Comments on: $5,000 Contest for Military Bloggers

By: Mitchell Miller

Mitchell Miller — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 02:50:17 +0000

I nominate these three blogs:

http://www.sgtstryker.com/
http://www.blackfive.net/
http://froggyruminations.blogspot.com/

By: Josh Dippold

Josh Dippold — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 19:16:17 +0000

You can’t go wrong with http://www.sgthook.com

By: The Captain’s Journal » Military Blog Contest

The Captain’s Journal » Military Blog Contest — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 19:59:02 +0000

Here is the link: VA Mortgage Center Blog Vote Page

By: Mitch Lunsford

Mitch Lunsford — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 20:49:11 +0000

There is none better than Blogs of War. It’s been there since the start and remains just as valid, interesting and informative today.

By: BLACKFIVE

BLACKFIVE — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 14:15:46 +0000

Military Blog Contest on VA Mortgage Blog…

A reader alerted me to this contest where you can vote for your favorite military blog: …We are awarding $250 to the top 10 military related blogs, according to votes from our users. And the top military blog will receive…

By: xformed

xformed — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 14:43:57 +0000

Please do not leave Neptunus Lex off this list!

By: eric sterk

eric sterk — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 15:03:40 +0000

I’d vote for
http://www.mudvillegazette.com/

but I don’t see it on your list.

By: b

Sat, 13 Jan 2007 16:52:55 +0000

One Marine’s View (www.onemarinesview.com)
and Sandgram (sandgram.blogspot.com)

By: annette

annette — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 17:13:09 +0000

Please consider the following two blogs written by soldiers who just recently returned from Iraq.

http://boredsoldier.blogspot.com/
americancitizensoldier.blogspot.com/

By: Bobnivik

Bobnivik — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 17:46:44 +0000

Castle Argghhh!!! is always a good read, for both history and current ops. Http://www.thedonovan.com They have my vote.

By: acavella

acavella — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 17:48:22 +0000

I nominate:

http://www.soldiersperspective.us
and
http://www.soldiersmind.com

By: Terri

Terri — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 18:02:14 +0000

I too say A Soldier’s Perspective and A Soldier’s Mind should be on your list. Both are great blogs.

By: Karen I.

Karen I. — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 18:36:44 +0000

I’m with b, but I also think Samantha Speaks and Cookiecrumb Express should be added. Thankyou.

By: Troy Steward

Troy Steward — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 18:44:08 +0000

I would like to nominate my own blog, and say that if I were to win any winnings would be donated 100% to the Fischer House Foundation. This blog is of my true to life experiences while serving as an Embedded Training Team member with the Afghan National Army.

By: Christine Steward

Christine Steward — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 19:00:31 +0000

My Husband, who is currently deployed in Afghanistan, has a web blog on our family website. our family web site is www.bouhammer.com. He is blog is called Afghanblog. I would like to nominate my husband’s blog for this contest.

By: Michael in MI

Michael in MI — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 19:41:00 +0000

Mudville Gazette (http://www.MudvilleGazette.com) should be on there as well as MilBlogs (http://www.MudvilleGazette.com/Milblogs). Also Curt at Flopping Aces (http://www.floppingaces.net).

By: Pass The Brass

Pass The Brass — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 20:03:58 +0000

[…] Hi Guys. It’s Chad. I’m posting this for Sure Fire, because he isn’t always the most astute young whippersnapper. VA Mortgage is having a “best milblog contest“. And PTB was on the list of nominees. So if you’re interested, you can vote for him. […]

By: Laurel Tremaine

Laurel Tremaine — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 20:20:43 +0000

Written by 1SGT Troy Steward. Down to earth, factual, not weighted down with politics. Read 1SGT Steward’s blog to get the very latest, most accurate news about what’s going on over in Afghanistan! 1SGT Steward tells it like it is!! And, there are some great pictures on his blogsite, too!! ; )

By: Pass The Ammo » Blog Archive » Another Best Milblog Contest

Pass The Ammo » Blog Archive » Another Best Milblog Contest — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 20:28:38 +0000

[…] VA Mortgage is hosting another “Best Milblog Contest”. There’s a mighty generous cash prize for the winner. Be sure to head over and cast yer vote. […]

By: Tim Boggs

Tim Boggs — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 20:34:58 +0000

I’m not above shamless self promotion. boredsoldier.blogspot.com

By: Willie

Willie — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 21:21:25 +0000

Pam I love your blog! Great job!Hope WWW.iraqwarnews.net will win!

By: VA Mortgage Center Staff

VA Mortgage Center Staff — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 21:42:59 +0000

The blogs which have been submitted up until this point have now been added to the list.

