On memorial day it's traditional to remember the heroic dead, but everyone is already doing that. Since the living can speak for themselves I'd rather honor them and their service to our country by pointing you to where you can hear their voices for yourself. Many aren't aware of it, but members of our military have embraced the blogosphere, and there are easily accessible blogs from soldiers in the field and from those who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan which give a unique insight into the War on Terror, the lives of our soldiers, and all sorts of things which are too mundanely positive for the major media to report on.
For reflections on the War in Iraq and related issues take a look at Iraq Now from an Iraq vet and reservist who has a particular interest in recruiting issues and correcting media errors about the war.
Some commentary from an Iraq vet who received a Silver Star for his role in the Fallujah campaign - Armor Geddon - much personal stuff, but also good material on the war in older posts.
M2 Gunner is deployed in Kirkuk and has some great stuff on his blog, including a fascinating recent interview held with a local Iraqi citizen. A real insight.
For a different perspective check out the writings of Robert Rees, a blackhawk pilot on his third tour of duty in Iraq.
Shawn Richardson is currently deployed in Iraq and has an interesting piece on his blog about some of the progress there that's not being reported in the media.
Dadmanly blogs from Iraq with some very pointed words for the US Media which everyone ought to read.
Some things come through from all of these blogs, including affection for the Iraqi people and a clear sense of raport and mutual respect, and a constant complaint from the field that what we see here in the media in America is not representative of conditions as they actually exist in Iraq. The good news doesn't get reported, and the bad news is often reported innacurately.
For more blogs from soldiers in the field and back home, check out MilBlogs and Blogs of War, both full of interesting links to sites with a perspective which most of us just aren't getting from the usual sources. And if you'd like to support our soldiers more directly, check out AnySoldier.com which has every kind of information on how you can send support in many forms, including care packages, to our men and women overseas.
Dave
Article comments
1 - Marty Horn
Dave,
Thanks for the note about our site. We are very different in many ways, and appreciate your support.
-Marty
2 - Dave Nalle
You seem to be doing good works just to do good, and without a bunch of political baggage, and that deserves a vote of confidence, especially in times when so many people have axes to grind and personal agendas to promote no matter who it hurts.
Dave
3 - SFC SKI
Milblogs are providing much better insight into Iraq and Afghanistan than most of the media does.
I was surprised by two articles in Sunday's Boston Globe, they were informative and objective.
4 - Dave Nalle
I think some of the media are picking up on Milblogs, and some of the blogs out there are getting very professional - launching points for future careers for some of these military bloggers.
Dave