sergeant's story throughout his deployment in Afghanistan. Vivid emotions that Will Higginbotham could not share with his men, instead, were shared in both prose and artistic sketches to his mother. Often penned in the stark aftermath or impending prelude to battle, this journal is a haunting and powerful tale of the struggle during wartime to do one's duty, yet to remain human. Higginbotham's hope was that this journal be used for good -- for veterans who need to know that they are not alone in their feelings and thoughts, for new soldiers who have not yet experienced war, and for families and friends of veterans who want to know what their soldier may have experienced. Dedicated to all veterans (past, present, and future), with special recognition to those who have given all and for those who have suffered battle wounds and scarring that may or may not be visible to the naked eye.