By: Human

Human — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 22:07:39 +0000

I would like to nominate two blogs -

Pen and Sword - http://zenhuber.blogspot.com/

Anger Management - http://airbyrne.blogspot.com/

I would also like to suggest that the order of ballot be changed randomly every once in a while.

Thank you for this oppurtunity to vote and promote the best Mil Blogs.

Peace.

By: Carol Steward

Carol Steward — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 22:29:31 +0000

1SG Troy Steward has the BEST military blog on the internet! Excellent writer and most blogs are supported with

1SG Troy Steward’s Afghanistan Blog is the greatest military blog on the internet.
He is an excellent writer and many times supports his blogs with wonderful
pictures. His blog has been mentioned with high honors on several blog sites.
He should be voted #1 in my book.

By: Bobby Steward

Bobby Steward — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 22:34:03 +0000

Vote Afghanistan Blog by Troy Steward for the Best Blog. He explains the living
conditions for both the US and ANA military without disclosing security issues.
If you want the real deal; vote for Troy!

By: VA Mortgage Center Staff

VA Mortgage Center Staff — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 22:48:05 +0000

I will check into the settings on the blog to see if we can periodically change the order. I once again updated the blog nominations.

By: American Soldier

American Soldier — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 22:51:54 +0000

I hope you guys have a secure votign system in place. People tend to get greedy and cheat. Also, I am curious to know if you would match the winners donation if they desire to donate to a military/soldier organization?

By: Cookie Mom

Cookie Mom — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 23:47:25 +0000

This house has boxed so many treats and items of interest to the owner of Afghanblog, we often have tape in our hair. The daily life of US troops in A-stan lets Americans know that when they mail to troops there, we all make a difference. A vote for Afghanbog will again matter to Fischer House, again helping US troops. If he wins, so will Fischer House!!

By: Theresa Shutts

Theresa Shutts — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 00:15:17 +0000

I would like to nominate Brandonblog@aol.com. Great organization.Proudarmymom

By: Mrs.Badger.Six

Mrs.Badger.Six — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 00:43:53 +0000

I nominate Badgers Forward. http://badgersforward.blogspot.com/

By: Mike

Mike — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 00:56:08 +0000

Thank you, to all of you. The blogs let me keep up on what is happen. My son is going in July.

By: Carol Bishop

Carol Bishop — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 01:08:33 +0000

Good Luck Pam and Soldier Angels!

By: Laurel Tremaine

Laurel Tremaine — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 01:51:54 +0000

I nominate 1SGT Troy Steward’s excellent military blog, http://www.bouhammer.com.

By: CJ

CJ — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 02:42:59 +0000

When does this contest end anyway?

By: VA Mortgage Center Staff

VA Mortgage Center Staff — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 02:47:43 +0000

The newest nominations have been added. Once added, feel free to place your votes.

American Soldier asks if we can match donations for anything going to charity. We are going to offer the winning bloggers the chance to be a guest blogger on our site. For the bloggers that accept, we are willing to compensate them if they help add relevant posts and content for our visitors. And we would be willing to donate more money if any would simply like this money to go to charity.

In addition, we will have future contests and/or events that will help raise money for military/soldier organizations.

Every blogger listed on this page provides a great service and most of them probably get absolutely no compensation for their amazing work. It is an extremely honorable gesture to donate any of the winning money. On the other hand, if a winning blogger chooses to use the money for personal reasons, they should be allowed to do so without regret. If you are winning blogger and donate the money, feel free to make this information public. We feel it would be appropriate if did not disclose what each winner does with their money.

Once we feel all military bloggers have had a chance to get their blog added to the list ,we will announce the end date.

By: Carol Steward

Carol Steward — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 03:27:12 +0000

How often can we vote? I can’t find any rules.

By: American Soldier

American Soldier — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 03:33:11 +0000

So would you be willing to match the winners donation amount? I will guarantee that if you would be willing to do that, you will get a even greater response from the Milblog community.

By: One Utah » Blog Archive » Please Vote for ASP

One Utah » Blog Archive » Please Vote for ASP — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 05:40:31 +0000

[…] Please help our friends at ASP win the VA Mortgage Center Milblogger Award. Go here and vote for A Soldiers Perspective. […]

By: Biermann

Biermann — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 05:41:34 +0000

Would like to see Andi’s World on here!
http://andisworld.typepad.com/

By: Laurel Tremaine

Laurel Tremaine — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 08:22:33 +0000

Per VA Mortgage rules, it appears you can only vote once:

“Post the name of a military related blog in the comments to nominate a blog/blogger. If you have a blog, you may nominate yourself and even vote for yourself one time. However, an attempt to manipulate the results via automated submissions will result in a disqualification from the contest or removal of any votes that are in question. The final winners will be based solely on the discretion of VA Mortgage Center.com. Only one vote per IP address is allowed.”

