Fox News tomorrow morning

I will be on Fox and Friends tomorrow morning, April 29, at 7:45 AM EST to talk about my experience in Iraq. I'm not in NYC , but will be broadcasting out of a studio in SLC. Since that is 5:45 AM my time, it might be entertaining just to see if I can keep my eyes open.

My new PAO buddy from the 301st FW

This is Major Karl Lewis, PAO for the 301st FW down in Dallas and here we are right after we landed in Kuwait, on our way to Baghdad and Balad. Karl is an amazing PAO who is always right where help is needed the most. He's one of those great Americans who is making us look good worldwide, and is one of the Air Force's finest. I'll be going to Dallas soon to meet his Commander and their team. Can't wait!

Sharlene

With the troops in Baghdad and Balad

Well, I had really hoped to blog every single day I was in Iraq, but the schedule was so tight, and connectivity so hard to come by due to the logistics of where we were staying that I just couldn’t. Anyway, how do I put my trip into a nutshell? Bottom line, I saw firsthand that our troops and our strategy are working. Captain Garcia took us to a school in Balad (wow, I never thought I’d be in an MRAP convoy—those vehicles are HUGE…so glad the troops now have that protection!) where not only did we get loved by 400 little girls (about 6 years to 14 years old), but the Mayor of Balad and about 4 city council members were there(see photo above, the Mayor is to my left). I was impressed by Captain Garcia’s diplomacy skills as we talked with these men through an interpreter. They were grateful for the school supplies we brought…and then asked us point blank if we could help them build schools. I told them that if it weren’t for the monumental logistics of building right now, we’d be there. Hopefully soon. By the way, this was trip was sponsored by American Airlines, and Operation Iraqi Children in cooperation with the Department of Defense. The whole purpose is to “help the soldiers help the children” and in so doing, our efforts support the troops and their overall strategy to win the hearts and minds of the people. It sure seemed to me like they have succeeded. We took 20,000 tons of school supplies for the soldiers to distribute throughout Iraq…and from what I saw in Balad, those kids and teachers will be hugging our soldiers for a long time.  

In Baghdad and Balad this week

I'm not sure what to expect since this will be my first trip to Baghdad and Balad, but wow I'm looking forward to the adventure and to meeting all the great Americans over there. I have been told that I will have internet access, in which case, I anticipate posting blogs about my experience. This is not a trip directly related to my work with Remember My Service, but I certainly expect to learn a lot about how we can more effective. Would love to hear your comments!

Women's History Month at NCIS

What an honor to be asked to speak to the NCIS team at the Navy Yard in DC this past Tuesday! In celebration of Women's History Month, Ralph Blincoe (Dep. Director) asked me to speak about balance and service, and to prepare, I got the chance to meet some really amazing women. These women are really making the rest of us look good...they're smart, tough, fun, and really work hard at balancing their professional and personal lives. Special agents Cate Smith and Heather Baines told me about some of their more interesting undercover experiences...and they both couldn't say enough about the great work that JAG lawyer Mindy Siefer does to make sure they get all the support they need. My sister Janet happened to be in town so it was wonderful to have her there to experience the day at NCIS. Director Tom Betro has obviously established a workplace where not only professionalism is at the highest levels, but there's a strong sense of family, and unity, and a celebration of diversity. Kudos to NCIS! It's a privilege for Remember My Service to have been part of that event.

Lone Survivor Giveaway!

As you all know, we are dedicated to honoring and remembering those who serve as part of the U.S. Military. What better way to honor you (or your loved one) than allowing you to submit your favorite military story or experience for everyone to share. Once you submit your story, you will be instantly entered to win the AMAZING book by Marcus Luttrell, Lone Survivor: An Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10. Lone Survivor is a MUST read book as it takes you through a detailed description of real Navy SEAL training and the true story of fire team leader Marcus Luttrell, the sole survivor of Operation Redwing, and the desperate battle in the mountains of Afghanistan that led to the largest loss of life in Navy SEAL history.

How to Play:

Simply submit your favorite personal Military experience in the comment section (just below this post) by Friday, April 3rd. We will read all the submissions and pick the top 3 winners who will all receive a FREE copy of Lone Survivor. Please provide your email address in your comment in case you are one of the WINNERS!

Meeting with MAG-39 at Camp Pendleton

It's always a great day in San Diego, isn't it? I love having a reason to get there, so to be able to meet with both Navy and the Marines was a wonderful excuse. I've never been to Camp Pendleton before--it's huge! I had the privilege of meeting with all the representatives from each of the Squadrons of the Marine Aircraft Group 39. I spent a little extra time afterwards talking with these great Marines below:
From L to R: Captain Joe Troyan, Major Khieem Jackson, Sharlene Hawkes, Captain Chad Tyler, and Captain Brian Riva

You know, everytime I get to see our American defense personnel and capabilities up close...I'm in awe. Seriously. When I lived abroad as a teenager, anyone in uniform (I'd see the Marines at the US Embassy for instance) represented home to me. I am so proud of the great job you all do representing and defending us. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to say this since I'm not a Marine...but....hooooah!


By the way, here's a link to our latest press release .