I view the world differently than most because of my experiences as I enlisted in the Air Force January 1980 and retired October 2000 and have seen war firsthand, Gulf War Veteran. I vote my conscience. I am weary of my government because as they say, power corrupts and absolute power absolutely corrupts!

Randy Yagi worked in management in both academic and government positions for over 25 years. Randy has degrees in Economics, Computer Graphics and Liberal Studies. He is also a certified USA Triathlon Coach, ASCA Swim Coach, USA Track and Field Coach and NASM Personal Trainer, in addition to being the Internet writer for the San Jose, CA area for Examiner.com Randy is a Vietnam era veteran, having served in the United States Army and was stationed overseas.

Daniel Slone serves as the first sergeant for Troop C, 2nd Squadron, 108th Cavalry Regiment (the "Louisiana Cavalry"), 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Louisiana Army National Guard. He has been and remains an 11B (infantryman), for which his comrades in the cavalry occasionally tease him. He has over 14 years of service spanning cavalry, light and mechanized infantry, armor, and intelligence units of the Louisiana and Mississippi Army National Guard and the Army Reserve, with two tours in Iraq (2004-05 and 2010) with the 256th Infantry Brigade. In civilian life he earned a BA in political science with an emphasis in international relations from the University of Mississippi (which makes living in LSU Tiger country a tough proposition) and an MBA, and works as the director of operations for a private corrections company with eight prison and detention facilities in Louisiana, Texas, and Alabama. In his random snatches of spare time he enjoys rifle and pistol shooting and is an avid reader of military history, current military affairs, alternate history, and science fiction. He writes both fiction and non-fiction, with an emphasis on business, finance, geopolitics, current military affairs, and military history.

I am a "Proud Army Mom" who supports all branches of our Armed Forces and those who serve within them. As a member of multiple military parent groups, the wife of a disabled Vietnam veteran (Air Force), the mother of an Army Veteran with two tours in Iraq and an avid supporter of all military personnel & their families - I write about military issues, military support groups, military charity organizations and a variety of resources available to our service members and their families. The motto that rules a huge part of my life is simple: "I'm Army Strong, I'm an Army Mom, until they ALL come home." I thank each of you for your service and will do all I can do to continue to honor your sacrifices and service. I owe my freedom and liberty to each of you. THAT will never be forgotten or taken for granted.

Eric spent 10 years active duty in the USAF. During that time, in addition to being assigned to three different bases, he also traveled extensively to include a trip to sunny Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, in support of Operation Southern Watch prior to separating in 2003. Eric now supports the defense community as a network analyst at a defense contractor company.

Karol, pronounced Carl, Garrison is a former Helicopter Rescue Swimmer for the U.S. Coast Guard. During his tour at Air Station Los Angeles, Garrison received his M.A. in Journalism from Regent University. Recently, he was commissioned as a Reserve Officer allowing more time to write, surf, and be involved with the arts. "So others may live."

Mr. Kim Volm is a retired Veteran, having served in three branches of service throughout his career. Beginning as a finance clerk in the Army serving in Korea, he next served as a personnel clerk in the Wisconsin National Guard where he went on a reforager exercise in Germany. He finished his career in the Navy feeding the sailers while serving in Operation Desert Storm. With a diverse career ranging from Finance to Sous Chef, he continues to serve others with a civilian career in preparing adult learners for sobriety and workforce reintegration. Kim writes freelance articles for a variety of publications, focusing on military and post-service lifestyles and culinary topics.