By: Cindy Nathan

Cindy Nathan — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 15:37:36 +0000

Hi,

I would like to ask that you add the marinecorpsmomblog:

http://www.marinecorpsmoms.com/

Deb has started the Operation Santa program, sending Christmas stockings filled with gifts to our Marines in Irag, and the project has turned into a huge success. Furthermore, she is a treasure trove of information for new Marine moms. I know- because of Deb’s support and encouragement, my oldst son is applying to the Corps. I would love to see Deb’s site added to that list - it’s the site I’ve gotten the most use from, and I’d love to see her honoured by her fellow bloggers.

Cindy

By: Carren Ziegenfuss

Carren Ziegenfuss — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 16:48:32 +0000

I would like to nominate my husband’s blog “From My Position… On The Way!”
www.tcoverride.blogspot.com

Who can resist his wacky sense of humor and intellectual choices in “verbage?” Not to mention his views on the military (and politics) and his experience when he was wounded. Gotta love him!

By: Lydia Cornell

Lydia Cornell — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 17:38:28 +0000

The best military blog is ANGER MANAGEMENT!!

Thanks to all our troops for their incredible sacrifice.

WE LOVE YOU!!

By: Mike

Mike — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 17:51:59 +0000

I vote for Anger Management as the best Military Blog, this blogger pulls no punches, he tells it like it is and provides a brilliant perspective on the modern military, he is a verey insightful writer.

By: MY Vast Right Wing Conspiracy » Blog Archive » Vote for Sgt. Hook!

MY Vast Right Wing Conspiracy » Blog Archive » Vote for Sgt. Hook! — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 20:50:43 +0000

[…] Sgt. Hook is in a race for milbloggers to win $5000! […]

By: Michael Skelton

Michael Skelton — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 00:03:52 +0000

I believe a Soldier’s Perspective is the best web blog you’ll see! Well Done CJ! Thanks to all of our troops for their wonderful service!

By: Todd Sweet

Todd Sweet — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 01:55:12 +0000

Stryker Brigade News
http://www.strykernews.com

By: Maker

Maker — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 08:03:39 +0000

ONE MARINES VIEW
www.onemarinesview.com

By: kevin reed

kevin reed — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 12:43:13 +0000

A soldier’s perspective is a truly great military blog.

By: Frank Sergant

Frank Sergant — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 14:13:49 +0000

Seems fixed to me, you had one order of names THEN got yourself a complaint, then
You said you would mix them up, but the same row is there.
You did not do what you said you would. Are you going to match funds or not.
Who is pushing your buttons here, something appears to be very fishy,
Is this just for leads or is this an honest and true contest.
When does it end, when you feel you have enough leads?
Who is guaranteeing payment.
Answer the questions so we can make intelligent decisions.
All of these milblogs are very worthy and definately deserving of a fair Contest.
TS Frank

By: American Soldier

American Soldier — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 15:37:07 +0000

Frank,

They are not answering the questions being asked that is for sure. So yes it seems fishy. They opened this contest on 1/8/07 and they said it’s for 10 days. So come 1/18/07 I suspect this page will be updated to show the winners.

Here is the kicker:

Bloggers that win the contest will simply be invited to post relevant, interesting informational posts on our blog. However, the blogger does not have to accept our invitation to receive their prize money.

Does that mean they will be obligated to post in ‘order’ to receive any prize money? Can the winner just tell this company where to send the funds?

And will you match the top winner�s donation?

By: Neptunus Lex » Bleg - New competition

Neptunus Lex » Bleg - New competition — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 15:44:40 +0000

[…] Once more into the breach, dear friends: VA Mortgage Center.com is proud to announce our new blog. In our continued efforts of educating veterans and those currently on active duty, we have decided to keep our visitors better informed with updates to their benefits and changes in the industry via a blog. […]

By: VA Mortgage Center Staff

VA Mortgage Center Staff — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 16:54:20 +0000

I apologize, but I took part of Sunday off. It looks like some people are getting a little frustrated with the lack of responses from me and I do apologize. I will hopefully address all questions and concerns here:

“Does that mean they will be obligated to post in �order� to receive any prize money? Can the winner just tell this company where to send the funds?”

The Blogger Information Page (http://www.vamortgagecenter.com/blog/military-blog-and-nomination-information/) explains that we ask nothing from the bloggers. We just need to know where to send the funds. Absolutely nothing is expected from any winner.

