2 Days After (the 2007 Milblog Conference)

(Apologies up front for not linking everyone -- I wanted to include pics and my allotted time at the local library (for high speed) is up! Do click the links as many bloggers have their reports, video of the President addressing the Conference and many other pics from the conference up on their blogs!)

I had an absolutely amazing time at the 2007 Milblog Conference… with many thanks to Andi for all her dedication and hard work -- which showed in the excellent turnout, the quality of the panels and the fun and camaraderie enjoyed by all! I mentioned to a number of people that there is nothing like the Milblog Conference -- no pretensions, no airs… meeting people that you feel like you’ve known for years. No one cares what you look like (but ok, Noonan, Hook and Matt (Blackfive) have my votes for the hunks of the gig)… what your background is (we even invited members of the MSM to come visit!)… or if you have a college degree (but the discussions on Masters thesis and doctoral papers were entertaining!) or what you do for a living (I think there were actually some spooks in attendance!) However, in all seriousness, there is such affirmation in the commonality in goals and attention that joins this fine community: support for our troops.

My wonderful friend, Stacy outside Walter Reed

Andrea at Walter Reed talks to ThirdWave Dave (We missed you Dave!!)

I was especially honored to be able to stand with the DC Freepers outside Walter Reed on Friday afternoon; the FReepers normally start their counter-protest around 7PM but started early so that we Milbloggers could come stand in REAL support of our troops as we had last year. Stacy and I had even more fun than last year because we didn’t get wet! Stacy, Andrea Shea-King and I (among a number of others) also were humbled by the opportunity to visit with the Wounded Warriors at Walter Reed’s Malogne House where we distributed Soldiers’ Angels challenge coins and some other gifts to the wounded. These wonderful soldiers are an inspiration to all of us.

ArmyWife ToddlerMom & SSM

Blackfive

A number of us who arrived Thursday evening had the special opportunity of spending the evening with Greyhawk and Mrs. G on his last evening before his second deployment to Iraq… and I’m delighted that Mrs. G advises that G has arrived at his destination safely. I had so much fun seeing so many milbloggers… the always beautiful Rachelle (ArmyWifeToddlerMom), Noonan, Toni, Stacy, Mrs. G, Doc & Heather, Blackfive, Lex, Sgt. Hook, FbL, Soldier’s Dad (no relation!), Dadmanly, John & Beth D., the indomitable ChuckZ and his darling wife… HomeFrontSix, Holly and the incomparable Vivian!, Eagle1, V5 (Paul), Army Girl, Tammi, Chromed Curses, JR and his beautiful wife, American Soldier, Andi’s husband (what a treat!), MaryAnn (safe trip!!), Jean (a truly dedicated Soldier’s Angel!), the remarkable Robert Stokely, Greta, JoyJoy, David M., Bill Roggio, Cat… and Patti the whirlwind… so many truly dedicated and passionate people. And even a (working) Navy PAO!!

Mr. Noonan

Mr. & Mrs. Bell (Taco's Dad & Mom!)

(We missed you Mr. Taco!!)

The panels were informative and lively… and I'm always amzed at the depth of the knowledge of the bloggers -- really some of the smartest guys in the universe! I can hardly remember the questions that were asked or what I said during my panel appearance, but I remember all that Sarah, Rachelle and Becky had to say… and when all is said and done, it makes no difference whether you are a spouse or a parent left behind -- the love is all that matters (and drives the worry). I hope the military members in the audience came away with a new perspective and appreciation for the members of the military family who didn't actually enlist.

We Rock, Ladies!!

I have a number of topics that I hope to blog about soon that I opted not to address at the Milblog Conference (inappropriate forum), but am still traveling and have only intermittent access to blogging…. But check back here now and then!

As everyone else who has done their after action report on the 2007 Milblog Conference, much praise and adoration to the marvelous Andi who not only was putting this conference together but also the second SpouseBuzz Live… a remarkable woman! Already looking forward to next year!!

Copyright 2007 Some Soldier's Mom. All rights reserved.