MilBlogCon11 Interview with Susan Katz Keating from You Served Radio & Blog on Vimeo.
Here is a great interview with Susan Katz Keating of www.susankatzkeating.com. Susan has been a long-time friend of Milblogs and is the originator of the Milblog “Pitchfork Brigade” which is when milbloggers team up to spread the word about very important issues.
If you have listened to this week’s You Served Radio show or have read some of the blog posts on bouhammer.com or soldiersperspective.us you are probably aware that we are huge fans of the film and the message it gives out.
In case you are near Baltimore or Little Rock, I wanted to let you know that the movie is coming to you for a special screening.
5/19 at 7PM: Sneak Preview Screening to Benefit Maryland Veterans
(The Charles Theatre, 1711 N. Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201)
$10 General Admission, $5 Admission for Vets and Students
A 30-minute discussion will follow, moderated by Max Weiss (managing editor of Baltimore Magazine) with special guests K. Lorrel Manning (writer/directer), Michael Cuomo (lead actor/producer), Tina Sloan (supporting actress and star of “Guiding Light”), Joseph Harrell (key military advisor/supporting actor and star of “Re-Entry”), plus special guests.
***
6/1 – 6/5 at the LITTLE ROCK FILM FESTIVAL (Little Rock, Arkansas)
http://www.littlerockfilmfestival.org/
Screening times to be announced. Discussion will follow each screening with special guests K. Lorrel Manning (writer/directer) and Michael Cuomo (lead actor/producer).
So if you were not at the 2011 MilBlog Conference and didn’t get a chance to meet Michael or Lorrel here is a little video they made a while back that explains who they are, why they made this film and a little of what it is about. In this clip is also my good friend Mike Scotti, who is also an associate producer for the film.
Happy New Year Pitch Video from Happy New Year Film on Vimeo.
Posted in Life in the Military, Milblog Conference, Video
I got the following from my friend Dan Kissinger over at MilitaryAvenue.com. CJ put a post the other day about this month being Military Spouse Appreciation Month so I thought putting this info out would be appropriate.
Military Spouse Appreciation Day is tomorrow, Friday, May 6, 2011.
President Barrack Obama noted that spouses are part “of the force behind the force” during his remarks last month to announce a national initiative tagged “Joining Forces,” which is aimed at increasing the support of U.S. military families.The first Military Spouse Day was first celebrated in 1984 when then-President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the observance to honor the contributions of military spouses. The military now sets aside the Friday before Mother’s Day each year to pay tribute to the spouses who play a vital role in the nation’s defense.
Let’s support United States Military Spouses across the world. Consider 101 Ways to Thank A Military Spouse, found on: http://militaryblog.militaryavenue.com/2009/05/101-ways-to-thank-military-spouse.html or on MilitaryAvenue.com
At a minimum please let your audience know that Friday is Military Spouse Appreciation Day via social media or last minute run. Please contact us with any questions or follow-up.
Background material:
http://militaryblog.militaryavenue.com/2009/05/101-ways-to-thank-military-spouse.htm
Posted in Life in the Military, Spouse and Family
President Obama released the following Proclamation today:
A PROCLAMATION
When Americans answer the call to serve in our Armed Forces, a sacred trust is forged. Our men and women in uniform take on the duty of protecting us all, and their spouses and families also help shoulder this important responsibility. As we mark Military Spouse Appreciation Day, we reaffirm our steadfast commitment to supporting and honoring the husbands, wives, and loved ones of our Nation’s servicemembers.
At the heart of our Armed Forces, servicemembers’ spouses keep our military families on track. They balance family life, military life, and their careers all while supporting other military families and giving back to their communities. Many have served in uniform themselves and, understanding the obligations involved, can provide unparalleled support. They are pillars of strength in their families, often celebrating their children’s life milestones while the other parent is away.
