Don't Ever Call Me A Hero

When I was a kid I used to watch the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on television. In it, their nemesis, the Shredder, had a subterranean vehicle that drilled through bedrock and dirt to get places. That’s kinda what the Marine Corps’ newest piece of equipment looks like. It’s a modified M1A2 Abrams tank that shoots out line charges to clear IEDs, mines, and other obstacles. Check out the picture after the jump. continue reading…

A Taliban militant with Afghan poppy farmers in Nawa district, Helmand province, April 2008.

In one year, Afghanistan produces enough poppies to satisfy 92% of the world’s demand for opium and heroin, according to the UNODC. The U.S. and United Nations reports that the Taliban pays up to $500 million a year for farmers to produce and smuggle opium out of the country. The illicit production of this crop provides the money that the Taliban uses to fight the United States, the legitimate Afghan government, and its allies.

Insurgent fighters are paid more than twice what Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers and Afghan National Police (ANP) are paid. Plus, the Taliban outsources IED detonation and rocket attacks. continue reading…

Last year on a trip to the local pistol range, The Shootist, I was approached by a woman with a clipboard and a producer. I signed off on a waiver and was told there were hidden cameras all over the place. Well, little over a year and a half afterward, and an old Marine buddy calls up from Quantico to tell me I’m on Showtime.

Specifically, episodes 5 and 6. I haven’t seen it yet, and had I known anything would have turned up out of it, I would have plugged the book! Dammit! There goes free marketing, huh? Anyways, check it out if you get the chance.

Lock ‘n’ Load on Showtime

Cocoa and I, June 2005

During my tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, I came across many different types of wildlife. Camels, camel spiders, terrorists, a giant porcupine, goats, and sheep. But I also ran across some very friendly dogs and cats. Dogs, as you know, are frowned upon in muslim societies as being dirty and lowly animals. They are often not treated well… until the right Marine comes along. continue reading…

I’m proud to announce that I will have an article published in the spring issue of Open Minds Quarterly. It is about the war, drinking, the aftermath, and what happens to a man who sees a lot of combat. I am really looking forward to having something to add to my short resume of writing experience, so stay tuned and I will update everyone on my email list about the article.

Last month the website received 1623 visits, which is a bit short of my goal. However, I didn’t want to leave you guys empty handed, so here is a video taken on the 4th of July, 2006. Enjoy!