Story Force X

Enjoy the latest from StoryForce contributors.

3 Shining Stars: Book 1

Jason is from Poughkeepsie, NY, and enlisted in the Navy in 1993. In the Navy, Jason traveled around the world for 24+ years as a Religious Program Specialist. He has deployed to the Persian Gulf, Eastern Africa, Japan, Australia, and Korea to name a few. He lives in Onslow County with his wife and four …
A Sister’s Southern Allure and Military Esteem

Laura Moore is a full-time English instructor at Cape Fear Community College. After working in corporate America and for various newspapers, she knew she would rather do something to make a difference. She became a high school teacher which eventually led to her teaching at CFCC, which she calls, “the best job I’ve ever had.” …
An Ongoing Battle

Liz was born and raised in Manchester, CT. She and Perry, an Army Veteran, have been married since 1996, and they have three amazing kids. Liz is currently going to school for Addiction and Recovery Services in hopes of helping others through her own life experiences. She is also the co-founder of Operation: Purpose, a …
Artwork by Andrew Loehrs

Andrew was born and raised in beautiful Colorado and decided to enlist in the Marine Corps right after his sister joined. He served as a 6541 Aviation Ordinance Technician. Andrew is now going to school at CFCC to gain some basic art skills to achieve his goal of becoming an illustrator and concept designer.
Artwork by Brina Garcia Caldwell

Brina grew up in Colorado and joined the Marine Corps in 2008. She served as a C-130 Mechanic, stationed in Cherry Point, NC. Brina has lived in Wilmington for seven years and enjoys spending time with her husband and son. She is pursuing her degree in Graphic Design with plans to graduate in 2025.
Artwork by Tiffany Fudge

Tiffany served 12 years in the Army as a 25V Combat Documentation Production Specialist, also known as a Combat Camera. Tiffany has worked with many different militaries all over the world, including her most memorable with the Japanese self-defense force during Operation Tomodachi after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. She feels her time in the …
Artwork by Victoria Mondragon

Victoria served in the Army, using her passion for art as a 25M, Multimedia Illustrator. Victoria plans to get an Art and Business degree to create safe spaces that cater to special needs kids in either a therapeutic art studio or a sensory center/gym for kids specifically with intellectual and physical disabilities. Her main goal …
Disillusioned

Jeremy Heydon was stationed at Ft Stewart Ga at 3rd ID 1st BDE 3-69 Jeremy was born in Carrollton, Ga, and joined the Army in 2009 and served as a 12B Combat Engineer. Re AR E-Co, then deployed December 2009 – December 2010 to Iraq and did route clearance. Jeremy medically retired when he returned …
Excerpt from Devil from Decay “A Week of Wolves”

Flint spent four years in the Marine Corps as a Machine Gunner. He got out in 2022 and is now pursuing a degree in literature. Levi had an unquestionable look of determination and horror on his face as we suited up in old battle armor. The armor was old and bulky and mine could almost …
Fiction for the Masses

Jeremy joined the Army in 2009 and served as a 12B Combat Engineer. He was stationed at Ft. Stewart, GA, and then deployed to Iraq and did route clearance. Jeremy medically retired when he returned from Iraq, and he is now attending CFCC for an Associates of Fine Arts with plans to earn a philosophy …
From My Purple Heart to Your Heart

Andreah’s MOS was a 92G (Food Specialist) in the US Army. She was assigned to the 101st Airborne and with female engagement while deployed in Kandahar, Afghanistan. She has attended CFCC on and off for years in the Culinary Arts program and recently as a transfer college student. Dreah will continue her education at Johnson …
Gluten-free/Dairy-free Banana Bread

Bianca is originally from a small town called Horseheads, NY, and she came to Eastern North Carolina in 2008 after enlisting in the U.S. Army. She was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC, and was an Ammunition Specialist and Paratrooper with the 82nd ABN Division 1st BDE Aco. 307th BSB. Bianca is currently enrolled at CFCC …
Healing Through Art

Lawton is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He served at Camp Lejeune, NC, and his Military Occupational Specialty was Combat Videographer (4671). His job offered him a chance to see how the Marine Corps worked as a whole. One day he would film a retirement ceremony, and the next he would film …
I’m Fine (Song Lyrics)

Jason Bocchino is originally from Poughkeepsie, NY and he enlisted in the Navy in October 1993 and has “not looked back since.” The Navy sent Jason all around the world for 24 + years. He was deployed to the Persian Gulf twice and Eastern Africa. Jason’s favorite place was Naval Submarine Base New London, CT. …
Learning to Fly

Brandon was raised in Mesquite, TX, until moving to Pocatello, ID, at age 16. He enlisted in the Marines where he was attached to HMH-366, a squadron that has since shut down. Brandon is now a fully disabled veteran living in Sneads Ferry and going to school full time at CFCC. He plans to earn …
Letters to hal-abeojis

Steve’s family immigrated to the US when he was 18 years old. He joined the US Army as a Cavalry Scout and spent three years as a Paratrooper at Fort Bragg. Growing up in Korea, numerous movies, books, and especially stories told from his grandparents and other seniors about the Korean War inspired his appreciation …
Liberty and Blessings