Military spouses also care for our wounded warriors and honor the memory of our Nation’s fallen heroes, including their own loved ones. They impact countless lives on military bases and in schools, places of worship, and neighborhoods across our Nation. Their contributions help protect our freedom by strengthening our communities and our servicemembers.
My Administration is committed to improving opportunities and quality of life for these brave spouses and families who know the separation and stress of war. We are increasing servicemembers’ compensation as well as funding for better housing, job training, counseling, outreach, and support for spouses and their families. We are also expanding our ground forces to reduce the strain of repeated deployments, and to give servicemembers more time with their loved ones.
There are many ways for each of us to show our appreciation for military spouses. Working through community based organizations, workplaces, schools, and places of worship, we can help them support their families, establish or build a career, and address the unique challenges they face.
I am inspired every day by our men and women in uniform and their families. They are America’s greatest military asset, and my Administration is committed to fulfilling our obligations to them. Today, let us honor the spouses and families who support our servicemembers and, in doing so, help defend our Nation and preserve our liberty.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 7, 2010, as Military Spouse Appreciation Day. I call upon the people of the United States to honor military spouses with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
Tomorrow is that day. If you know a military spouse, please take a moment to send them a note, make a phone call, or leave a message on their Facebook thanking them for their service.
Warning: The photos linked below are graphic, disturbing, and meant to jar you out of your clouded state and recall a few things from years gone by. Do no open if you aren’t prepared.
America waited a long (almost) ten years between the attacks of September 11 and the death of Osama bin Laden. Over that time we’ve seen our own citizens burned and hung from bridges (here is a photo if you’ve forgotten and can handle it) and citizens getting their heads sawed off (how about another graphic photo?). Now I surely have your attention. You’ve most definitely stopped whatever you were doing and I have your undivided attention. Good. I want you to remember what has happened to your fellow Americans at the hands of terror. Never forget what happen that day (and the horror of seeing photos like this).
Remember how angry you were after seeing each of those events? Do you remember shaking your fist to sky and demanding that those responsible pay for it? I sure do. I remember each and every one of the stories and photos I’ve linked to above. I remember the pain I felt that September morning knowing my life would never be the same after seeing the towers hit, people jumping for fear of being burned alive, and then the towers collapsing. I remember being angry that animals could kill Americans, burn them, drag them through the streets, and then hang them from bridges. I remember being beside myself as video after video appeared of Americans being beheaded.
All of these events can be blamed on one singular person. Osama bin Laden. He was the mastermind behind the attacks of September 11, 2001. He inspired his al-Qaeda network to attack American military forces and our civilians working overseas. He was a monster who deserved the round that was placed inside his skull.
Now there is doubt. Is he really dead? Did the SEALs really go in and kill him? I believe the story coming from the government that bin Laden is dead even if they can’t seem to get all the details to line up each time the story is told. Only the SEALs know exactly what happen and it will be decades before their story is told, if ever.
An easy answer to this is for President Obama to release all pictures and videos of the raid on bin Laden’s compound. However, we don’t want to offend our citizens and force them to watch such graphic content. It’s as if everyone’s ability to make decisions on their own has been taken. The government knows what is best for us and what will upset or offend us. That just isn’t true. We all have the ability to look away.
But the real big deal for me is I want our enemies to know exactly what happens when you attack America. No matter how long it takes, you will share the same fate as Osama bin Laden. We will deploy our greatest warriors to hunt you like an animal and then put you down like one as well. You will be treated the same as your victims.
Release the pictures, President Obama. Show the world you have spine and will not tolerate our country being attacked. Let the extremists and our enemies know that you will be eliminated if you attack America and we have no issue in taking your life as you have taken others.
Release. The. Pictures.
Posted in News
Join me today as I talk live with Aimee of Fancy Little Things: “… a lovely new website to encourage your creative side, your inner-chef, your marriage, your interior design skills, your physical fitness and well-being & add a little style to your life! we will also have a monthly book recommendation with a brief description and discussion topics!”
