Michael's Dispatches

Great pictures and text, Michael. I can't wait for your book to arrive. We would like to support the education of the Yezidi children--do you know where we can make donations that will get to the children and not into the hands of terrorists?

Just ordered your book, can't wait to get it! You are providing critical, unbiased information! Keep your head low and may God Bless!

I ask where can you find the same richness in the dispatches from the MSM like what Michael Yon writes? This is why the MSM is losing credibility in the eyes of their readers and viewers. As I recently wrote on a local issue regarding my paper the Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA:

As I said at the recent meeting the $64 question is whether the S-R will abide by its Code of Ethics once affirmed. The onus is upon the S-R to demonstrate to its readers that it will follow the code and that this is not just some PR exercise. The readers are not dumb as you think. The readers will ultimately decide the credibility of the S-R as a trusted/reliable source of news, commentary, and thought of the day.

The traditional media no longer holds the preeminent position of the du jour source of the news. See the article below. We are experiencing a major communication reformation as great or greater than that of Martin Lutherƒ??s time (Hugh Hewittƒ??s Blog and Glenn Reynoldsƒ?? An Army of Davids). The new media does not require large capital investments e.g, printing presses and transmission networks of the traditional or mainstream media. The new medium of expression is essentially free for all to participate. The currency of the new media is the validity, reliability, and predictability of the information provided in oneƒ??s own daily life. The sources that best meet those needs will attract readers and grow Those sources which lack credibility and/or donƒ??t correct misinformation quickly will die.

Ron the Cop
Friends of Mark Fuhman

When I see a notice somewhere on the internet (on someone's blog, usually) that Yon has a published a new dispatch, I stop what I am doing to read it. An absolute must read.

Yon is the Drudge of Iraq war journalism. Apart from, and an incredibly important counterpoint to, the mainstream coverage.

Just some constructive criticism, this dispatch seems a little more disjointed than usual. Normally you tell a story with words and pictures. This just seemed like stream on consciousness. I couldn't quite figure out what the dispatch was about or how the pictures related to it.

This is coming from someone who loves your work and depends on you for information.

I've been awed by your dispatches since they first showed up on the internet. You may remember a brief conversation we had over the Shock Magazine flap from here in San Francisco. I wouldn't want to take you away from your important work, but your book will undoubtedly be a big success. Have you ever considered writing a movie script? I read your early dispatches, and was nearly breathless, feeling myself right there with the troops. If I can have that reaction to the written word (and I'm a tough sell), imagine what a big screen adaptation could do. So far, we've been treated to anti-American, morally equivalent, war for oil, evil corporations, crazy soldiers who are worse as civilians, typical lefty movies. Thank the Lord, they've all been bigtime bombs. I know there are patriotic actors, even in Hollywood, who would jump at a chance to present a fairer picture. And I truly believe the public would show up in droves to see such a movie. Your still photographs are soul uplifiting, and occasionally heart rending. A movie could do the same thing, reach a wider audience, and change public perceptions of this difficult but ultimately necessary war.

When I wrote about a possible movie script, among all your great dispatches, I particularly had "Gates of Fire" in mind.

Thank you Michael, for providing such an essential account of the ever-changing situation in Iraq throughout these years. I shudder to think of where we would be if left to the biased propaganda of the mainstream media. I'm so glad I read Danger Close, which put a real person behind the writing. As I read your dispatches, I keep wanting to spread the word to the many "non-believers" among my acquaintances. But alas, so many will see a phrase like "we are winning on the moral front" and write the source off as a Republican stooge. No matter, the truth must be spread for those who are able to receive it.

Keep the information and reflections coming, and stay safe.

It's amazing how often "nothing" happens and how nerveracking it can be. Looking forward to your book.

Keep up the good work.