“And will you match the top winner�s donation?”

I tried to address this in a previous post, but I need to clarify it. We are not going to match the funds for a variety of reasons. First, the goal of this contest was to find the best bloggers. We do not want to influence people’s decisions based on what the money will go for. Second, we are planning on doing many things in the future with a focus on helping military charities and the community and we are currently maxed out on what we can spend on this contest. Third, how do we define the charities?

At least one blogger will use the money (if they win) to go to the Milblog Conference. I think that would be a great cause, but that is not a charity. Hopefully over $5,000 will be enough reward for the bloggers (and some charities), especially since we ask NOTHING from the bloggers.

Finally, we did not set an end date for the contest (I do not know where there was a mention of 10 days, but if that was mentioned, it was not accurate). We want to make sure everyone had a chance to submit their blogs and we are getting new blogs added daily. I don’t mind ending it soon, I just want to be fair and make sure people can promote their blog and get a chance to win.

I will make the announcement right now. The contest will end on January 23 at Noon Central time.

Once again, good luck to everyone. All of your comments are appreciated and will help ensure this is a fair contest.

By: membrain

membrain — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 17:09:47 +0000

I’m torn over this as I think TF Boggs and Buck Sargent are the top two blogs for Soldiers who have completed their tours of duty in Iraq. However their is an amazing young Soldier currently blowing up IED’s in Ramadi and Fallujah called Teflon Don. Please add his blog to the list: http://acutepolitics.blogspot.com/

Thanks

Jim

By: VA Mortgage Center Staff

VA Mortgage Center Staff — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 17:13:57 +0000

All blogs submitted up to this point should be added. If not, please leave a comment to notify us.

Also, American Soldier, I sent you a personal email form your blog contact form.

By: Carol M.

Carol M. — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 17:34:07 +0000

Where is Mike Fay’s blog? He’s a Marine combat artist and has seen alot of action in both Afghanistan and Iraq.

Your list is incomplete without him.

Fire and Ice

By: Ann soldiers Angel troop supporter

Ann soldiers Angel troop supporter — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 18:42:31 +0000

Very informative and showing much pride in the Armed Forces.

By: Ann soldiers Angel troop supporter

Ann soldiers Angel troop supporter — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 18:43:45 +0000

www.onemarinesview.com

By: Wolf

Wolf — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 18:48:33 +0000

What happened to the votes? Blackfive was near/over 200, now has one??

thanks!

By: Wolf

Wolf — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 18:49:30 +0000

Nevermind- cookies needed updating.. odd return

By: Bill Smith

Bill Smith — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 23:00:28 +0000

I definitely think Mike Yon should be on this list. He pays his own way as an independent embed in Iraq, and his writing is simply superb.

By: Pick Lyman

Pick Lyman — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 23:29:02 +0000

Afganistan Without a Clue [traversa.typepad.com]

By: Karen I.

Karen I. — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 00:17:17 +0000

Someone I voted for had two votes yesterday but has a zero today. What happened? Thankyou.

By: LeatherPenguin » Vote Early; Vote Often

LeatherPenguin » Vote Early; Vote Often — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 00:18:11 +0000

[…] Major Dad at Cursed By a Classical Education has issued standing orders: VOTE HOOK! […]

By: Karen I.

Karen I. — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 00:19:46 +0000

I see, it is listed twice, once with 0 votes and once with 2 votes.

By: Jason B.

Jason B. — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 04:18:27 +0000

www.soldierperspective.us has my vote

By: sid

sid — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 08:13:26 +0000

Lex is a asterful writer

By: Wendy H

Wendy H — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 12:31:34 +0000

While my paratrooper son trains in Kuwait, anxious for his impending move to Baghdad, I’d like to nominate our blog “From a Canadian Cadet to an American Soldier” http:yankcanuck.blogspot.com

By: Vaughn

Vaughn — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 13:24:43 +0000

www.soldierperspective.us has my vote

By: Karen Farris

Karen Farris — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 14:00:12 +0000

A soldier’s perspective has my vote.

By: Chaotic Synaptic Activity » Donate for Free? Yep, You Read That Right…

Tue, 16 Jan 2007 16:55:45 +0000

[…] So…we can pile on Matt’s blog and propel him through the finish line at the top and for nothing but a little time to go HERE and click on Black Five. […]

By: ShadowSpear

ShadowSpear — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 18:42:13 +0000

Voted for SGT Hook

By: William Johnston

William Johnston — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 18:47:38 +0000

You know,
something I have noticed, is of the current top 5 blogs, (Soldier’s Perspective, Sgt Hook, Black Five, Afganistan Without a Clue and, Stryker Brigade News) only Afghanistan Without a Clue (spelled wrong on the site) contains no advertisements or other abatements to degrade the quality and meaning of the site.

