Kimberly A. Cook

Military Romance Author

veterans

Can You Climb A Mountain?

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by Kimberly A. Cook           (Twitter@ WarriorTales)

It’s been a bit of a weird Spring here in the good old USA and in other parts of the world. Seems the wackier it gets out there, the more I retreat to my books and happy ending tv shows. Then I come across a story that puts my perspective firmly in place.

These veterans accomplished an amazing feat in February and I wanted to share it. Through grit and determination, they climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro. That may sound like a bit of a task, but these military foot soldiers are missing body parts which would make the climb a challenge even if they had all their digits.

Even the “normie” cameraman had a hard go of it and he had all his appendages. The documentary should be out the end of this year, you can catch up with this group at

www.kilimanjarowarriors.com

When it comes to being WIA, wounded in action, the hard road begins afterwards. The long hours and months it takes to not only get physically well, but to also deal with the mental and emotional scars. The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have left us with many wounded warriors, each one an important story.

These are the kind of tales which make me write about my fellow veterans and talk about the day-to-day courage of veterans that most folks never see. It seems veterans and especially wounded warriors have been climbing this mountain for years now. Go grunts!

I salute these hard-charging men and women who are still fighting, for themselves and others who can’t make the trip. Take a look. Freedom isn’t free and these veterans are the best of the best.

KILIMANJARO WARRIORS: Teaser Trailer 1 from Bevan B. Bell on Vimeo.

Happy 238th Birthday to the Men and Women of the U.S. Army!

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by Kimberly A. Cook            (Twitter@ WarriorTales)

When I was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado with the 4th Supply and Transport Battalion, back in the Dark Ages, we had the best mess hall on post. Great food. So who better to make the Army’s birthday cake for today’s big celebration than veterans becoming chefs!

Take a look at this video from the “other CIA” and maybe you too can use those G. I. Bill benefits to become a cook. An Army moves on its feet, powered by its stomach, so let’s all eat birthday cake today. Happy Birthday to my fellow Army veterans, Reserve, Guard and Active Duty soldiers.

Happy Quirky Friday!

Have You Built Your Pet A Castle?

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by Kimberly A. Cook          (Twitter@ WarriorTales)

We love our pets. Spec Ops Cat is a big part of the Warrior Tales team, even though he is retired he is still in charge of ecommerce, security and conducting perimeter patrols. Pets give us unconditional love with no strings attached; something not always available from other humans.

This is one reason I think veteran’s bonds with their pets are so important; the furry ones may be the only “people” who give a veteran total acceptance and trust. This attachment/love is very strong for all the active duty personnel and veterans who worked with animals in the military too. We all know our pets and marine mammals are smarter than we are, but we try to pretend we are in charge.

Rufus the cat knows all about the power of love. His Dad decided to do something special for him after a tough two weeks of having to give Rufus icky medicine. Not only does Rufus Rock, but his human Dad is pretty cool too. Build your pet a castle today! Happy Quirky Friday!

Taking Time To Remember Those Who Gave All

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by Kimberly A. Cook              (Twitter@ WarriorTales)

We head into the Memorial Day weekend, a time for remembering those who gave the greatest sacrifice so our nation remained free. With respect for the families and friends who have lost so much, please take time to remember our fallen warriors this weekend. Freedom isn’t free.

What Do Mud And Marines Have In Common?

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by Kimberly A. Cook             (Twitter@ WarriorTales)

Been trying to get myself into some kind of shape for this summer that doesn’t resemble a dud spud. Who better to turn to for fitness tips than the U. S. Marines? Seems even when they play, it involves mud and running. I particularly like the different outfits, the tutus rock, and the free shower at the end.

Writers need to have fun, exercise and get some fresh air in our heads, so maybe this is one way. Or a simple trip to the gym works too. Check out how the Marines play in Oahu! Happy Quirky Friday!

Adapting Skills for Writers, Veterans And Rhinos

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by Kimberly A. Cook            (Twitter@ WarriorTales)

When I left the Army I joked I could work for Barnum & Bailey Circus or Mayflower Moving and Storage; supply and logistics training comes in very handy after the military. While we writers are constantly adapting to changes in the publishing world and upgrades in technology, basic skills and training help us to shift our careers and stay relevant in the marketplace.

The same could be said for the military skills of many veterans today. On Thursday night the Animal Planet will start a three-part mini-series about former military members called in to help stop poachers from decimating the White Rhinos in Africa. Once again, adapting.

Watch the video preview here: http://animal.discovery.com/tv-shows/battleground-rhino-wars/videos/rhino-wars-taking-down-the-bad-guys.htm

I’ve always thought military veterans would make the perfect animal rescue teams specially trained by Humane Societies to work here in the United States and around the world during disasters and wartime situations. The challenges the troops faced fighting in Iraq and coming across the Baghdad Zoo, with some animals caged and some loose, comes to mind.

I wanted to spread the word about this program which I support on many levels; our veterans working after their service working to help save the world’s Rhinos. As animal guardians of the planet, not only must we protect, witness and record animal’s stories, we must make sure the Rhino’s story does not end forever.

If you have time, check out the show Thursday night at 9 p.m. on Animal Planet. For more information about the series go to  http://animal.discovery.com/tv-shows/battleground-rhino-wars