Holly Aho is making headlines again with her story about supporting troops, called From Here to There. It’s always nice to see milbloggers making a difference, especially Soldier’s Angels.  Clearly, most of you are wondering when I’m going to write a book.  So far I have a title: From There to Here (I know, how original).  In it, I’ll tell the story of being deployed and receiving support from strangers.  Also, I’ll share my firsthand account of the Cold-weather MRE farts; not to be confused with Hot-weather MRE farts.  Cold-weather MRE farts are so rare, so new, most professional farters (Hi CJ) have never heard of them.  Until you’ve whiffed a fart that smells like rotten-egg-salad-pig-vomit-feces-cabbage-foot, then you can’t say you’ve smelled the worst aroma in the world. My book is sure to be a hit!

Here’s an excerpt from the news story:

“GLENCOE, MN (PRWEB) March 1, 2006 -- From Here To There, by author Holly Aho, is finding a niche with an unexpected readership overseas - US troops looking for support and encouragement. Released on February 7th, 2006, the book immediately attracted readers looking to support our troops personally. A compilation of short stories, the book highlights everyday Americans doing what they can to support our troops, and their shared spirit of generosity that ensures each soldier feels that support.”

Read the entire story here.

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First off, I apologize to my readers (forgive me, Mary-Kate, forgive me) for not publishing all the stories that have been submitted via the Submit a Story link.  I guess, the guidelines could be better. I mean, submitting a dissertation with your thesis on the impact of humans on carnivores in Montana, really has nothing to do with milblogging.  But hey, that’s me.  So, if you’re sitting at your desk stabbing your JP-shaped-voodoo doll with burning pins, weeping and frustrated, cursing the day I was born, allow me to explain.

To submit a story, you need to register and sign in first. And while I’m sure most three-year olds and rabbits could figure this one out from the message that appears stating, “You must be signed in to use this feature. Please register and sign in.”, I just thought I’d remind you.  Now, before you flush your JP-shaped-voodoo-doll down the toilet, wait, there’s more.

Also, make sure to submit a story, hmmm, say, uh, maybe about military blogs.  I wanna know the latest buzz about military blogs and milbloggers.  Rumors, gossip, milblogs in the news.  I want to know about the hottest blogs in the military world and what people are saying about them. Oh, and keep it short.  It's supposed to be a tip, like a fortune-cookie. Here's a fortune: "You're not that interesting. Keep it short. -Nietzsche"   

And finally, non-spell checkers are my biggest pet peave.  Well, that, and people who pop their gum or chew with their mouth open. If you really wanna torture your JP-shaped-voodoo doll, forget the burning pins... Just eat loud next to the doll…you hairy, ill-mannered Neanderthals!

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If you haven’t read this story from 2004 (and I know most of you have), read it now.  There are gajillions of stories about milblogs on the internet whose deservingness has been recognized, but I think this one in particular has a lot of merit.  And NO, I don’t even know why I used the word, “deservingness”.  Honestly, I just like to say words like that to sound scholarly, and, to impress readers.  Next time I could just flex my arms, and ask, “Did you get your tickets to the gun show [while kissing my biceps]?” That always impresses people.  Seriously.  I use it all the time, well, because cheesy one-liners is what I'm all about... 

Here’s an excerpt of the story from The Daily Standard.  The story is called Rise of the Milblogs by Hugh Hewitt.

“…THE SKYROCKETING POPULARITY of the milblogs guarantees that it won't be long before two things happen.

First, major media will figure out that they want to link to one or more of these folks as a way of adding authenticity to their sites. I hope Pentagon regulations allow these folks to get paid when the professional link people arrive. After all, any site that wants traffic must know that these sites are climbing quickly up the daily traffic rankings.

Second, some mid-level Pentagon type will decide that troops and officers speaking their mind is a threat to the tradition of a military detached from politics. Here's hoping Secretary Rumsfeld squashes that with a pre-emptive snow-flake that notes this development is critical to the public's understanding of the sacrifices and contribution of America's military…”

Read the entire story here.

