Charlie Mike
The name of this journal comes from the phonetic-alphabet pronunciation of C-M, military-speak for Continue Mission. In a sense, that is what we are doing with this publication. Amplifying the voices of military-affiliated folks in the Northern Colorado community while providing a creative outlet for individuals who may still be feeling the effects of the military today. The authors in this book are bound by the commonality of service, though each individual experience is surely varied. Some of us are veterans, others family members or dependents. Yet, we have all borne the burden of time in uniform, whether directly or indirectly. Within the pages of this book, you will find some harsh realities woven into and around light, humorous moments-a blend of fear and foul language, alongside pranks and comedy, with some bullets and bravery thrown in for good measure. The military in a nutshell. The exposure of these stories is a small contribution toward a bigger mission in bridging a gap in cultural understanding between those who've served and those who haven't, what veteran studies researchers call, The Civilian/Military Divide. This collection of experiences provides a glimpse into life in and around the U.S. military, spanning generations of veteran storytellers. Know that by opening this book and reading these stories, you are letting the light in. You are supporting our next generation of veterans, their families, and their communities more than you may even realize.