My name is Joseph N. Abadiotakis, I am originally from Freehold, NJ. In 2010, I enlisted in the United State Marine Corps and began my career as an Infantry Marine. In 2015, I transitioned to Marine Special Operations Command, where I would spend the next seven years. During this time, I was able to start …
Live for the Challenge

James was born in Ro Chi Minh City, Vietnam and raised in Wilmington, North Carolina. Before graduating from high school, he went to boot camp during summer 2017. After graduating, James went to M1 Abrams tank school and shortly after joined the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team and got attached with Charlie Company, 1/120th. After …
Medal of Honor Video

Thomas “Lawton” Smith II grew up in Cairo, Georgia. After high school, he focused on outdoor activities like whitewater rafting and conservation trail work. Re then worked for the USDA trying to get rid of a moth using biological control in Florida. While studying at Montana State, he worked on fire and occupancy surveys of …
My Family’s Folktale

Collin was born and raised just on the other side of the Cape Fear River in Leland NC, Re is a Marine who served with the ACE (Air Combat Element) at MALS-14 (Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron) in Cherry Point NC, Re was a 6414, which is an Aviation Electronics Technician, specializing in Communication/Navigation Equipment for …
Nightmare

Izzi Tetterton – U.S. Navy Veteran Family Member I can still feel the horror I felt that night. A nightmare that felt so real, I believed for many years that it really took place. If I close my eyes, I can practically embody my six-year-old self, in one of my first-ever nightmares where I …
Open Options

Tyler is from Denver, Colorado, and served in the US Air Force. Re served at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs and at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City Beach as a Firefighter and Crew Chief. Re is currently enrolled at CFCC for emergency management, hoping to return to firefighting with the possibility …
Saint All in My Head (Lyrics/Video)

Army veteran SPC Andreah Anderson entered the Army right out of high school. She attended basic training at Ft. Jackson, SC, graduated in March 2009, then continued her training AIT at Ft. Lee, VA for her MOS 92G. After she graduated AIT, she received her duty station of Ft. Campbell, Ky, and reported there in …
Serving Those Who Served

Rachel is the Senior Director of Financial Aid and Veterans Services at CFCC. She has been with the college for 24 years after serving 21 years in the banking industry. She is married and has one nephew. Twenty-four years ago, I came to Cape Fear Community College after 21 years of banking. My position of …
The Three Musketeers

This story is about the unlikely linking of three service members with completely different backgrounds and service histories who found rapport through similar values and beliefs instilled by their oath to serve their country. Listed below are three separate accounts and opinions from the individuals as they progressed through the Cape Fear Nursing Program. Peter …
The Wreck of My Life

Travis Mitchell is from Burkburnett, Texas. Re served in the USMC from 2006-2009 as Combat Engineer 1371 (9TR ESB) before being medically separated. Travis used the GI Bill® from 2010-2013 to earn over 100 college credits. Re also graduated from the Police Academy in 2012 at Pasco Hernando Community College, FL. Travis moved to North …
Times Can Get Difficult for Anyone

Transitioning from the military is a difficult process. I was ready to leave after serving for over four years, deploying to a combat zone, and engaging in combat. Only sometimes is it the way society makes it out to be. Losing people in your platoon or attached elements can often stick with you. Even though …
Unforgettable Melodies and Timeless Moments

Sadie is presently a part of the pre-sonography program here at CFCC. She grew up in a military household, and both of her parents served in the Navy, where they originally met. Currently, Sadie and her husband reside in Wallace, NC, near their family farm. While taking a class at CFCC, she developed a passion …
Untitled

Marcus is a United States Army veteran who worked as a 88M Motor Transportation Specialist and a 25L Cable Systems Installer. He is from Wilmington, NC, and is currently a CFCC student studying Health and Fitness Exercise Science. Ladies and Gentlemen. Battle Buddies. Trust me. There is more life outside of the Military. I want …
Untitled Original Paintings

Laura Figueroa was born and raised in Colombia. She has always been driven to painting and drawing, and she feels serving with the National Guard has given her the best of both worlds. Laura gets to attend to her daily activities and enjoy her family and friends while being part of something greater.
Untitled Photograph

Flint was a machine gunner in the Marines from 2017-2022. He went on two deployments including Norway on his first deployment where the photograph was taken. In addition to Norway, he has been to Ukraine, Sweden, Greece, Afghanistan, and several other countries. Currently, he is working towards a degree in English.
Untitled Photographs

Tiffany Fudge (formerly Dusterhoft) served 12 years in the Army as a 25V Combat Documentation Production Specialist also known as a Combat Camera. She served in Iraq from 2007-2008 with the 55th Combat Camera Company out of Fort Meade, Maryland. In Iraq, Tiffany served with many different units, including her most memorable 3rd Infantry division …
USMC – Infantry

Brian had the honor and privilege of serving and fighting in the World’s Greatest Fighting Force, the Marines. Brian is enrolled in CFCC’s Health & Fitness Science program and plans to become a Clinical Exercise Physiologist. When Brian is not bent over a textbook studying, he is pushing his physical limits with his wife, Becca, …

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