There has been a disturbing trend in the viewing of the military in what we do and how we do it. I think a large part of this has to do with the large number of our population whose only experience with the military is through text books, the occasional parade, and what they have learned through mass media and the public school system. Allow me to share with you my own personal moment of clarity in regards to the U.S. military and its mission.

The free elections are rapidly approaching for Iraq. An exciting time for a country that was once ruled by military dictatorship. Americans have worked long and hard to see this come to fruition and yet, can ANYONE name a single candidate and speak intelligently on what their platform is? In this day and age of mass media and information sharing, we should be able to do that much. Unfortunately, the same press who wouldn’t shut up about minutia regarding the candidates back home less than six months ago can’t seem to find the space to devote to such a thing.

My friends, we are indeed fortunate to have a dear friend of mine guest blogging from Iraq.
A citizen soldier in our Air National Guard, Julia Layton has been deployed on active duty somewhere in Iraq and has graciously agreed to share her thoughts with us occasionally on these pages whenever she has the ability and the time to do so.
In addition to the titles of Mother, Soldier and Patriot, Julia now adds to her resume the designation as “ConBlog’s Official Iraqi Information Ministratrix.” Please join me in welcoming her to our forum and in thanking her for her selfless service in defense of all of us and of the United States of America.