GERARDO MENA is a decorated Iraqi Freedom veteran. He spent six years in Special Ops with the Reconnaissance Marines and was awarded a Navy Achievement Medal with a V for Valor for multiple acts of bravery. He has been nominated for a Pushcart, won or placed in several contests, and was selected for Best New Poets 2011. He has pieces published or forthcoming from Cream City Review, Raleigh Review, Diagram, and Cider Press Review, among others. For more information go to www.gerardomena.com.