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…By the power vested in me, in the name of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, and by virtue of my good-looks, I hereby declare Midnight in Iraq: Milblogger of the Week.  See, I can pretty much do anything. Yes, anything. I wave my hand and recite the Jedi mind-trick, and things happen.  But that’s beside the point…

Jeff of Midnight in Iraq is currently deployed to Iraq with the Marine Corps.  He also moonlights as a kickass Halo videogame geek.  Considering many of my Infantry skills were honed by Halo, I think the bad guys are in for it, especially if Jeff’s half the player I am.  You wouldn’t think a videogame could teach you so much, but, uh,  you’re wrong. Where do you think I learned to trash-talk?  

Reader: But, I’ve never read Midnight in Iraq ...
ME: [in my best Obi-Wan Kenobi voice, while waving one hand] You will go read Midnight in Iraq, and, leave comments.
Reader:  I will go read Midnight in Iraq, and, leave comments.
ME:  Move along...

Here’s an excerpt from Midnight’s blog:

“Our PX is a fascinating place. It appears to be staffed by locals with just a few American employees in the upper leadership positions. This makes for some interesting experiences. One of the first things I learned is that no matter what you want, it will be here tomorrow. Need a 3M plastic hook with a sticky back? They may be out of them, but the person stocking the shelf will assure you that tomorrow you may return to find the product you desire. Colgate toothpaste, coffee mugs, rabid two-headed koalas…tomorrow, tomorrow, it’ll be here, tomorrow. You’re only a day away…”

Hat-tip to Eric for the nomination.

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Occasionally I like to post comments I receive by email.  Hey, I'm a giver. I’m sure most of you might not believe it, despite my stirring silver-tongued entries; even I get tired of blogging.  Yes, me. The same guy who would rather blog than pick up a telephone and talk.  I know, S-h-h-o-c-k-i-n-g!  That'll probably send most of you into hysterics faster than a liberal can scream, "Conspiracy!" at a Support-The-Troops rally, or at a Voting Booth, or when they're told to do work, or, well, you get the idea [feel free to add]. Now, sit up.  Take a moment, and breathe, and exhale, and, sob.  Sheesh, pull it together man.  Listen, it’s not you, it’s me.  (And by "it's not you, it's me", I really mean, "it's you.") 

Anyway, thank you to Inspectorgadgetq for the email.  

Dear Milblog,

I don't know how to post a comment, real computer newb. Just wanted to say how much you guys are loved, honored, and respected back home. I am a conservative Christian Rush  Limbaugh fan, and we have been impugned, scorned, and ridiculed since the MSM took over the country as a political party. That's not what I want to write about, though.

We owe you guys an unpayable debt that I just want to thank you for and encourage y'all. We (conservatives) realize that it is the solder, not the reporter, who has given us FREEDOM OF THE PRESS. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us the FREEDOM OF SPEECH. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the FREEDOM TO DEMONSTRATE. It is the soldier, not the lawyer, who has given us the RIGHT TO A FREE TRIAL.

IT IS THE SOLDIER, WHO SALUTES THE FLAG, WHO SERVES UNDER THE FLAG, AND WHOSE COFFIN IS DRAPED BY THE FLAG, who allows the protester to burn the flag.

These aren't my words (if I knew who to credit, I would), but they are my thoughts, and almost everyone I know agrees. Personally, I take it a bit further: IT IS THE SOLDIER, WILLING TO SACRIFICE, WHO ASSURES MY CONTINUED EXISTENCE AS AN INDIVIDUAL AND THE CONTINUED EXISTENCE OF OUR COUNTRY. MAY GOD BLESS Y'ALL. LOVE YOU GUYS.

Please fell free to do as you wish with my comments. Maybe reply?

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Today’s secret word is…. Milblog.  If you’re looking for milblogs, this is the place to be.  More and more milblogs are added to the database each week.   And yes, Milblogging, has really become routine for me.  It’s a big part of my life. Truly, there’s nothing better than throwing “milblog” or “milblogging” in a conversation with some stranger about the war, and seeing the annoying stupid look on their face when they say, “What’s a milblog? Uh, I watch CNN. *drool* *spit*.”  I’m not trying to say people who watch CNN are dumb, oh, wait, for crying out loud, yeah, I am.    