Afghanistan Without a Clue remains my choice. My father is a lt. Col and id surely vote for his blog if he had one, but next best is where I sit, so Captain Doug Traversa you have my vote sir.

By: American Soldier

American Soldier — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 18:50:50 +0000

William,

You ever think that many of those sites with advertisments send all their proceeds to charity’s? Personally speaking that is where my funds go.

Having Ad’s don’t degrade the site. Whether it’s for profit or not, there are costs with some sites with hosting and paying for bandwidth, etc. It’s not always free to spread the word of soldiers.

By: William Johnston

William Johnston — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 19:00:37 +0000

Yes I realize that profits go to charity, in fact one site states so, this I support, however, I believe (on an unrelated and unimportant note) that the spread of true and integral information over the entire globe should be free,
I am more idealist in this manor than most other ways, I understand that it is necessary, I just like to think that some CEO is reading this somewhere and decides to take action.

My previous post not only reflected my aesthetic tastes of the websites, but also my overall choice adds- or no adds, I would choose Mr. Traversa’s Afghanistan Without a Clue and in no way did I intend disrespect or slander. Deepest apologies for a poorly related notion. -William

By: American Soldier

American Soldier — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 19:03:40 +0000

No worry’s William. The net and these pixels yield no emotion. Therefore I didn’t think you intended slander or disrespect.

;)

There is a fine panel of sites here. Funny thing is the big Blog Awards never got this many names in the Mil Blog category. Strange!

By: CJ

CJ — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 19:20:26 +0000

William, I hardly make any money off of the ads on my site (A Soldier’s Perspective). Honestly, in the two years I’ve been doing this I’ve made MAYBE $250 at best. My money has gone to shipping girl scout cookies to troops in Iraq and other charities. I haven’t spent a dime on myself yet. Every dollar I make from the site goes to someone besides myself. Some of it even went to a “baby shower in a box”. I don’t have any way of proving this, so you’ll have to take my word for it.

By: A Milblogging Contest « HELLO IRAQ

A Milblogging Contest « HELLO IRAQ — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 22:44:14 +0000

[…] A Milblogging Contest CJ at Soldiers Perspective has asked for help with project. The VA Mortgage Center Blog has a contest going. They are accepting nominations for milbloggers in a contest to select “10″ milbloggers to be guest bloggers on their site. CJ wants to win. […]

By: Human

Human — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 22:58:38 +0000

“American Soldier”, so do you think the contest is still fishy? It seems that winning is very important to you.

By: Ben

Ben — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 23:40:40 +0000

Please include Armysailor.com

By: Lemon Stand

Lemon Stand — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 23:56:08 +0000

I never get enough time to read all the milblogs that I want but I wanted to make sure that the ones that I always look at as long as I am breathing are listed…

****Spouse BUZZ
****Army Wife Toddler Mom
* Tanker Brothers
* The Iceblog - The Journal Of A Polar Bear In Iraq
* The Patriette
* This Is Your War II
* Yankee Mom
* Akinoluna
* Everyone Needs A Spare
* Fuzzilicious Thinking
* Most Certainly Not
* Straight White Guy
* BlackFive
* Michael Yon’s Frontline Forum
* Mudville Gazette

By: Debbie Kuczynski

Debbie Kuczynski — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 02:32:00 +0000

I what to add a fav of mine “Dude Where’s the Beach”- USAF blog
at http://tmmkkt22.blogspot.com/

By: Jan

Jan — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 12:45:54 +0000

Check out “Standing By” at http://blogs.tampabay.com/standingby/ for an intimate look at the thoughts of an Army wife and journalist facing 14 months alone while her husband is deployed.

By: American Soldier

American Soldier — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 15:59:35 +0000

Human -

First, don’t be a jack ass!

Second, when I referred to the term ‘fishy’ I was referring to VAM not answering the questions right away. Later it was explained to me that there was only one person at the time doing the Q/A. That person had some real life things going on. No biggy! I get ambitious at times.

Third, winning is important in anything in life. Read my site and you will know where my proceeds would be going.

Please don’t hijack this contest with troll remarks towards me. You can email me directly and we can handle it there.

