More Troops in Afghanistan Than Iraq

As of today, there are more US troops in Afghanistan Than Iraq as reported today in the NY Times At War blog.  I am glad to hear it.  The war is over in Iraq--unless the civil war starts and if it does, it is not our war.

Really good news.  The American troops who have to be in the Middle East are moving to where they can do the most good in fighting terrorists.

American Chemistry Magazine Published a Story I Wrote

Because it is in a PDF, I cannot post all three pages.  If you want to read it, send me an email:  ngussman@gmail.com

Echo Soldiers at the Barbeque

WHYY to Teach Soldiers Video Skills

After breakfast with Carl Kassell on Tuesday, I got a tour of the new Learning Lab at WHYY in Philadelphia from Craig Santoro, the project manager.  During the tour, Craig and I talked about the possibility of WHYY training soldiers in video skills.  In a minute, Craig had a plan for a "Boot Camp" weekend.  A full day of shooting, framing shots, and technical instruction with WHYY professional staff.   The second day will be video editing and other technical considerations.  Craig suggested we bring our own cameras so the training will be on the equipement we will eventually use.

I knew I was going, whether it was an official Army weekend or not.  Yesterday, I called Sgt. Matt Jones at the public affairs office on Fort Indiantown Gap.  He said that, depending on the schedule, we could certainly use video cameras at the PA office.  I called Capt. Ed Shank of the 56th Brigade Combat Team (Stryker).  Capt. Shank said he would be attending himself and bring his PA staff. 

Tentative dates would be in September or October.  It's a great offer.  Thanks to Craig, WHYY and the Learning Lab.

More Pictures from the May 15 Brigade Barbeque

Warriors on the Home Front: WGAL

Tonight I was on WGAL TV in a series about soldiers returning from Iraq.

Breakfast with Carl Kassell

This morning I went to the new Learning Lab in the WHYY FM91/TV12 Studios in Philadelphia for a breakfast event featuring Carl Kassell.  I got to sit with Carl during breakfast and took several photos during the presentation.  He was interviewed on stage by Dave Heller of WHYY. 

Carl talked about his life, NPR News, and Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me.  He joined the army in the 50s and served two years in Italy where he met his first wife.  His high school drama teacher was Andy Griffith and in the mid 70s he hired Katie Couric as a summer intern.  In response to an audience question, Carl said Gene Simmons of Kiss was the worst guest in the history of WWDTM.

                               Carl and Me

                      Carl Kassell during the on-stage interview

Dave Heller and Carl Kassell on stage at WHYY