One of the best dispatches I've seen yet. I love how you tell stories through picture captions. Keep on doing what you do

Michael, thank you. Your updates and your pictures are deeply appreciated. Amazon shall receive my order for "Danger Close" today.
I wish I could recall which Talk Radio interviewer (Hugh Hewitt?) spoke with you at length. That conversation led me to your website and, thus, I became a subscriber to you and your releases. I quit our Left Angeles Times and, instead, spend time with your e-mail reporting. And just today I note that I am able to support you and your mission through Paypal. Yes!
Black and white film: I agree that the shots are more realistic without color, but can't have one without the other, can one? Your composition of individuals is outstanding. Few have such a good eye. Being a camera buff--an amateur--I enjoy your chat about the camera and the many experiences your "friend" has suffered as you travel. (Several cameras?)
Your clear descriptions of the various subcultures are tremendously educational. More deeply than ever, I experience a great "Aha" mentality for the troops' perseverance in and with the environment and the individuals of the desert. I am in awe of the dedication of each and every soldier and of you for your years of dedicated reporting. Your description of the grave dangers that those who sacrifice for us brings me to my knees.
My prayers and my thoughts are with you and "ours" daily.
Nurse Marilyn

God Bless you Michael. I have a son named Michael so I know how hard your work has been. I have two of your books coming . I will order more and give them as gifts,...fot now I have to wait until I have more money.

jereemiah has wanted to serve his contrey sence he was a littlel boy22 now no holding him back now,,,, just hope he gets all the training he can
walk wih GOD
Joe

I remember your links section on the old site I saw the work of Walt Gaya who only took pictures in black and white. He thought that was the only way the war should be photographed. Its very interesting to see the significance of the color of war. I guess its something that just requires time for me to better understand. Keep the great work coming Michael

The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the blog post From the Front: 04/01/2008 News and Personal dispatches from the front lines.

Thanks for all your updates. As a Canadian, you should get yourself linked to Bourque.com...the Canadian equivilant of Drudge. Katie

Great insight... My son will be in Iraq this June flying these exact type missions for the 4 ID. Your article has helped me undestand some of the "nuances" of what he'll be dealing with.
Thanks so much. Keep up the good work !!!!

I ordered you book the other day. Had I the $, I would give one to EVERYONE as I am sure it will be enlightening. Thank you for your tireless work. Please keep it coming. I like the use of pics to tell a major part of the story.

I love how you tell your stories with the pictures-- your link was provided to me by a good friend and I am so happy he did-- I love the information I am learning here-- I will have to check out your book too-

Shamefully, I had not known about the Yezedis until today--

Keep up the great work-- a fan of yours now!!!!!

Oh how I miss my little print button. The pics are beautiful.
God Bless

It arrived today. WTG.

Michael, I've been reading you dispatches for over a year now. It truly does provide an unbiased look at the situation on the ground over there. My brother serves as a platoon leader in the 1st Cav. I had him read some of you posts when he got back and he was also impressed. It's good to know that some people can report the facts and not only information that benefits "their cause". Anyways, keep up the good work. I'll be buying your book, as well.

as allways just looking at your photos just makes me go wow..
please keep up with your work.. only you can get the shots the world needs to see.
ive mention your work to ATS and my son in cav country,
looks like he could be coming back your way.
thanks to your site i can kinda keep track of where every one is. so to speak.,
will be going out to get your book.
peace be with you michael.
as allways
may the moon&stars guide you
cw.

I got the book yesterday, and am almost done with it today. It's riveting and more insightful than anything else I've read on the matter. I'm grateful to you for your work over there. Please keep it up and let the guys over there know we support them.

Michael,
MOMENT OF TRUTH just got here! Since I'm in stationed in Canada my mail actually takes longer than when I was in Baghdad...go figure.

Dude, thanks for the real story! Without your views...life would be far cheaper and less telling.
Brad

?Question? Is that cement factory near Narwan (sp?) and F.O.B. Hammer just east of Baghdad? I was stationed in that area for awhile and heard much talk of the factory but was never able to go. Keep up the good work, from another Florida boy.

If things are going so swimmingly, why then can we not withdraw any more troops after this summer? Instead, the President told General Petraeus he can have "all the time he needs". That sounds like a blank check. Five years with no end in sight.

Then we have Senator McCain, who says he will "smash Hezbollah" in Lebanon. As well as overthrow the mullahs in Iran. OK, so now we are the policemen of now one, not two, but three and perhaps more countries. And the best thing is we can run it all without raising taxes because we will simply use the nation's credit card, and make our children and grandchildren deal with the fallout. Wonderful.

I don't think anyone is saying the war is going perfectly, "swimmingly" perhaps... Just because we're winning doesn't mean we've won. It's like saying we successfully landed in Normandy!!! Hurray for us, now we can go home! Not quite. In the time I spent in Iraq the Iraqi's were very appreciative for the work we were doing there. We'd be idiots to leave while we're winning. Thanks Michael for helping to show people that we are!!!