Posted in Spouse and Family
These clips were provided by the show’s PR unit. I am posting the 101st Welcome Home clip (have a kleenex handy) and the really funny song. hehe Reminder, the show airs on Friday, 6 May, at 9pm central.
CMT 101st Welcome Home from You Served Radio & Blog on Vimeo.
Video provided courtesy of CMT’S NEXT SUPERSTAR.
Wynn Varble (musician) “HUMP YOU AND THE CAMEL YOU RODE IN ON” from You Served Radio & Blog on Vimeo.
Video courtesy of CMT’S NEXT SUPERSTAR
Posted in Uncategorized
Sexual Assault is a devastating crime that has tremendous impacts on the United States Army. We must work together as a team to prevent one of our own from becoming a victim. This prevention is a two pronged effort.
Watch out for yourself: It is the responsibility of each and every Soldier to educate themselves about the dangers of sexual assault. We must avoid situations where we are vulnerable. Here are some tips:
1. Use the buddy system. There is safety in numbers.
2. Don’t drink to excess. Consuming large amounts of alcohol means losing control. This will put you at greater risk.
3. Never get in a car with someone you don’t know.
4. Make sure at least one person always knows where, when and who you will be with, especially if you are leaving earlier than planned.
5. Stay away from secluded locations unless you are with someone you know and trust.
Watch out for each other: It is the responsibility of every Soldier to protect their fellow Soldiers and to uphold the Army standards of dignity and self-respect. If you see a fellow Soldier in trouble – intervene! If you see a fellow Soldier take undue risks – speak up! Soldiers of every rank must have absolute trust and confidence in each other. We demand it in combat, but we should expect it always.
Finally, to reduce a Soldier’s risk of harming someone else through a misunderstanding about sex, remember:
1. Alcohol impairs perception: Don’t drink to excess or you may misunderstand signals.
2. A Soldier may be too drunk or incapacitated to consent, no matter what they say.
3. Never assume consent: always be clear about consent from both parties. I suggest having a pre-printed consensual sex contract and notary public available in any location in which sexual contact is about to take place!
Working as a team we can keep ourselves and our battle buddies safe.
Last Friday One Light Left films and Bouhammer.com sponsored a special screening of the feature film Happy New Year (www.happynewyear.com) on Friday, April 29th as an unofficial event of the 2011 Milblogging Conference. Lorrel Manning who is the writer and director of not only this movie but was also the creator and writer of the original off-Broadway play and short film of the same name that preceded this feature release was on hand. As well as Joe Harrell who was the military advisor and Michael Cuomo who is one of the Producers and the lead actor.
Lorrel was also on the “war and film” panel that happened on Saturday afternoon at the conference.
Here is my interview with Lorrel during the conference on Saturday.
Lorrel Manning during the Milblog Conference 2011 from You Served Radio & Blog on Vimeo.
Interview with K. Lorrel Manning during the Milblog Conference 2011 about the screening of his film and his impressions of the Conference.
Find the film’s twitter site at http://twitter.com/#!/hnyfilm and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/hnyfilm
Our first guest is Mark Singleton from Rudolph Foods, the world’s largest manufacturer of pork rinds, and right now we’re working with the Wounded Warrior Family Support to get congress to pass a National Pork Rind Appreciation Day. For every vote for pork rind day at VotePorkRinds.com, Rudolph’s is donating 10 cents to the Wounded Warrior Family Support.
Second hour will feature good friend of You Served and country music star Mark Wills. Mark will join us to discuss his appearance at the MilBlog Conference, USA Cares, Osama bin Laden reaching room temperature among other topics. Be sure to check out the video shot by Troy and I of Mark performing at MilBlog Conference 2011 for a special preview of his newest song Crazy Being Home.
Posted in Uncategorized
You Served's Claire talks about the life of a military spouse - the hardships, the joys, and everything in between.
Join the discussion in our new Spouse and Family section!
