Stephen Colbert: MR. USO

Stephen Colbert did an AMAZING job in Iraq this week. His four shows were witty, tasteful and most of all tremendously supportive of our brave men and women stationed in the land of sand.

Some of my favorite things about this week . . . I really enjoyed when . . .

- Colbert flew with the AF Thunderbirds. I liked watching Colbert's reaction, mid song, during takeoff. In regards to the pilots, as a Air Force brat, I've always loved a man in a flight suit and this was no exception. The Thunderbirds are all SUPER hot and they are unbelievably talented.

- Colbert complimented the troops for doing their job in "140 degree heat in full battle rattle." When my Dad was in Iraq he'd tell us how the insane the heat was. It's something we can never understand here.

- Colbert compared Iraq to a bag of trail mix and said the the M&Ms were the US Troops.

- Watching Deputy Prime Minister Baham Saleh discuss Iraq and his gratitude to the US Forces.

- Seeing and hearing the entire palace sing the Army Song - proud and strong after Colbert attempted to get them to do the hokey pokey.

- Tom Hanks and Colbert packed care packages for the troops. It was my favorite part when Colbert tried to send puppies and ice cream to Iraq

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Tom Hanks Care Package
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Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Stephen Colbert in Iraq

A big THANKS to Colbert, his entire team and of course the USO. If you missed any of the shows this week visit the microsite for his tour Mr. USO.

You can watch full episodes there or download them via iTunes. Proceeds from your iTunes purchase will benefit the USO. If you have a few dollars please also visit the USO's website and donate money. Our troops, and their families, rely on the USO. When you help support the USO, you help them.

If you're tight on cash but want to help, try doing something for a family of a local military family. Bake them cookies. Help find a babysitter. Stop by to just say thank you. The families left at home are at war too - just in a very different way.

A special shout out to all our men and women serving abroad. It was great to see you this week - tan and smiling! Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication. You're all of our heroes!

***Special note: photo courtesy of the MR. USO website ***

Colbert Report's First Show From Iraq

Stephen Colbert is now officially my favorite comedian. I checked out his first show from Iraq and it was HILARIOUS!

He kicked off the show with some stellar comments. Here are a few highlights:

- His staff took standard BDUs and made them into a suit. He looked surprisingly cool!

- During his monologue he referred to Iraq as "the country so nice we invaded it twice"

- He let troops know that he wanted to come to Iraq because he "always wanted to cook a microwave burrito in my pants"

Colbert also showed a few clips from his 10 hour-long "basic training." He dubbed it "Stephen Strong: Army of Me." I especially loved the Louis V luggage and the iPhone portion.

Later in the show he took time to interview General Ray Odierno, the head hancho in the land of sand. Odierno let Colbert know that his training experience was not at all realistic and that he needed to get a regulation hair cut to even be considered a trainee.

Colbert refused and then President Obama appeared on the screen. He first gave a shout out to our troops and then calmly gave an official order to Odierno to buzz Colbert's head!

For the record, I know that Colbert will miss blow drying his locks every morning but he looked pretty good with his buzz. He may even grow to like this new look!

The show was awesome and I can't wait to see what they have in store for us for the rest of the week.

Here's a little snipit of the show - and a shout out from John McCain.

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Operation Iraqi Stephen: Going Commando - John McCain
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Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Keyboard Cat

Click here to see the full episode OR visit iTunes and download it. Proceeds go to the USO!

Tweet To Remind - Help Raise $1.65 Million for Troops by July 4th

Today, as I was giving well deserved shoutouts to my military twitter peeps in honor of the Military Monday Twitter movement, I came across a tweet that made me smile. I'm a follower of Bob Woodruff and today he simply tweeted the following: "Support our troops is no longer a slogan. It's an action. #tweettoremind http://bit.ly/remind #militarymon."

Tweet to Remind - have you heard of it? It's all a buzz in today's #MilitaryMon chatter. I checked out the site and it seems that Woodruff's latest effort is a partnership between his foundation and the PR powerhouse Porter Novelli. Through the partnership, a unique idea has been born - a goal to raise $1.65 million by July 4th; proceeds will be given to America's soldiers as they return home.

The website, which also links to ReMIND.org, is a movement of Woodruff's foundation that "educates the public about the needs of injured service members, veterans and their families as they reintegrate into their communities and empowers people everywhere to take action."

If you remember, Woodruff suffered near fatal injuries in 2006 from a roadside bomb. He was on assignment in Iraq for ABC’s “World News Tonight." His wife and family have channeled their experience into creating the Bob Woodruff foundation in hopes of helping military families across the nation. Special thanks to them for their generous time and efforts.

Please take time to visit the Tweet to Remind website, donate and spread the word throughout your blogging community. Most importantly, don't forget to TWEET! Follow the movement @remind_org or @tweettoremind. Our nation's forces and their families give everything they have, every day of the year, to protect our freedom. They are our heroes. Please take time to thank them in a small way.

Stephen Colbert to Broadcast From Iraq!

