Better Writers than me!
I wanted to take an opportunity to showcase two other great blogs out there having to do with the war in Afghanistan and Iraq. Many people email or comment that the MSM fails to paint an accurate picture of the situations on the ground in both theaters.
Having now served here I can tell you that my operating picture prior to arriving here, generated mostly by the MSM, was significantly skewed. These guys paint a picture of what it’s like to be a soldier on the ground and they have some great writing.
The first is “The War on Big Tobbaco” www.sargeasmic.com
Additionally, he’s nominated for best military blog; so he needs support to win and thus unchain his wit and wisdom on the greater world. I’ll caution those that are sensitive to language and some humor. As it says on the sign at the Ranger Training Brigade; “Not for the faint of heart”. Check him out and go vote for him, he’s served his time in hell so we should reward him for his superb writing and insight. You’ll laugh and cringe, and you won’t be disappointed.
The second blog is “Free Range International” blog.freerangeinternational.com/ a great blog written by a security contractor with extensive experience here in Afghanistan. Somebody snaked his body armor so he could use some help getting some more; check his blog and you’ll see what I’m talking about. He’s got some great insight into the COIN fight and possible solutions. I’ve enjoyed his take on the issues and he researches much better than me, most of my stuff is just spouting off about my opinions.
Check these two guys out and make sure to vote for Big Tobbaco in the blog awards. You can vote once every 24 hours.
They're not better writers than you. Just different. Your blog is shaping up to be one the best coming out of Afghanistan.
I'm already following Free Range International since Old Blue turned me on to him.
And as for Big Tobacco, he's all you say and more and I've been voting for him.
All three of you are great writer's and we thank you for doing it while putting your life on the line Sir.
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Thanks for the plug, sir. Now if I hurry, I can get ice cream before the DEFAC closes.
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Hey, thanks for checking out my site. I look forward to reading some of your entries. Big Tobacco is hilarious. A lot of the guys in my unit enjoy his blogs and I'm usually laughing hysterically after reading them.
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First, thank you for your service and your great writing. I have a son who's a Blackhawk crew chief in 'stan. Reading your blog has helped give me a picture of the FOB's that are part of my son's mission. The vocab & background that I pick up helps me have better communication with my son.
Your stories remind me of a story he told. Soon after they arrived, one of his pilots was arrested for peeing behind the 'hawk before takeoff. My comment - I hope it wasn't a MEDEVAC mission with a severely injured soldier waiting for a pickup. Who are we fighting anyway?
FYI the “The War on Big Tobbaco” link has the html garbled at the end. You might want to edit it.
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The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the blog post From the Front: 01/13/2009 News and Personal dispatches from the front and the home front.
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Don't sell yourself short there, Sir. I enjoy your words describing your current situation.
Especially as I've got the inside track to one of the best wordsmiths around...Bill and Bobs Excellent Adventure. Ok, so maybe I'm biased. But still, keep writing.
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I took a course that somehow captured my imagination when most of my brethren had difficulty keeping their eyelids open. Classroom instruction to the masses, death by powerpoint. At issue for Dr. Strange was how to get a grip on Information Overload. Data, Information, Knowledge, Understanding - goal being Understanding. The service rendered by your entertaining off eloquent prose and that of esteemed company {Big Tobacco, et. al.} is that you provide intimate knowledge of subject matter to those that have use and those that care. The prize, Wisdom. Thank you for supplying words in a vehicle that will leave an indelible mark on the brain housing unit, especially for those of us that suffer continuous partial attention.
With Utmost Respect ~ Semper Fi, Hank
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