By: Chromed Curses

Chromed Curses — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 16:54:56 +0000

[…] Go here, scroll down near the bottom (about 2/3rds of the way) and you’ll see “Soldier’s Perspective.” (They left off the “A”). Vote for CJ and Cpl M and the Ballerinas! We only need 22 votes to take the lead!!! […]

By: Doug Traversa

Doug Traversa — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 17:42:30 +0000

1. Could somebody fix the spelling on my site? Afghanistan has an “H” in it.

2. Don’t know who submitted me, but thank you. I think it was Kathi.

3. I’m not web savy enough to put ads on my site. I can barely run what I’ve got. But I’m having fun running with the big dogs.

4. A big thank you to all who have voted for me, but all of us bloggers are in this together; Brothers and Sisters in Arms, letting the folks back home know what we are going through. It’s an honor to be part of the group.

5. May the best blog win, and may something good come from all our efforts!

Doug Traversa
Afghanistan Without a Clue

By: RP

RP — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:28:43 +0000

One simply must read - blogs.tampabay.com/standingby. It is a true insight to the war-time military spouse & suddenly finding oneself as a single parent

By: Carol Steward

Carol Steward — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:14:41 +0000

Are these adult bloggers? All the bickering is uncalled for. Get real! How can we
win a war if we can’t get along here. God Bless You All

By: Nelson Guirado

Nelson Guirado — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:57:38 +0000

I nominate http://nelsonguirado.com

By: buckethead

buckethead — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:31:17 +0000

I can’t believe no one has nominated Murdoc (murdoconline.net). One of the best milbloggers, and a stand up guy for all that he lives in Michigan. You should definitely add him to your list of candidates.

By: No End But Victory » Votes count, and WE need yours!

No End But Victory » Votes count, and WE need yours! — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 00:22:41 +0000

[…] From CJ’s site(Soldiersperspective.us) we find this: The VA Mortgage Center is sponsoring a contest to find the top 10 military blogs with the possibility of guest blogger status at their new blog. […]

By: Louisa Howard

Louisa Howard — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 15:19:44 +0000

I nominate Mike(Red2Aplha) at http://thisisyourwarii.blogspot.com/
One of the best writers(okay, besides “american soldier”soldierlife.com) about life as a soldier in Iraq and very deserving of this award

By: Eric Newman

Eric Newman — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 15:31:29 +0000

I nominate Stryker Brigade News [strykernews.com]

By: El Capitan

El Capitan — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 15:57:58 +0000

I nominate the Air Force Blogger ‘El Capitan’ @ Dude Where’s The Beach!

http://tmmkkt22.blogspot.com

By: Dee

Dee — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 17:03:09 +0000

Good Luck, CJ.

By: Vicki

Vicki — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 17:27:38 +0000

“Blog-Ah!”— Great Website, don’t see it listed?????????

By: Musing Minds » Vote For Sgt. Hook

Musing Minds » Vote For Sgt. Hook — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 18:01:02 +0000

[…] Via Fausta, The VA Mortgage center is having a contest for best Military Blog. Please vote for Sgt. Hook so he can travel to Washington D.C. and visit the hospitalized troops there! posted by kimsch […]

By: Paula Perry

Paula Perry — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 20:27:56 +0000

I want to vote for soldiersperspective.us but it is not ‘clicking’. Is the contest over?
I am going to bookmark all these sites, so I can stay informed. It is an honor to be allowed
to read postings by the men and women actually putting it all on the line.
My son will be deploying in April.

By: Adam

Adam — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 21:33:50 +0000

A worthy cause!!

By: CJ

CJ — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 22:41:01 +0000

Paula, God bless you. Keep us informed on your son’s deployment so we can make sure he’s taken care of.

By: Terri

Terri — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 22:55:52 +0000

Yes Paula, as CJ said, keep us posted on your son’s deployment. Those of us who frequent ASP, love to spoil our soldiers as CJ can attest to!

By: Shannon

Shannon — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 23:43:38 +0000

By: B

Fri, 19 Jan 2007 02:19:52 +0000

Hello, I’d like to nominate the blog Standing By, blogs.tampabay.com/standingby, that tells what life is like for the families who are waiting for soldiers to return. I didn’t see it on the list and apologize if I read over it in the comments section. Thanks!

By: Craig

Craig — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 14:41:08 +0000

My vote goes to: bouhammer.com. Been reading this site for a few months and Troy tells it like it is in a real world, day-to-day style.

By: Kara

Kara — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 16:22:06 +0000

I vote for “A Soldier’s Perspective”.

By: Elaine

Elaine — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 16:43:23 +0000

Stryker Brigade News gets my vote!!

By: Julie Johnson

Julie Johnson — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 17:56:23 +0000

I would like to vote for soldiersperspective.us You guys are Hero’s in every since of the word. Thanks for all you do.

