As You Were | ISSN 2374-3816 | Spring 2015
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Editor’s Note
They came from all places and from all backgrounds. Each came for his or her own reasons to serve a shared purpose. They brought their unique perspectives with them, too. We were a melting pot, and what we imparted upon one another in terms of experience and ways of seeing the world has made us better human beings.
While I could be referring to military service, instead I am discussing the poets, writers, and artists that came together to produce this volume. Our contributors come from all walks of life – even from beyond the grave. Dillion Naslund penned “Once Again to Be a Little Boy” months before he ended his life after a long battle with post-traumatic stress. But, he left a small part of himself with us before departing. This collection of voices and visions come together to paint a richly complex portrait of the human condition in a military context. We are honored to share them with you. We hope you’re intrigued, touched, and even moved. Above all, we hope you enjoy.
David P. Ervin
April 29, 2015
Poetry
“Once Again to Be a Little Boy” by Dillion Naslund
“Anguish” by Glenn Roesener
“Grunt” by John Saylor
“The RPG” by Andrew Jones
“Façade” by Dennis Underwood
“Gingko Tree” by Dennis Underwood
“Five-Hour Energy” by Larissa Douglass
“Holographic Angel” by Barbara Harsh
“Many Minutes” by Ryan Barry
“Quetiapine Me a Lullaby” by Travis L. Martin
Non-Fiction
“A Memory of Gentleness” by Paul Roberts
“Trim the Fat” by Greg White
“The Arrival” by Eric Hannel
“89 Cents” by Dustin Strong
“I Honor You” by Sharon Robino-West
Fiction
“Strays” by Jerad Alexander
“Another Realm” by Khanh Ha
“The Fourth Floor” by Travis Switalski, Sr.
“The Ladder Climb“ by Tenley Lozano
Artwork
MEA Editorial Team
Editor-in-Chief
David P. Ervin
Poetry
Managing Editor: Travis L. Martin
Associate Editors: Lisa Day, Suzanne Rancourt
Fiction
Managing Editor: Daniel Buckman
Associate Editors: Amira Pierce, Olivia Cerrone
Non-Fiction
Managing Editor: Brian Mockenhaupt
Associate Editors: Susannah Nesmith, Laura Arenschield, Vani Murugesen, Andrew Miller
Artwork
Managing Editor: Tif Holmes
(C) 2015, Military Experience & Arts, Inc.
No reproduction of any material within is allowed without the written consent of Military Experience & the Arts, Inc. (MEA). All rights revert to the author/artist after publication. MEA retains the right to republish works in print or online form.