Author: sparks1524

I am a novelist, photojournalist, teacher, poet, writer, and story teller.

Travel Log – Fort Pickens

PENSACOLA, Fla., (Sept. 13, 2023) – Fort Pickens defended Pensacola Bay for over 100 years, serving through a radical development in military technology that saw smooth-bore cannons swiftly give way to aerial bombardments and missiles. Fort Pickens began its martial life as part of the Third System of seacoast fortifications.  This military construction boom resulted … Continue reading Travel Log – Fort Pickens

Veteran Talk – Fighting the VA

Join me for a brief and energetic conversation about problems with the VA in general, and the VA Pensacola Clinic in particular.  After being shunted between NINE providers (primary care and mental health) in LESS than two years, I'm fed up.  There is a solution to this, but it's a long game and we have … Continue reading Veteran Talk – Fighting the VA

Gettysburg 160, Parts 1 – 5

Gettysburg 160 is a day-by-day exploration of the Battle of Gettysburg—in all its glory and horror—during the 160th anniversary over July 1 – 3, 2023.  This video links all five parts into one production! https://youtu.be/K88lZVpNw60 #nathanaelmiller, #sparks1524, #Gettysburg, #CivilWar, #BattleofGettysburg, #AbrahamLincoln, #RobertELee, #GeorgeMeade, #Union, #Confederate, #war, #military, #Pennsylvania,

Gettysburg 160 – Days 4 & 5

NEW VIDEO!  The Battle of Gettysburg crashed to a halt on July 3rd, 1863, but the story doesn't end there.  The Confederate army began its retreat to Virginia in pouring rain while, at the same time, the great Confederate citadel at Vicksburg in Mississippi fell to Union forces.  These double victories together were the fulcrum … Continue reading Gettysburg 160 – Days 4 & 5

Gettysburg 160 – Day 3

NEW VIDEO!!  July 3rd, 1863—the Battle of Gettysburg comes crashing to a limb-ripping, rib-cracking, skull-crushing, soul-shocking end.  Although the grand debacle of Pickett's Charge rightfully dominates the story, there are other highly significant areas that were part of this grand and bloody pageant. https://youtu.be/SzdU4hH_H8w #nathanaelmiller, #sparks1524, #gettysburg, #civilwar, #abrahamlincoln, #robertelee, #Pennsylvania, #military, #army, #war,

Gettysburg 160 – Day 1

NEW VIDEO SHORT!  Day 1 of the Battle of Gettysburg sees the first shot fired at 7:30 in the morning.  This small shot heard 'round the nation signaled the beginning of the biggest battle of the war. https://youtu.be/jPH_f6xW4gM #nathanaelmiller, #sparks1524, #civilwar, #gettysburg, #Union, #Confederate, #Pennsylvania,

Gettysburg 160 – Introduction & the Cashtown Inn

NEW VIDEO SHORT!! Join me for a brief introduction to the 160th anniversary of the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg—the largest battle ever joined in North America.  I'll be broadcasting some video shorts as the commemoration goes forward through Independence Day weekend. https://youtu.be/IZ-q9Eiu6XE #nathanaelmiller, #sparks1524, #gettysburg, #battleofgettysburg, #civilwar, #pennsylvania, #robertelee, #confederate, #union, #abrahamlincoln, #battle, #war, #history, … Continue reading Gettysburg 160 – Introduction & the Cashtown Inn

Short Takes – USS Stewart

NEW 'SHORT TAKES' VIDEO!  Step aboard USS Stewart, one of the great, unsung fleet of destroyer escorts that provided critical anti-submarine protection to Allied forces during World War II!  These tiny ships, some of the smallest ocean-going warships fielded by the Navy during the war, were one of the key assets which prevented the Axis … Continue reading Short Takes – USS Stewart

Autism 51 – First Days

NEW VIDEO!  "Autism 51 – First Days" explores this first few weeks I've had of living with a diagnosis of autism.  Already several mysteries about me and my life have FINALLY been answered, but it's still a process, journey, and even kind of a massive impact rearranging vast swaths of, well, me!  Join me for … Continue reading Autism 51 – First Days