By: When the Smoke Clears » Blog Archive » By Hook or By Crook

When the Smoke Clears » Blog Archive » By Hook or By Crook — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 18:29:17 +0000

[…] Do a buddy a favor. Vote for SGT Hook here at the VA Mortgage Center. He could win some money which would make the trip to the Milblogger’s conference affordable. Matty O’ Blackfive is also worthwhile as are a number of the milbloggers listed, good people, all, but let’s face it, Matt makes $220,000 a year just from having his name up on a site, and makes an extra $50K for every public appearance with the Queen or any of the Rothschilds or Onassissi. (the guy knows people but his tax records are public.) […]

By: John Thornton

John Thornton — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 20:00:07 +0000

I vote for Sgt. Hook.
I tried to “click” my vote in; but, was unable.
Hope you can make the conference.

By: Pam

Pam — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 21:55:53 +0000

IWT Nominated in VA Mortgage Center Contest!
…Now, when the likes of BlackFive, Sgt. Hook, OPFOR, Smash, Froggy, and others are my competition, I’m not suffering delusions of grandeur. But making the top ten would be nice…

By: NateFromUtah

NateFromUtah — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 23:44:53 +0000

I vote for “Soldiers Perspective” Thank you all for everything you do!! Be safe out there!! Semper Fi!

By: $5000 Contest for Best Blog of War « Blog Contests

$5000 Contest for Best Blog of War « Blog Contests — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 10:19:05 +0000

[…] http://www.vamortgagecenter.com/blog/2007/01/08/5000-contest-for-military-bloggers/ […]

By: Kathy

Kathy — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 13:10:01 +0000

Go http://www.soldiersperspective.us/ ! Came from MilitaryPrideNews@yahoo Good luck!

By: Joy Gordon

Joy Gordon — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 18:24:28 +0000

Blackfive, if they win, is donating the money for computers to the soldiers who have limb injuries! Wow. Now that is a well-spent vote!

By: TC@LeatherPenguin

TC@LeatherPenguin — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 19:55:13 +0000

SGT. HOOK

By: Bill williams

Bill williams — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 21:49:34 +0000

I want to know why David Hardts articles are not in this contest. He is well known, better known then this sgt hook guy. Politics………….You guys should read what this guy writes,,,,,,,,,,,,true wisdom and nothing watered down,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,shame on this site…………I am telling all my friends to blacklist this,,,,,,,,,leaving the best one out isnt fair,,,,,,,,,,I am sure he dont care because he is above all this, but give the man some respect. He has a huge following,,,,,,,,I am sure this sgt hook don’t match at all……….I read his stuff nothing no feeling no emotion,. David Hardt is in the infantry on the front lines and you give him no respect.
shame on you.
]
bill williams

By: theprez98

theprez98 — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 22:45:14 +0000

Please add The Chronicles of Narmya to your list.

By: Human

Human — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 23:32:46 +0000

Bill Williams - “I want to know why David Hardts articles are not in this contest.”

Maybe because nobody has nominated him?

Here I’ll do it for you. I do hereby nominate http://blog-ah.typepad.com/ (it’s good to give the address when promoting a place).

To VMC - Thanks for putting up with all the crap that comes with trying to do a good deed, and I hope it does not deter you all from having the contest next year.

Peace.

By: Cork

Cork — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 02:47:05 +0000

www.sgthook.com is cool.

By: Terri

Terri — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 03:14:50 +0000

I agree with Human. Thanks VMC for what you’re doing to honor our Military Bloggers. I too hope that you’ll do this again next year. These men and women deserve nothing less than our respect. ALL the blogs are great!

By: Chris Wagner

Chris Wagner — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 04:10:23 +0000

Vote for Sgt Hook. The site is great.

By: Cathy Ayala

Cathy Ayala — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 04:12:01 +0000

Great site. I higly recommend a visit.

By: Amy

Amy — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 04:19:12 +0000

I would nominate Michael Yon’s blog. His three-part photo essay in the Anbar province with CSM Mellinger is captivating and very insightful.

http://www.michaelyon-online.com

By: VA Mortgage Center Staff

VA Mortgage Center Staff — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 04:37:13 +0000

All current nominations should be added at this point.

Bill Williams wrote “I want to know why David Hardts articles are not in this contest.” That blog was already added, Vicki nominated it on the 18th. It’s ok, I know there are so many awesome blogs out there and most have been nominated, it is hard to sort through them all.

The response for the contest has been awesome, we are hoping to do this contest again and/or many others to help show support for the community. No worries about anyone making negative comments, it just helps keep us all on our toes.

