Taken for a Ride

Authors

Reinetta VanFollow

Document Type

1981-2000 Navy

Date

2025

Date of Submission

December 2025

Keywords

Mighty Pen Project, Veteran, Army

Abstract

The author recounts a moment of realization about her fiancé Frank’s drinking during a bike ride, which leads to a deeper conversation at home about alcohol’s impact on their relationship.

Articles, stories, and other compositions in this archive were written by participants in the Mighty Pen Project. The program, developed by author David L. Robbins, and in partnership with Virginia Commonwealth University and the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond, Virginia, offers veterans and their family members a customized twelve-week writing class, free of charge. The program encourages, supports, and assists participants in sharing their stories and experiences of military experience so both writer and audience may benefit.

Author Biography

Reinetta Van found her first writing niche with haiku and taught a class on it in third grade. She wrote her first book-length manuscript in high school, The Young Woman's Guide to Gray Girls: West Point Socializing Explained. Van has been a housecleaner, factory worker, veterinarian's assistant, and business owner. She retired after 36 years in the US Navy. Contact her at captainvanusnavy@gmail.com.

Rights

© The Author(s)

Is Part Of

Mighty Pen Project