MLK has always inspired me and his “I have a Dream” speech still makes chills run down my spine. I’ll let you in on a little secret – I’m a bit of a dreamer too (shhh don’t tell anyone). Thought I’d share my dreams about #militarymon (on Twitter and beyond) with you.

If you were not aware, yours truly @kissmygumbo am the co-founder of #militarymon along with Carson Daly @carsonjdaly. We created this to recognize and honor our men and women in uniform, veterans, our fallen heroes and military families. The bonus stuff that has springboarded from this “movement” is, military non-profits, veterans groups, civic groups that support the military and businesses that either support the military directly or give special discounts to the troops, are participating. It also gives so many people the opportunity to express their appreciation for the troops in their tweets. Though we have never trended (long story with no good answers & not for lack of trying), #militarymon is here to stay!

OK ….so what is my wish, my dream for the future of #militarymon?

Well….it would be wonderful if #militarymon not only got to be a bigger movement on-line (Facebook & Twitter), but if businesses and people all over the USA (world would be great too) did something extra every Monday for the troops, their families and our veterans. Each week people could donate something to a military non-profit, visit a Veteran’s home, give a special discount if you own a business or just stop and say thank you to a neighbor who served. I would love this to be HUGE! Are you with me???

Join the #militarymon Facebook Fan Page today.

c/p at Hooah Wife and Friends

* This tattoo was too cool not to share. My lunch date (see pic below – tall guy) had this on his leg. He was hit by an RPG and is missing some of the muscles in his leg. He can still press 500 pounds and competes in events (marathons, triathlons – you name it) all over the country! Inspiring!!

* I had a tweetup with a bunch of NOLA twiends on Friday. Not everyone (gasp) in the NOLA blog community loves the Princess (they never met me). But thankfully, there are many who do. I love this group and look forward to getting to know many of them a lot better!

* #militarymon is rocking on Twitter again. We start on Kabul Afghanistan time. Anything you tweet within the next 24 hours, please add #militarymon. It is a simple way to honor the troop, our Veterans and our fallen heroes. It won’t cost you a darn penny to participate!

* These were my lunch dates this past week. Yes, they are all wounded heroes and I get to have experiences like this because of Soldiers’ Angels. You couldn’t find a nicer bunch of guys!

* Recruiter 1 =FAIL Recruiter 2 tried – but a whole week and no answers =FAIL. #3?

* Working out is still continuing even after my triathlon is completed. Still not decided on another event besides the Face of America bike ride in April. Time to invest in a new saddle and pants for the longer rides!

* Did I mention I am going to be a judge for International Chili Society World’s Championship (yes, representing Soldiers’ Angels)? You might even catch me on the Food Network – LOL! I was told that I could drink beer in between tastes – yeeha!

* Had the opportunity to meet another upstanding Marine on Friday. Check out Brad’s website. If ever there was a 24 year old with a bright future – this guy is it. He served 2 tours in Iraq and is wise beyond his years. My Angel wings will be supporting him somehow. Let me know if you want to help get behind his 100 mile run in April!

Yep – doing the #militarymon thing on Twitter again. We start Sunday when Monday starts in Kabul and continue through our Monday. Come over and honor all the men and women who serve, our veterans, our fallen heroes, and military families on Twitter. @kissmygumbo

Many thanks to my friend Troy from Bouhammer (his post about it is here) for following through with my suggestion for a #militarymon t-shirt in a week’s time. He agreed to make all proceeds from this shirt go towards Soldiers’ Angels Project Valour-IT. You can buy the shirt here

A win win!!! I’m so happy – I better go have a drink to celebrate after all I got this news during Tales of the Cocktail!

Update: For everyone involved in the contest mentioned on point #6 – good luck and have fun.

1. Who is @kissmygumbo?
My name is Greta Perry and I’m just some 41 yo stoopid housewife (hate that word – but I never sit on the couch and eat bon-bons), mom of 3 who supports the troops and bleeds red white and blue. Nah – actually I’m a little more complex than that:) You’ll have to read my bio for the rrrreeeeeesssst…of the story.

2. What drives me?
My husband retired from the Army in 2006 and I chose Soldiers’ Angels (actually it chose me) as the non-profit I would work with permanently. This happened after Patti Patton-Bader, the founder, invited me to spend a day at Walter Reed Army Medical Center during a Milblog conference in 2007. I realize how effective I (yes, there is an I sometimes) can be as a volunteer to help the troops and their families and put my heart and soul into it (sometimes neglecting having a hot meal on the table or keeping the house 100% spotless). Needs arise every day and some days it is morning until night SA – all as a volunteer! Yes, I would love to be paid for doing what I do – that would be a dream come true!!!!

3. How was #militarymon created?
Carson Daly and yours truly put our heads together to create this. Read here and here for that.

4. What is the mission of #militarymon?
To recognize our Veterans, those who are currently serving, honor our fallen heroes, recognize military family members, talk about military topics, recognize the Milblog community, recognize resources and non-profits that support the troops and let those serving know we support them!

5. What do I personally gain from #militarymon?
The satisfaction of knowing that this concept might work. Getting thank you’s from heroes and their families and being able to connect a hero or family member with resources. I have not used it to drive traffic to this blog (a banner day is 300 visitors) or my other one or beg for sponsors for my radio show ( I reserve that for other days & I really do need sponsors). All good things come back to you and that in itself is enough for me.

6. What are the issues with #militarymon?
I’ve heard from people trying to make money off of it, those that think Carson and I chit chat on the phone every day and want me to pass him a message and grumbling from people about getting the hashtags wrong. There also is a contest now, and though I don’t endorse or promote it, it is America and last time I checked, I do not control anyone else (heck, I can’t even get my kids to do their chores without a struggle). Some have found this contest disrespectful. Hopefully, we can all just put our differences aside and work together as a community! No time for squabbling, there is a war going on!

7. What is the future of #militarymon?
Well…if we all stand strong and unite, this will be a wonderful tool looked at by the world (who is now on Twitter – except my Mother – please don’t tell her about it) to show and recognize and strengthen the online presence of the military. I’m working on a growing database with others that will go public when it is complete (but it will need lots of tending to).

8. How can you help with #militarymon?
Every Monday come up with unique Tweets (Retweets don’t count you can replace RT with via) and add #militarymon to them. Link blogs and resources in your posts and thank people for their service. The #followfriday style is fine, but we are so much more than that. We need to reach out to the news and celebrities and those with mass Twitter followings to get them on board. We want this trend to grow and we must reach out to others to help that!

9. What does Carson think of all this?
Well, according to some of our conversations through Twitter, all he ever wanted to do is recognize the military on Twitter. He never thought it would become so complex. He will keep doing what he intended and will continue to support the troops as he does! He has my utmost respect and gets a big Hooah! from me.

10. What plans do I have for next Monday?
Monday is laundry day and hopefully I’ll be tending to only a mild weekend hangover. I’ll swim a mile and maybe run, try not to kill my children, feed my 4 cats, walk my dog and spend waaaay too much time on the computer TWEETING!!!! When hubby gets home from work, I’ll call for pizza!

FYI – my Twitter account is broken and I don’t even show up in their search – UGH!