By: Carol

Carol — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 10:47:56 +0000

I vote for strykernews.com! A great military blog for soilders & familes both!

By: Deborah Herman

Deborah Herman — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 11:21:52 +0000

Check out strykernews.com. It’s the greatest!

By: Freedom will be defended - milnews » please vote for the “Camp Lejeune Ballerinas”

Sun, 21 Jan 2007 13:47:36 +0000

[…] You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site. Leave aReply […]

By: Willie

Willie — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 14:49:10 +0000

I would nominate www.soldiersperspective.us!

By: Saluting Angels Europe - - supporting deployed and injured USAREUR units » Proceeds will go to the Camp Lejeune Ballerinas

Sun, 21 Jan 2007 14:55:43 +0000

[…] Proceeds will go to the Camp Lejeune Ballerinas By Willie The guys over at A Soldier’s Perspective are finalists in a contest to find the top 10 military blogs according to visitors. Please head over to the VA Mortgage Center website and click the bubble to vote for A Soldier’s Perspective. It’s about halfway down the list. Please pass the link along to your friends and mailing lists as well. The top ten blogs will be given $250, with the winner pocketing $3000. However, they aren’t keeping the money for themselves. Proceeds will go to the Camp Lejeune Ballerinas. They are trying to raise money to purchase lifesize cutouts of deployed fathers that the girls can dance with onstage and send to their dads in Iraq. They were extended as part of the recent surge and will miss ANOTHER recital. So, get off your tuff and VOTE! […]

By: 1Armymom

1Armymom — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 19:19:21 +0000

For 4 years I have been a daily visitor of STRYKER NEWS ( http://www.strykernews.com/ ). I found them during my Son’s 1st deployment.
It is a wonderful website dedicated to the News & Support of the US Army’s 7 Stryker Brigade Combat Team’s. For the Soldiers, their Families and Friends. The website is powered ‘nonprofit’ by devoted volunteers and donations.

Should Stryker News win any money in this contest it will be donated to Operation Second Chance.
http://operationsecondchance.org/
The Operation Second Chance Mission: To aid in the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded service men and women. To assist in the modification of housing to accommodate disabled veterans. To assist the families of wounded service men and women. To facilitate the transition of wounded service men and women back into civilian society.

STRYKER NEWS is indeed a worthy vote!

By: Jim Katz

Jim Katz — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 20:46:19 +0000

I really think the Strategy Page http://www.strategypage.com/default.asp needs to be included in this list. Excellent articles on Military matters world wide.

By: Beyond the Crossroads » Blog Archive » It is MY duty send Sgt. Hook to Washington and I need YOU

Sun, 21 Jan 2007 22:23:21 +0000

[…] Now why is this interruption so important to me and what is this about sending Hook to Washington. Well Sgt Hook has been nominated for Best Milblog over at VA Mortgage Center Blog and there is a nice price for the first place winner. If Sgt. Hook wins, he plans on using the prize money to finance a trip to Washington D.C. in May for the annual Milblog Conference, with any leftovers going to the Fisher House. […]

By: MY Vast Right Wing Conspiracy » Blog Archive » Vote for Doug Flutie!

MY Vast Right Wing Conspiracy » Blog Archive » Vote for Doug Flutie! — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 22:24:48 +0000

[…] Mission Impossible? Nah. Make it possible, y’all. If Sgt Hook wins, his plans are to the prize money to finance a trip to Washington D.C. in May for the annual Milblog Conference, with any leftovers going to the Fisher House. […]

By: Nominator

Nominator — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 23:27:12 +0000

A blog from a Marine (that was just) in Iraq. Google “marine blog” or visit: http://midnight.hushedcasket.com

By: Thoughts By Seawitch » Attention! Mission Impossible

Thoughts By Seawitch » Attention! Mission Impossible — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 00:07:50 +0000

[…] My favorite sarge, Sgt. Hook is asking for help in a mission impossible. This mission will be over in less than 24 hours. He is currently in second place. Please help an old sarge out and and vote for him. It’s a contest for military bloggers and it will help him be able to go to the upcoming MilBloggers conference. […]

By: Catfish

Catfish — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 01:16:08 +0000

I voted for Sgt Hook

By: Heather Grimes

Heather Grimes — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 04:06:43 +0000

As an Army wife, we often feel “left out” and “left behind” as our spouses go away for training, deploy into combat operations, etc. Stryker News has kept me going many days and nights away from my husband. I feel a sense of pride and like I belong to a very special group of soldiers, even if it’s only reading about them. The founder of this site is amazing! I share this site with all of my friends, family, and coworkers. The site is organized well and has been a godsend to many of us Stryker families.