It Still Is What It Is

On May 17, I had the honor and privilege of addressing the National Press Club about a journalism fellowship I recently completed for The Phillips Foundation, which was titled "The Unknown Soldiers: How the Media Celebrates American Idols and Ignores American Heroes."

You read the project right here on The Unknown Soldiers blog and in my weekly Creators Syndicate newspaper column, both of which continue today. While every post you read here is near and dear to my heart, one of the stories I think about most often is the emotional saga of Lance Cpl. Andrew Carpenter and his family.

From the Marine's tragic death after being shot in Afghanistan to the subsequent birth of his son, Landon, with an incredible memorial service in between, I wanted to share this story with the audience, which included former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and several troops, veterans, and military spouses.

Thank you for continuing to read this blog, the weekly newspaper column, and for supporting the USO, which I humbly joined on March 14. The work of spotlighting, honoring, and helping our troops, veterans, and their families continues every single day, until every one comes home.