Photography by John Michael

"Preserving the memories so others will remember"™

Another Brick in the Wall….

Today’s my birthday… I don’t remember it, but I know that my parents and relatives were filled with joy when I let out my first cry. Looking back over the years, I have a lot to be thankful for despite the many walls and obstacles that have hindered forward progress. I’ve done quite a bit – touched the lives of many of those who have served and provided a chronicle of events that will allow many to remember them in years to come.

I never thought I’d be this involved in history after my high school experience. I hate to say, but both teachers I had for history (World then American) were rather pompous and didn’t teach, but expected everyone to memorize dates, places and people… that’s fine if you’re about to become a repository for that info. My approach is to bring history alive and make it meaningful so people remember.

Over the past decade plus, I’ve taken a different viewpoint on the topic and it dovetails very nicely with my photographic & creative talents.

You can see some of the photographs (I still need an adjutant, an intern … SOMEONE to help ! Any volunteers?) on my webpage (www.John-Michael.net) which will take you to my online albums, my blog and my online store. (but those are just the tip of the iceberg – cliche – of the tens of thousands of photos that can possibly be posted)

I continue to uncover many things that people didn’t know or completely forgot about which is in tandem with my mission of

“Preserving the memories so others will remember…” ™

The first regimental calendar that I produced has gotten rave reviews by all who have seen it and purchased it. The calendar – “The Old Guard on Parade – 2009″ is still for sale and will be through MARCH 31, 2009. It will disappear from online sales after that date to make those that have been produced more valuable.

I will be issuing a COLLECTOR’ S Edition limited to 250 copies that will be more robust and AUTOGRAPHED by me… At a premium price. And once they’re gone. NO MORE CALENDARS FOR 2009!

The calendar has spawned the COLLECTOR’S EDITION SET OF 13 NOTECARDS drawn from the photographs that appear in the calendar. Those are now for sale as I work on the theme, content for the 2010 calendars. Yes calendarS … more than one… you’ll have to wait for more details as I’ve got other announcements prior to those becoming available. (I could do a screen saver if anyone would like to purchase it… “

As I’ve done with the Special Forces Association, I’ve extended my support and joined The Old Guard Association. I’m really honored to be an Associate Member as my credentials and welcome letter arrived in yesterday’s mail. I’m looking forward to the upcoming 11th reunion of the association in October.

Within the confines of those days from the first cry ’til now there has been more good than I can account for. I want to thank all of my family, friends, my advisors/mentors and associates for all that you’ve done and continue to do to guide me on this journey of life.

To all my Brothers in the Battery — “GUNS GO LONG!”

Thanks!