The Writing
Reflections & Stories
John Schembari is a Vietnam War veteran of the U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Division, a patriotic songwriter, and an author. These are his short reflections and stories, in his own words, on service, sacrifice, gratitude, and the American Dream. New writing is added regularly.
Latest
ReflectionJune 26, 20263 min readOut Front
The Cavalry's job was to go out ahead of everyone else and be the eyes. I have been doing a version of that my whole life.
I served as an Aero Scout, which meant going out front to find what was waiting. I did not understand it then, but it taught me how to live: look ahead, and do not flinch at what you see.
Read- ReflectionJune 12, 20263 min read
What the American Dream Means to Me
It was never about the house at the end of the road. It was about the freedom to walk the road at all.
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- ReflectionMay 8, 20263 min read
Coming Home
I came back from Vietnam carrying something I hadn't left with: a profound gratitude for the country I'd been defending.
Read - TributeApril 3, 20262 min read
Why I Write Songs for Those Who Served
A song can say thank you in a way a handshake never could.
Read - StoryFebruary 18, 20262 min read
What a Foster Child Learns About Gratitude
Life doesn't always give you what you want. It gives you what you need to grow.
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More Writing Is on the Way
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