Read, and learn.

Post Combat Injuries , Sonny Kinsey, United States, Articles written about Post Concussion Syndrome an... , 23 Feb 2006

Robin - MySpace Blog , Robin, Iraq, A FEW TID BITS ABOUT ME. IVE BEEN IN THE MARINE CO... , 23 Feb 2006

Fix 4 RSO , Fix4RSO, United States, RedBall R-Square for the Reconnaissance Systems Of... , 22 Feb 2006

Diary of the Mad Pigeon , Jim Fielder, United States, Ecclectic mix of news, music, and literature comme... , 22 Feb 2006

This Is My Life , America, United States, This will be my place to ramble about whatever com... , 22 Feb 2006

Midnight in Iraq , Midnight, Iraq, In central Iraq, Lt. Midnight operates. Be carefu... , 21 Feb 2006

The Burning Begins... , Chrisss, United States, Name: Chrisss Location: Iraq , 21 Feb 2006

Sand in my Pants , Baker (Now with Ninja Slice Attack!), Iraq, Well I'm married to my awsome wife Dilia, im in th... , 21 Feb 2006

Such is the life of C.W. O'Brien , C.W. O'Brien, United States, I'm just your average college kid who rocks the in... , 21 Feb 2006

Contact Right....Under fire! , Elijah Allen, United States, Life isn't that bad. It beats the alternative." --... , 19 Feb 2006

Capt.Jason , Numerous, United States, The latest on Jason's recovery after his injury in... , 19 Feb 2006

SoldiersMind.com , Anthony J. Cavella, United States, A brief look inside the head of one Soldier stuck ... , 19 Feb 2006

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Hat-Tip: Holly Aho.  Now, I’ll be honest, I don’t watch the Olympics as often as I’d like.  Unless of course, it’s the Women’s Olympic Figure Skating competition.  Good stuff.  Okay okay, I really only watch it for one reason though: Figure Skater Sasha Cohen.  Granted, she could invent the cure for Athlete’s foot, yodel Whitney Houston’s “I will always Love you”, and tap dance on her head, but that stuff doesn’t impress me.  When I found out she was a Soldier’s Angel: I blocked my calendar, cancelled my regular reading of the Olsen Twins fanclub site, set Tivo to record Laguna Beach, and Feb 23rd --- I’ll be watching Ladies' Free Skate. Yeah, I said it. Ladies' Free Skate.  I love it when a plan comes together...

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I’ve never attended a conference, participated in a conference, or, even watched a conference before. But nothing could be better than a conference with the list of panelists below. Well, hehehehehe, unless of course, the conference has me in it. By the way, this egomaniac bit I pull, isn’t much of a stretch.  I don’t even try, it’s just a gift I have.  Like, my exceptionally good-looks and my abnormally large brain…and strange ghoulish-daggerlike-girly-fingers. Yes, really.  It’s a gift. Or, so my Mom says.

There’s still time to get a seat for the conference. Here’s a rundown of the panelists.  Seacrest...OUT.

CONFIRMED PANELISTS (as of FEB 16, 2006)

Master of Ceremonies:
Austin Bay

Panel #1 - Milblogs: Past, Present and Future
Moderator: Buzz Patterson Lieutenant Colonel, USAF (Ret)

Panelists:
CJ from A Soldier’s Perspective
Citizen Smash from The Indepundit
Matt from Blackfive
JP from  Milblogging.com
John from The Officers’ Club

Panel #2 - Milblogging Family Style
Moderator: Andi from Andi's World

Panelists:
Carla from Some Soldier's Mom
Carren From My Position
Chuck  From My Position

Panel #3 - Blogging From Theater
Panelists:
Capt B from One Marine's View
Bill Roggio from The Fourth Rail
Jeff from Dadmanly

