Personal & Military History Stories from Veterans

Stories that matter come to life with Ashley Creek Publishing. Our story platform is a place where you can find original content and articles by various writers. We bridge the realms of travel, medicine, and military culture through compelling narratives. Our contributors have decades of professional experience while traversing the world.

David and Rhonda Freel are a husband-and-wife team whose shared passion for military, history, veteran stories, travel, art, and the enduring spirit of service shapes every post on this blog.

David and Rhonda met in 1987 as privates stationed together in Alaska, where they began their Army careers—and their life together. They married soon after and built a family while continuing to serve. In 1993, David earned a commission as a Second Lieutenant and Physician Assistant. He went on to serve 30 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. His distinguished career included 27 months in combat with the 25th Infantry Division and 1st Cavalry Division. In recognition of his service, David was awarded the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars, three Meritorious Service Medals, an Army Commendation Medal for Valor, and the Combat Medical Badge. He is a member of the Order of Military Medical Merit and has received numerous other commendations for both wartime and peacetime contributions.

Rhonda continued her own service after their marriage, deploying with the 1st Cavalry Division during the Gulf War. Following her honorable departure from the military, she pursued studies in interior design, art history and became an exceptionally talented, self-taught chef while devoting herself to raising their children.

Today, David and Rhonda are entrepreneurs and partners across an array of business ventures. Yet it is their mutual love of history, travel, food and wine, art, the military, and—most importantly—the soldiers and families who serve that forms the heart of this blog.

Through personal reflections, carefully researched stories, and vivid accounts, we invite you to explore, reflect, and share your feedback with us. We are grateful to have you join us on this journey.

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