Kimberly A. Cook

Military Romance Author

veterans

Two Military Mules Get A Well Deserved Retirement

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by Kimberly A. Cook                          (Twitter@ WarriorTales)

While trying to distract myself from the NBA playoffs, go Blazers, I came across this great video about two Ft. Hood Cavalry mules who retired in 2011. Now I have a very soft spot in my heart for mules since I was the last handler for Windriver, Windy to her friends, believed to be the last official Army pack mule when I served at Fort Carson, Colorado.

So this was a great video to see. It appear you can buy anything from government liquidation! Happy Quirky Friday!

 

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!