Moderators - On-Line Forum:
Greyhawk and Mrs. G from The Mudville Gazette

Official Conference Bloggers:
Kit and Heidi from Euphoric Reality
Lynn from GunnNutt
La Shawn from La Shawn Barber's Corner
Holly from Soldiers’ Angels – Holly Aho
Lisa and Chris from Two Babes and a Brain

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It’s been an emotional week for me: I learned the Olsen twins are not even identical twins, they’re just fraternal.  When I think about it too much, it makes me want to completely abandon my Mary-Kate and Ashley obsession. Please, give me a minute to collect my thoughts... Now, let me introduce you to the Milblogger of the Week: Lt K of Wordsmith At War.  First off, he’s in Iraq. And more importantly, he’s an unbelieveably great writer.  And by great, I mean he uses five-, some times six-syllable words.  I know, shocking.  To be honest, I wish I could write good like Lt K. Here’s an excerpt from Lt K’s blog:

“Just now some friendly artillery was fired. I heard the BOOM, and then the glorious sound of the projectile sluicing the air a few hundred feet over my location towards a carefully predetermined target. I won’t miss that sound, but I do love it. I could actually hear the whizzzzz – whistling past me as the Doppler Effect played tricks on my ears. There is a dark satisfaction in hearing friendly fire in response to enemy fire. Sometimes I cheer out loud. But the juxtaposition of the skies’ gray coloration and the symbolism of the artillery is still an odd one.”

What the hell, I’ll try: Lt K’s spellbinding eloquent entries are certainly deserving of recognition and that’s why I shall anoint his masterfully, yet rugged blog as my je-ne-sais-quoi, Milblogger of the Week. It is undeniably a brilliantly written weblog that is strikingly superior than anything written by the mainstream crap, uh, media, albeit Fox News and a few others are delightful… Shit, who am I kidding? I had to use every brain cell just to write those two lines. I’m exhausted. Go read his blog.

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Here’s the latest batch of milblogs added to the database.  The USA Today is even sporting a military blog of sorts called “Dispatches From Iraq: From the war zone with troops.”  Now, say that in one breath. The original title: “USA Today’s New Blog of Dispatches From Iraq: From the war zone with troops, as we follow the troops as they continue their campaign in Iraq”… But, apparently, it was too long.  *scratching forehead* Yes, I know, preposterous.  Anyway, check out the newest milblogs below.  Thunder! Thunder! Thundercats HO!

Chapter: War , D, Iraq, A bountiful life , 19 Feb 2006

Blogs of a retired Infantryman , Infantryds, United States, Entries of a recently retired soldier. , 19 Feb 2006

Fotoblog of an Airman in Iraq , Binarypunk, Iraq, Age: 24 Gender: male Astrological Sign: Sagitt... , 19 Feb 2006

A Minister and an Airman , DynamoKid and Jessie, United States, Simple updates on the newlywed life of Luke and Je... , 19 Feb 2006

Beyond Bin Laden , Matthew Hansen, Dior Azcuy, Afghanistan, The Afghan-Nebraska Link posted by JournalStar.com... , 16 Feb 2006

Dispatches From Iraq: From the war zone with the troops , Kimberly Johnson, Iraq, USA TODAY's new blog follows the troops as they co... , 16 Feb 2006

TacoDelRio's Xanga Site , Ryan loves Burritos, United States, Interests: Walking around in the desert and mounta... , 15 Feb 2006

The Todd , Todd, United States, I'm a Grenadier in the 3/509th Parachute Infantry ... , 15 Feb 2006

Jeff's Airborne Diary , Jeff, Germany, This is my Blog about my way to a military career,... , 13 Feb 2006

Old Sgt's Outpost , GWD, United States, As the Title suggests I am a vet, and proud of it,... , 13 Feb 2006

FX-Based , Sonny, United States, Blog covering issues related to effect-based opera... , 12 Feb 2006

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It's time we add a new Branch Category: U.S. Military Supporter. Kinda like, Soldier’s Angel Holly Aho or Kat - they're huge military supporters.  "Military Supporter" seems better than U.S. Civilian, well, at least, for some of the bloggers.  I wouldn't want to group Holly Aho, with Michael-Moore.  I'd rather be classified as a excrement-eating-pig-vomit-monster, than be in the same category as Michael Moore. Believe it or not, even excrement-eating-pig-vomit-monsters have standards. Anyway, be patient while I go through and manually research and update all the 1,358 U.S. Civilian blogs in the database to see who fits into "Military Supporter". This looks like a job for Superman. 

