Army Surplus Store: A Short Story

After three hours of of hiking what felt like a vertical slope, the top of Mount Haystack was right in front of me. I knew that I could keep pushing through because I had suffered so much worse before. I wasn’t about to let this mere incline prevent me from reaching the top. I powered through the aching muscles and throbbing knees, while ignoring the sharp radiating pain in my calves. After what felt like forever, I was standing 5260 ft above the sea and taking in a spectacular view. When I glanced to my left, I realized I wasn’t quite at the top, I still had two more peaks to go before I’d reach the top of Lafayette. So after a few minutes of rest I got started on the rest of the hike.

I have a story that is one of a kind. My brother and I were adopted from a trifling rural town called Shakhty in Russia. We were about 8 months old. Some people think being adopted is inopportune, but I like to bless God and say I was chosen. I currently attend Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Virginia. I’m on the Battalion staff, comprising the top 7 leaders at the school that observes the Corps of Cadets. I’m currently a 1st Lieutenant and the Battalion S-4. While at Hargrave, I have exceeded on and off the playing fields. I've been a captain of the varsity lacrosse team for 3 years consecutively. I played on the JV and varsity basketball teams, also holding leadership roles. Now I’m currently on the varsity football team as a senior

This part of the run is not difficult for me, which is good because my mind is already focused on the cliff that I know is about 100 feet down the ridge and 50 feet on my left (north). Waiting for my turn at the top, I had lots of time to sit and think about what I was about to do, igniting my nerves and adrenaline, making my body feel numb. I ski to my spot above the cliff, and the iconic House Rock looks like it always does, almost like a fifty foot diving board that will shoot you out half-way down the rest of the mountain. I stop right above the point of no return. I must choose to hit the cliff or not. There is no turning back once I move from this spot.

I nod and mumble, “Thanks,” and maneuver the car out of her driveway. I drive to the house she pointed at, and park. Before I can unhook my seatbelt, Malcolm opens the front door and runs towards me.

Too bad, as the water I brought was now warm. Another trail went up to the summit. It was paved with wood at the bottom, which became wooded steps a bit further up, rather like a wooden escalator. There was a handrail on this section. At the top of the steps, about a third of the way, the trail became narrow and rocky, requiring careful footing. It was there I caught my first views of the other side of the mountain, the West Peak and one of the park’s several lakes— which I believe was Lake Lagunitas-- far below me.

Darkness surrounds the evening sky. The stars were peeking out from their dark home. It looked as if God took a straight pin, poked a sheet of paper with tiny holes. Crickets softly played their symphony as the world slept. James laid in his bunk, staring off into the darkness. He wondered what the day had in store for him. The night watchman quietly walked his route, like a thief in the night.

At one point you have to grab ropes and pull yourself up the rest of the way. As I climbed this I heard peoples constant questioning “why did I do this again?” and I constantly questioned that myself. Going through that race there were points where I just wanted to stop, I wanted to sit down and just give up. After I finally made it to the top of the mountain all I wanted to do was take a long nap, but I told myself “NO” you’ve got this and I will see this to the end.

The beginning of the 20th century saw the most devastating war in human history. World War 1 cost ‘nine million lives and in the end no ground was gained’(O’Connor). Those who fought and lived through the war became known as the Lost Generation. They were cynical with society and “lost faith in traditional values like courage, patriotism, and masculinity’(O’Connor). The Short Story ‘Soldier’s Home’ is an example of a Lost Generation story.

Hiking from the trailhead to Crater Lake is a distance of 3.4 miles, if you consider going for the round trip. The highest elevation on this trail is around 10,000 feet, with an elevation gain of 496 feet. There are very few trails that can match the stunning views along

“The Things They Carried” is a story based on the soldiers’ experiences in the Vietnam War and their experiences after the war. The story begins with a character named Jimmy Cross, who is the Lieutenant of the Alpha Company. Jimmy Cross carries letters from a girl named Martha, who he dated before he joined the army. He also carries her good luck pebble in his mouth. The narrator later describes items the other soldiers in the Company are carrying. Some of the items were insect repellant, knives, and chewing gum. The items the soldiers had carried were based on their priorities. For instance, Henry Dobbins carried his girlfriend panty hose since he was superstitious. Ted Lavender carried tranquilizer pills to keep himself calm and Kiowa carried the New Testament to show his religious beliefs. The items that they carried were also based by their rank and what they specialized in. For example, Lieutenant Cross carried maps and the lives of the soldiers, due to his rank. Rat Kiley carried supplies for serious wounds, malaria tablets, and morphine since he was the medic.

My name is Shonda Lilley. I am 39 years old, and employed as a dispatcher for Southern Tire Mart since November of 2014. Prior to working for Southern Tire Mart I worked for Clay’s Recovery Service as a Skip Tracer, Office Manager and then as a Manager from 2001-2014. I am writing you today to ask that you vote to release my fiancé, Paul Castagonla, 706915, on parole and allow him to return to me and his family.

“Daddy, hurry up!” he says, trying to hide a smile while glaring at me. I laugh and drive to his friend’s house.

"Mama, I need to get out of town for a few weeks, I saw one of them in the Wal-Mart yesterday and I fear that they may be back on my trail." Abdoulaye Coulibaly frantically told his mother, who was seated in their living room.

Considering that the military’s logistical structure hasn’t had a major improvement in over 60 years, the idea of streamlining and consolidating systems would be a welcome and much needed change. I currently work in the ammunition field for the U.S. Army and have done so for the past 18 years. The changes that the Marines are beginning to implement will help to free up resources and cut funds that could be used for other projects.

"Sof," Dean said. "Stay in the car until we get back. Don't touch anything. Just stay there." Sam gave a roll of his eyes as his older brother walked away. Dean cared for that car as if it were his ow child.