcycle repairs, there always seems to be something taking my time away from publishing/writing, spending time with the family, or chewing up the miles on one of the bikes.
Here lately, it seems my luck just sucks. But when things go sideways, I assess the situation, come up with a solution, and get to work.
That even includes when I need work. Because the docs at the VA were worried about my blood pressure and the risk of having a heart attack, I’ve been making changes in the right direction. Especially after my little brother passed away last summer from the same exact thing. So I’ve made some adjustments to the diet, losing weight, getting more exercise (when I’m not fixing something), removing some of the stress by cutting back some of the workload from Three Ravens, putting in more wind therapy miles, and taking the meds the docs prescribed me.
Yeah, that’s a bit of a mouthful, but way more than others get, because they don’t know where to turn, which brings me to our next release that is a topic close to my heart.
I’ve met and served with so many service members that came out of service with issues, some never got the help they needed, others struggled to get the help.
Help is out there. Help is only a phone call away, whether it’s a fellow service member, a good friend, a therapist, or the veterans hotline. But it can also come in the form of artistic expression or just telling your story to others. This collection is by veterans of all branches who served during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and I hope that the words contained within these pages helps someone find that thing they need to stay on the right side of the green and get the help they need.
Your Call is Very Important to Us: An OEF/OIF Veterans Collection of Healing And Hope Through Storytelling and Artwork
Your Call Is Very Important to Us is a powerful collection of stories, poems, and artwork from veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan War era—voices that are too often unheard, yet deeply needed. Through raw honesty and creative expression, these service members share their experiences not only of war, but of what comes after: the search for purpose, identity, and healing.
This anthology stands as a reminder that veterans are more than their service. Their talents, perspectives, and stories reach far beyond the battlefield, offering connection to those who seek to understand and solidarity to those still finding their way.
For many contributors, writing and art have become lifelines—tools for processing, for rebuilding, and for hope. May this work serve as a bridge: helping veterans feel seen and reminding civilians that understanding begins with listening.
Proceeds from this book support the WeDefy Foundation, providing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu scholarships to disabled veterans—empowering continued healing through community, movement, and resilience.
LibertyCon 38
Join us this weekend, June 26th-28th for Liberty Con 38.
Nicholas Sansbury Smith
Literary Guest of Honor
Nicholas Sansbury Smith is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Hell Divers series. His other work includes the Extinction Cycle series, the Trackers series, and the Orbs series. He worked for Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management in disaster planning and mitigation before switching careers to focus on his one true passion–writing. When he isn’t writing or daydreaming about the apocalypse, he enjoys running, biking, spending time with his family, and traveling the world. He is an Ironman triathlete and lives in Iowa with his wife, their dogs, and a house full of books.
John Kovalic is an award-winning cartoonist, game designer and writer. His works appeared everywhere from the NEW YORK TIMES to ROLLING STONE and DRAGON MAGAZINE. His world of geeky goodies includes DORK TOWER – one of the very first webcomics, debuting online in 1996.
John was a co-founder of Out of the Box Games, and helped in the creation of the revolutionary party game, APPLES TO APPLES. John is also responsible for the look of the fan-favorite perennial best-seller MUNCHKIN card game. He’s drawn more than 7,000 cards for the game.
John Kovalic
Artist Guest of Honor
Astrobiology Program Scientist in the Planetary Science Division at NASA Headquarters. She leads the ICAR and PSTAR. Additionally, she is the Program Scientist for MSL (Curiosity) and New Horizons.
Dr. Becky McCauley Rench
STEM Guest of Honor
H.P. is the author of the “Monster Punk Horizon” series, and Jacob has written 15 books, including the bestselling Gordian Division series (with David Weber).
H.P. and Jacob Holo
Masters of Ceremonies
S.M. Stirling is a writer by trade, born in France but Canadian by origin and American by naturalization, living in New Mexico at present. His hobbies are mostly related to the craft. He loves history, anthropology, and archaeology, and is interested in the sciences. The martial arts are his main physical hobby.
S. M. Stirling
Special Guest of Honor
Open Call reminder
Don’t forget that the It Came From the Trailer Park Open call for Volume 6 closes July 1st.