I've talked about my likeness for Colbert before. He helps military brats and genuinely likes our military community.

And for some time now, he's discussed an upcoming trip to the Persian Gulf and this week it was announced that he really is going!

The Colbert Report has deployed to Iraq on a USO tour entitled "Operation Iraqi Stephen: Going Commando." He's landed safely and Colbert will broadcast four shows from Baghdad next week, where he’ll be entertaining an audience of about 450 troops. Catch the shows when they air Monday through Thursday.

Comedy Central reports that the operation "is taking place at an undisclosed military base. The week will feature many segments including Colbert putting together USO care packages for the troops and 'shout outs' from notable figures in society."

Check out the announcement here for further info, including a list of his notable guests. Stellar. On a special note, they have also reported that proceeds from sales of "The Colbert Report" on iTunes during the week of June 8 will benefit the USO.

Here's a clip from his show, where he asks his viewers to do what anyone would do with this type of secret . . . leak it! Tweet about it, blog about it, etc.

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Exclusive - Where and When Is Stephen Going to the Persian Gulf - Iraq Announcement
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Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Keyboard Cat

So in the words of Colbert himself . . . Go Forth and LEAK! :) Spread the news and tune in!

Recalled Military Mother - Remember SERVICE BEFORE SELF

I was reading one of my favorite blogs today, Storked, and she discussed an article she read about a military mom who was recalled to duty.

Here's a summary of the article if you don't have time to read it. There's a prior military woman who lives in NC. She served the Army for four years and was honorable discharged. Like ALL prior members, there is a possibility for her to be recalled. She was - called to report to Fort Benning, and isn't happy about it. Thing is, she has kids now. And apparently her husband travels a lot. Being away from them is "not an option."

So, in her first report back in, she drove about 400 miles, through a snow storm and brought her kids along. She's filed several appeals as to why she can't possibly be recalled and all were rejected. When she gets to Ft. Benning, they will let her know their decision.

The Associated Press piece reads, like most news of late, as a melodramatic movie script. She had to fight through an insane snow storm. She so doesn't want to have to go back into the Army. She's devastated to leave her children. The Army is the bad guy.

Seriously? No, I mean, seriously? As a military brat, I feel like I have the authority to sound off on this. Firstly, the piece is ridiculous and all it does is paint this horribly unfair picture of what happens to prior servicemen and women nationwide. Because, FYI folks, THIS happens to everyone. Men, women. Families of 6. Single people. This woman is not going on some plight by herself. And not to mention, we ALL drive hundreds of miles for everything in the military. Again, she is not alone. And we don't complain.

And reading this, and hearing this makes me angry. Firstly, I have the utmost respect for all mothers worldwide. Being a mother is a sacred thing and not one LIKES to be separated from their kids.

BUT, she chose to join the military and she knew and understood everything that goes along with it. The military is not a job, it is a lifestyle. A commitment. And I don't even want to hear her complain.

And as a military brat, I understand what it's like to have parents not there. Let's talk about the time my father was in the land of sand and my brother graduated . . . HIGH SCHOOL. Or the many birthday, soccer games, every day occurrences that he missed. We NEVER complained. Ever. And we are the kids. It is the nature of our lives. And we had mad respect for our parents who were sent away. Don't even get me started on the families who have TWO military parents. Their kids don't complain either.

Additionally, you may think that I'd like the Army to make her go. BUT, I don't. I don't want someone who's heart isn't in the right place, over with all the other men and women deployed who's hearts are in the right place. She doesn't deserve to serve with them. They wouldn't want her.

An old saying, from my favorite Army Ranger in my life, is SUCK IT UP AND PRESS ON. Life happens. The military is your life. You can't just pick when and where it suits you. There is a reason why we say service before self. Think about that.

Military Pen Pals Are the BEST

To know me is to know that I love the Today Show. Seriously, I do.

This morning, as I pulled up the home page something made me smile. There was a Marine, with the caption "I love you too buddy."

I've placed the segment below for you to watch. It's about a little boy who had some trouble mastering reading and writing. His mom was looking for a creative way to encourage him and decided to work with the Adopt a US Soldier organization. Her son was assigned Marine pen pal Gy Sgt Balthazar Pineda who is currently in Iraq.

Their correspondence has made a true difference in this little boys life and the Today Show brought the mother and son on live today to share their story. The family explained how they have never met Pineda. He is still in Iraq and hopes to return home in a few months. He promised the family that they could meet when he returns.

Well in true Today Show fashion, the family got a fantastic surprise today. Pineda was patched in live from Iraq and the pen pals were able to meet for the first time via satellite.

It was a great moment. The boy was in complete shock. All he could say was how much he loved Pineda. Pineda responded, "I love you too buddy." :)

I think it's evident that the pen pal arrangement has also made a difference in Pineda's life as well. He has his own family and his own daughters, but I think that he saw the opportunity to make an impact in this little boy's life, and that makes him proud.