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Today, open registration began for the Milblog Conference.  Did I mention I’ll be there? Moi.  Open registration means anyone can register. Military.  Family.  A jeep full of ANA soldiers. The Olsen twins. Ring-tailed lemurs. Yes, I mean, anyone.

From Andi of Andi's World:

Beginning today, registration for the 2006 MilBlog Conference is open to the general public. Registration is free of charge. The conference is open to anyone, you do not have to be a blogger to attend.

Join us in our nation's capital on April 22 for a day full of interesting discussion on topics associated with milblogging. Register now, before all 300 seats are filled.

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Captain's Log, Stardate 200602.16:  It appears the mainstream media’s only chance of survival is to start blogging, that, or get hired at McDonald’s.  Remember when none of the news sites had  blogs? And now, every news anchor and their Mom have a blog. Yeah, thanks for starting a blog Anderson Cooper, thanks a lot.  Like listening to you on T.V. wasn’t bad enough, now you have a blog. Are there really people out there saying to themselves, “Gawd, I need more Anderson.  I hope he has a blog.  His fast-moving, fastpaced story on the connection between cracking knuckles and arthritis, should put him in the running for an Emmy.."

...Beam me up, Scotty.

Here’s an excerpt from a college paper that talks about military blogs and the mainstream media:

(U-WIRE) BATON ROUGE, La. – About the only thing activists for and against the war in Iraq could agree on Monday is that they don't trust mainstream media.

The Iraq war debate between anti-war protester Cindy Sheehan and U.S. Marine Lt. Col. David Couvillon drew, among others, a small group of war-supporting mothers and anti-war organizers with seemingly nothing in common except that they said they look to alternative forms of media, particularly Internet blogs, to get their news.

The sentiments reflect what blog researchers already know. Recent Internet research shows blog readership jumped 58 percent in 2004, and blog readers find personal publishers, or "bloggers," to be much more credible than traditional journalists.

Read the entire story here.

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National Review Online asked Veteran Milbloggie-Winner Matt, of Blackfive and other prominent bloggers, “who tops their list besides family and true love..” Matt sent in Patti Patton-Bader, founder of Soldier's Angels.

Now, as sincerely honest-to-goodness as I can say it, who tops my own list, it would be all my "crackheads" and "hausfraus" who supported me since my Afghanistan deployment. You know who you are.   Although I can’t write like Matt (see below), the homage I just wrote is about as good as it gets. Man, the things I do for my "crackheads" and "hausfraus"...  Happy Valentine's Day! 

Matt writes:

Patti's son Brandon was part of the Iraq invasion in April of 2003. He knew of many soldiers who never received a letter from home. So Patti began a program for ordinary Americans to "adopt" a soldier. It was a huge success. Patti's organization blossomed and became the umbrella non-profit for many other smaller groups. Possibly, the most amazing aspect of Soldiers' Angels is their ability to help our wounded recover. Bear with me for a minute and I'll explain.

Read the entire story here.

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This week’s “Milblogger of the Week” is Hooah Wife.  Greta, who runs the site, is a Veteran blogger.  She and her unpaid help (Hi Silke and Indian Chris) seek blogger world domination.  Kinda like me, only, in my fantasy world, I’ve already achieved that.  And in my fantasy world, the Olsen Twins win Best Picture for New York Minute. Whaaat?

When I asked Greta about her non-PC site and what it's all about, she responded, “We don't drink Kool-aid - we pee in it!" Man, what could be cooler than reading a blog like that? I've learned a few things that attract readers since I started blogging: calling CNN the crappiest-News-Network-ever-put-on-TV every chance I get, sharing my Olsen Twins obsession with you the reader, and of course, peeing in Kool-aid.   

