AllMilitary.com

Karl talks about his milblog Learning Straight Up

Question: What are 3 things your readers probably do not know about you?

I am a die hard fan of Firefly and Serenity, I collect useless trivia and I used to be a free lance wedding photographer.

Question: How long have you been blogging and why did you get into blogging?

I started blogging 4 years ago as a vent and outlet, a personal journal, really. In 2004, however, we had the farcical Governors election in Washington and I started paying more attention to blogs locally as they unraveled the elections mess, as well as the national blogs regarding the presidential election. So I widened my perspective from personal issues to political ones, and essentially lit my own fire. I discovered I liked being a part of a national debate, and kept getting more involved until I finally launched my own domain in March 2006. It has been a great experience.

Question: What is your military experience?

I was a C5 and C141 Mechanic at Travis AFB for 12.5 years of Active Duty, and 2 years of Reserve Duty at McChord AFB.I left the military in 1995, and I am now a disabled veteran. Yes, as odd as it sounds, I did all my Active Duty service at one base. I reached the rank of E5 and was one of a few chosen to attend the NCO Academy at Norton AFB. The NCOA was normally reserved for E6 and higher.

My military experience was what most would regard as mundane, and not glamorous or flashy. The closest to war and danger I got was providing Chemical Weapons briefing to aircrews during Desert Storm as a member of the base’s Disaster Preparedness Support Team. But my service while boring was important as a part of the whiole picture. It made me appreciate the logistical challenges the military faces, and the essential nature of the support services that enable our Military to be the finest in the world.

It also made me a much better person.

Question: What are some of your other favorite Milblogs?

I think I have read more at Blackfive then most, but I enjoy hitting the Random Link button and seeing who all of the various bloggers are. I also have a great admiration of Michael Yon.

Question: What has been the biggest factor in helping you create and publish a successful blog?

The kindness of some established bloggers, notably Sister Toldjah, who has been a great influence, has given me great advice, and has been a solid friend. Aside from that aspect, the biggest personal factor has been a refusal to give up, because some days you are weary of the efforts it takes to research and publish information daily. Then, some positive feedback comes in and you remember that maybe somehow you are making a difference and that all the work is worthwhile. Blogging takes work.

Question: Do you have anything else you would like us to mention about you, your blog, or your readers?

I think my blog speaks for itself. I welcome all readers form all ideologies, and hope I have something to contribute to everyones benefit.

I would like to personally extend my gratitude and admiration to men and women of the Military (US and other), for their dedication and service, and for fighting for the freedom of us all.

And on the heels of that, my appreciation and admiration to all the Mil Bloggers, active duty, reserve, veteran or civilian alike, for all their hard work and determination to keep the information flowing, and for their overall support of the Military.

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