Don't Ever Call Me A Hero

Book update.

Published on 2010-10-01 19:46:15

Hello all, I apologize for the length of time that has passed between postings. First off, things are going well here in the mountains. I am progressing with the with the book,Don’t Ever Call Me A Hero . I am in a new phase of editing and I hope to broach completion within the next [...]

Now, feel free to impersonate war heroes, judge rules.

Published on 2010-07-22 09:13:46

U.S. District Judge Robert Blackburn has ruled the Stolen Valor Law unconstitutional. Wait, what? In an unprecedented display of “Freedom of Speech”, the Judge dismissed Rick Strandlof’s charges under the stolen valor law on July 17th. This is insulting. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the case, Mr. Strandlof was a US Marine. [...]

Mystery blight decimating Afghan poppy harvest

Published on 2010-05-13 14:17:44

Up to a third of Afghanistan’s poppy harvest this spring? Dead. Killed by a mysterious disease wreaking havoc on the country’s primary source of income. The Taliban’s public relations strategy will say that the U.S. has introduced this disease to destroy the farmer’s crops, even though US forces have significantly decreased efforts against the poppy [...]

Space Marines? Space Marines.

Published on 2010-04-17 12:04:12

Former Marine Colonel Roosevelt Lafontant first pushed the idea of a Marine space plane in 2002. Long a sci-fi fantasy, it’s becoming a reality, sooner than you think. With the Air Force launching a space plane this week, the Marine Corps has issued a ConOps, or Concept of Operations regarding a space-bound aerial drop platform [...]

Update on the book

Published on 2010-04-13 12:35:10

I know it’s been about a month or so since I have posted. I’ve been working hard on the book, and here is the official status update. As you can see here, I’ve finished the cover design. I designed it all myself with the input of a few authors I get together with every month.I [...]

We want to hear your stories

Published on 2010-03-15 09:38:01

Over at The Unconscious Warrior Project my wife and I are calling out to veterans, their spouses, loved ones, and significant others to tell us your stories. War takes its toll on so many different levels, and we want to hear what changes it has had in you, and what you have done in your [...]

What my dog Freyja meant to me

Published on 2010-03-10 10:55:22

Monday night, our two dogs were on the deck playing. Hannah pawed the door to come in, and she came running. Freyja did not. I turned the light on to see her laying there, still, not responding to my voice. I ran out into the snow in my bare feet, wearing nothing more than a [...]

Pakistan seizes networks of Taliban caves

Published on 2010-03-03 09:40:33

After a long offensive in the federally administered tribal areas of Pakistan, Paki forces declared that they had seized a large network of caves in the Bajaur tribal area—a final militant holdout. This network of caves is just four miles from Asadabad, where I was stationed in 2005. While there are strongholds remaining along the [...]

A Marine’s critical review of The Hurt Locker

Published on 2010-02-26 13:52:28

I finally watched The Hurt Locker last night. I was sorely disappointed. For a movie that has been receiving awards left and right, I expected more. A lot more. Let’s start with the portrayal of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal tech, Sergeant James. He’s a cavalier, reckless, careless, adrenaline junkie. He disregards all safety, tactics, techniques, [...]

Marines encountering stiff resistance in Marjah

Published on 2010-02-19 09:14:16

Marines are now encountering stiff resistance in the northern part of Marjah, reports say. Three more coalition troops have lost their lives in the battle, bringing the tally to 11. While more casualties are mounting than previously, it’s still significantly less than what coalition officers had prepared for. The Taliban have also deployed new tactics. [...]