Greta is also a military wife. Yeah, that’s pretty obvious, and I feel I shouldn't have to say anything more --- But hey, MTV is called Music Television, so, uh, if you still watch MTV thinking you're going to hear music, well, then, don't hold your breath. And no, Britney Spears videos don't count as music.  Unless of course, you're drunk, have no life, and think the sound of a lion getting it's tail pulled is music.  Now, go over and check out Greta's blog.  Tell her I sent you, no no, tell her I ordered you.  Hi-Ho, Silver and away!

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We’re now at 1,209 milblogs in the Milblogging.com database.  Yah!  1,209. I’ve always known that there were at least 1,000 milblogs on the internet. Man, I know everything...In other news, here’s the latest batch of milblogs added to the Milblogging.com database:

GuardStepMom's vigil , Carol, United States, GuardStepMom's vigil for stepson. , 12 Feb 2006

Army Sister, Hooah! , Emily Turpin, United States, My brother recently joined the Army and is current... , 11 Feb 2006

Waiting on my soldier , Courtney, United States, MY SOLDIER & I HAVE BEEN TOGETHER FOR 6 YEARS. WE ... , 11 Feb 2006

Liber Libera - The Independant , Thomas Rowley, United Kingdom, A potential recruits life as he tries to join the ... , 10 Feb 2006

Rule 308 , John Piedmont, United States, Timely observations and trenchant commentary on a ... , 09 Feb 2006

The Jake Silver Show , Jake Silver, United States, One man blogs about being a husband, a father and ... , 09 Feb 2006

The Simer Report , Josh and Kelly, United States, Updates from Josh and Kelly...Josh is now at the J... , 07 Feb 2006

Ticket Tossing Cop , Johnny Rooke, Iraq, Johnny Rooke Gender: male Industry: Military ... , 07 Feb 2006

Thoughts by the , Pabstman, United States, I am college kid that is attending the University ... , 07 Feb 2006

Thezeke , Zeke, United States, I'm from Northern Minnesota. Currenty in Mississip... , 07 Feb 2006

Chapter:War , D, Iraq, Infantryman blogging from Iraq. Also posts meditat... , 05 Feb 2006

World Wide Weekend Warrior , Grunt, United States, I am a Minnesota guy. Joined the National Guard wh... , 05 Feb 2006

Freedom isn't free , Nghobes, United States, Noah Hoback West of the Twin Cities, Minnesota I g... , 05 Feb 2006

Chez Noiroi Home Away from Home , Franklyn Colebrooke, United States, "Walk by faith, not by sight." "Do not strike the ... , 05 Feb 2006

House O' Maddog , Maddog, United States, Situation: I have been given the choice to serve i... , 05 Feb 2006

Matthew Demaree , Matthew Demaree, United States, Matthew Demaree: HHT 1-167 RSTA 1-34 BCT , 05 Feb 2006

Jen's Blog , Jen, Iraq, Living life to the fullest every minute of every d... , 05 Feb 2006

I'm pretty boring , Joe_r911, United States, Bio: I work at a movie theater...I'm in the Army r... , 04 Feb 2006

Was is Should Having Been Said: The Blog , Spc. Cody Graves, Iraq, Blogging in Dropped-D, because it's easier. , 04 Feb 2006

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An Anonymous commenter on the Milblog Conference 2006 website, in response to the Purpose of the Conference, asked, “Will milblogs by soldiers and veterans of OIF who are critical of the war be allowed to participate? (Because looking at your list of participants, I dont see any)”. 

Then, another anonymous commenter, left:

“It appears to be another propaganda event rather than a informational event. The only "stories" that will be allowed here will be stories that support the Bush administration's policy in Iraq. The "first come-first serve" is mearly a method used to keep out bloggers critical of the war in Iraq. No matter whom comes first, critical bloggers will be kept out or down to a minimum number. Then of course the whole thing will be billed as "see how the military, even down to the lowest levels, are so in favor of the war".”

