Short Rations: Ready-to-Read Stories from the Battlefield and the Homefront of the United States Marines is the tentative title of an anthology to be published in 2013 by Major Ralph Stoney Bates, USMC (Ret.) of Greenville, South Carolina, an ex-drill instructor at Parris Island and career Corpsman. The collection is dubbed by Bates as both "heroic tales of war" and stories that are "everyday tales of the unwashed masses." If you are a marine or know one, you can be part of this effort.

Bates and assistant editor Amanda Capps, a writing instructor of Bates, developed the idea of soliciting stories from across the U.S. that will provide insight into the lives of U.S. Marine personnel, veterans, and their families, a behind-the-scenes look at military life, serious, hilarious or both.

According to Bates:

We're looking for any true, first person account that gives readers insight into the lives of U.S. Marines, Fleet Marine Force sailors (veterans and retired included), and their families. The stories could be about historic events or humorous incidents that come with everyday life. It takes all kinds to keep the mean green machine running.

The ideal submission written personally or as told to another person should be at least 800 words and submitted with a $25 "reading fee" which, they say, in part will benefit the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation and the Wounded Warrior Project. Each chosen contributor will be awarded a copy of the book and encouraged to participate in book signings in their local areas. The deadline for participation is October 1, 2012.

All work should be double-spaced in standard 12 pt. font like Arial or Times New Roman using Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) and sent as an attachment here. Information about past publishing experience, if any, should be included with the work. A link to PayPal may be found on the website Short Rations.

For more information send an e-mail here or phone Capps at (864) 363-1528.

EDITOR'S NOTE: We were hesitant posting this piece when we saw the $25 "reading" fee, albeit partially contributed to benefit soldiers. However, the effort seems legitimate enough, assuming any proceeds for the book also are used to support veterans. Go here for a short interview of Major Bates conducted by "Your Carolina with Jack & Kimberly."

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