My favorite part of the segment - well besides the actual meeting, had to be the video of the school children creating care packages to send to our men and women in Iraq. That made my heart smile. If you'd like to help send some good cheer and support to our troops in Iraq visit the Adopt a US Soldier website, the Treats for Our Troops website, or visit a personal favorite of mine - the USO.

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Troops Watch SuperBowl From Iraq

The following video is from the Today Show and shows well deserved troops at Camp Victory in Baghdad watching the big game. A special thanks to all of our troops in the land of sand - thanks for all you do. I hope that yesterday's festivites made you feel a little closer to home.

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Troops in Iraq Have a Reason to Celebrate: Beer & the SuperBowl

The top U.S. military commander in Iraq did a great thing on Wednesday. He passed a waiver that will bring our troops in the land of sand a little piece of home on Super Bowl Sunday. Beer.

The waiver grants authorization to all U.S. troops to drink beer but there are some rules. Only on this special nite, and a maximum of two beers a person. This waiver comes as our troops have begun to step back and take more advisory roles that come with less combat.

The no alcohol ban has only been lifted only one time before this, in 2005 and only for troops operating under the Baghdad command. Normally, if anyone is caught drinking in combat zones they are dealt a series of negative consequences. They can face a reduction in pay, a reduction in rank and can even be court-martialed.

Troops that are in Iraq who want to watch the big game will have to stay up late. After all, it will be 2 a.m. in Baghdad when the big game gears up. But I guarantee that you won't hear many complaints. They'll be watching the game, drinking a beer and feeling closer to home for the first time in a long time.

Enjoy those beers and thank you for all that you do!

Holiday Gift Idea - For the Military Brat in Your Life

Can you believe that Christmas is just 9 days away? 9. Whew. Wasn't it just Thanksgiving? I haven't even had the chance to mail my holiday cards out. Eish.

Still shopping for holiday presents? Um, I am. And you're amazing if you've finished. Hats off to you. So for those still trying to find the perfect gift for the military brat in your life, I'd like to recommend a personal favorite . . .The Military Brat Challenge Coin.



Until a few years ago, I didn't know it existed. Challenge coins - yes. I mean, my father has kindly given me many throughout the year and I collect them proudly. And I'm a big fan of them and how they are used. (The story behind the origination of the coin is amazing, but that is for another post.) I have many. And to this day, I can still pick up my father's wallet and see a circular imprint. Ever new wallet gets one.

A few years back, one of my best friends Amanda Stangl, was kind enough to give me one for Christmas. We lived in Japan together, and she's the friend I've had longest in my life. I feel like I grew up with her, even though we met when we were 13 and only had 3 short years together.

She found it on the famous military brats website we love the most. I cried when she gave it to me. Too sentimental?

The words that appear on the front of the coin are so important: bold, adaptable, tolerant, and responsible. I've said it before and I'll say it again, military brats don't choose to become brats. It happens to them. But the best thing about being a brat, is learning to embrace each part of your military life. The moves. The foreign countries. The new languages. The constant change. The words on the coin are the code we live by.

Receiving that coin made me feel like I was finally like my father. And when he went to Iraq, I bought a coin for both my younger siblings Matt and Nicole. I wanted to remind them that they too deserve such an honor. Their dedication, support and respect to our father and our military family should be recognized and celebrated.

Until my father returned from Iraq, I carried my coin and his coin in my wallet. It helped me feel connected. And now, when I'm with my friends who are military brats, I never hesitate to call a challenge at a bar. After all, I now have my own duds.

If you have a military brat in your life and are looking for a stocking stuffer, or a special gift, I encourage you to give your loved one a military brat challenge coin.

Hugs to all brats around the world.

Veteran's Day

Today is a special day for America. Today is Veterans Day.

As a military brat this day calls for special reflection. My father still serves today. My grandfather served. And in about a year, my brother will graduate from the University of Oklahoma and become an Army officer. It's what my family does, we serve.

My father has been to Iraq and Afghanistan. It's only a matter of time before he goes again. My brother will also go. My grandfather was drafted during World War II.

I have many friends who are in the service, and even friends whose parents still serve. I have friends who are deployed. While I never fully made it to "signing on the dotted line" I spent my life (and still am) as a military brat. I've seen first hand, year after year, the sacrifices that men and women make around the world.

It seems at times, to me, that we can never fully comprehended what our nation's forces do for us on a daily basis. Regardless of what your opinion is, you should always support the troops. They are where they are because they are fighting to protect us. In the Land of Sand. In a country that ends with "stan." In places you've never heard of and never will hear of.

So on today, I ask you to pause. Reflect on what you have. You have peace on your shore lines. Think of the men and women that are deployed throughout the world, and their families who are left waiting at home for them to return. And remember all of those who came before them, some of whom never made it home. For without them, we would not have the freedoms that we have today.

My love and admiration to my father, brother, grandfather and friends who have stood for us. My love and continued support to their family members. We owe you more than we could ever give you back. You mean the world to me.