The world of military blogs is definitely gaining more attention, whether it's here at home or in some war-filled country.

Now two sites have merged to open up more than 1,000 military blogs. Military.com and milblogging.com have joined to give readers of the obscure a complete array of news from the frontlines and home front. From the heart-pounding suspense of an enemy attack to the boring everyday doldrums of soldier camp life, you'll find it here. As most families and soldiers know, getting a snail-mail letter from a loved one is like striking gold. A lot of the blogs I've scanned seem just like that — a letter from home.

It's the simple mundane things that I often find interesting that you just can't get from the mainstream news.

A blog I read from one soldier, who recently returned from Iraq was writing about his trip home after a yearlong deployment. From the final destination the author named, "Tora," he is likely a 3rd Infantry Division soldier. (alphablue137.blogspot.com/).

"After a wickedly sudden call to pack, I hurriedly crammed my remaining OIF belongings into bags and within 48 hours, was on a plane to Kuwait. After nearly 12-hours of standard issue bull——, I was settled in my temporary quarters on a dusty cot at an undisclosed location. After two cold, seemingly-endless nights in unheated Quonset huts (portable metal buildings) I was on a plane homeward bound.

"Pausing for a brief stop in Europe (where I picked up a beer mat and two Guinness-branded bar towels), we finally arrived at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia at about 8 AM, Sunday, 1 January 2006. My New Year was spent somewhere in the air over the Atlantic, but it was a very good one.

"Hours later, I was showered, fed and rested in a cozy home in suburban Savannah. I recuperated for a couple of days, then picked up the keys to my apartment on 3 January. My vehicle arrived on 4 January, and I have finally set up my command center today: Alienware Aurora 7500 PC, 42 plasma, cable internet connection, (Play Station 2 video game console) external drive, and am in the process of installing WoW (sound enhancement hardware)."

Now this might not be the most exciting list of events, but it's what I call mega-information and the small wonderful details that make soldiers who they are — details that families treasure.

Besides giving addresses to service member blog sites, there are also some money-making opportunities for the warrior wordsmith. The Will to Exist (willtoexist.com) offers cash and other prizes to any soldier, Marine, airman or seaman currently serving (or within the last year) with the Multi-National Forces in Iraq who submits the best essay. The grand prize if you win is $250. Not that the money would mean too much to a guy kicking sand up and knocking down doors for the most part of his day, but it's the thought that counts, right?

The rules are you have to explain why you are in Iraq, in 500 to 1,000 words, within the Feb. 16 deadline. I'm not sure if these folks are for or against the war in Iraq, but here's the Web site's reasons for having this contest: "The goal of this essay contest is to promote the American public's awareness of the situation in Iraq and to help spread a better understanding of what it is like to be an American serviceperson serving in theater."

I think this is the kind of real news all of us can use.

###

About Us Home > Press Releases > Top