Huh.  Honestly, what’s wrong with these people? Nobody, and I mean, nobody, could be this paranoid, could they? Why is everything a conspiracy?

One of the bloggers responded to Anonymous:

“As far as I know, this conference is open to anyone and everyone associated with milblogging, or the military. I have not received any notice that requires me to keep my opinions - positive OR negative with regard to the GWOT/the Bush administration/etc. - in check. Not everything is a conspiracy. Good grief.” –hfs

Well, I’m off. It’s the weekend.  I have some evildoing to take care of. You know? The usual stuff I do. Arrange the outcome of next weeks’ Milblogger of the week.  Scam some votes, and other stuff.  Because, that’s what us milbloggers who support Bush and the war do.   We, conspire..

Anyway, you can read the entire message thread here. And while you’re there. Don’t forget to register for the Conference. Of course, only if you support Bush.

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Can’t attend the Oscars this year? I can do one better. How about the First Annual Milblog Conference? Now, keep in mind, there won’t be any celebrities at the conference. Okay, I’m lying; I’ll be there (unless of course, my wife has the baby).  Anyway, JP plus CJ plus all the other great milbloggers in attendance, divided by one day multiplied by beer = one helluva time.

Your idol,

JP
Webmaster, Milblogging.com

Thanks to Andi of Andi’s World for organizing this. You can reserve your seat today. And yes, it’s free. So you really have no excuse.  Better hurry.

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This is what I like to see –-- milbloggers making a name for themselves.  Ahhhh, I get a warm fuzzy inside.  Although, I suppose you could get caught driving with your infant son on your lap (Hi Britney), and still make a name for yourself.  Me? I prefer to see things like this…

Milbloggie-Winner Holly Aho, takes readers through her own personal experiences as a Soldiers’ Angel in her newly authored book “From Here to There”.  Here’s the press release…

“From Here To There" an intimate look at the joys and sorrows of supporting our troops, by author Holly Aho.

(PRWEB) February 7, 2006 -- "From Here To There" is the story of author Holly Aho’s involvement in supporting our troops as a member of Soldiers’ Angels. Taking readers through her own personal experiences visiting the wounded, meeting the families of fallen heroes and encouraging those still serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, Holly gives an intimate look at the work of a Soldiers’ Angel.

Also filled with letters from soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, "From Here to There" gives readers an inside look at the many ways they can become involved in supporting our troops on a personal level. From boot camp to a celebrated return home from the front lines, from our wounded in recovery to consoling the families of fallen heroes, these stories of encouragement, pride, laughter and sorrow will move every American’s heart.

"From Here To There" is available for purchase at www.lulu.com, and in Amazon.com’s Marketplace.”

Read the entire press release here.

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Last week, I did an interview with a newspaper by the name of The Daily News.  Don’t know about you, but I have a real hard time doing interviews.  Okay, even holding a conversation. Maybe it’s because I always end up sticking my foot in my mouth.  Like yesterday, my beautiful wife (who is six months pregnant) asks me, “Do you think my belly looks big?” and I say, “You look like you’re about to explode.”  Now, take a moment, and try to picture what happened after that brilliant response from yours truly.  Based on the fact, her eyes turned red, her head started glowing and spinning, and the kitchen stove flew at me, I’m going to say… “explode”, wasn’t the right choice of words. Maybe, “pop”?

Here’s an excerpt of the story by Anne Clark, about the milblogs that is:

Military blogs, or milblogs, are increasingly popular with service members, here and abroad.

They write for many reasons — out of boredom, for stress relief, to let their loved ones know they’re okay, to counter the mainstream media — and in a range of styles. Observations are profane or personal, sometimes even literary.

“The mud is the same, the high walls still grope for the sky,” wrote Danjel Bout in his milblog “365 and a Wakeup,” located at http://thunder6.typepad.com. “I have changed. I’ve sipped from the poison chalice of loss. Mortal things cannot brush shoulders with eternity without bearing the psychic scars of their meeting.”

The California National Guardsman recently returned from a tour in Iraq.

Read the entire story here.

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