If you've served in the military - for any amount of time and in any of the services - you've seen things and done things many people have not.

Most people who have never been in the military do not have a clue (and I mean that nicely) about the 24 hour duty day - about digging a foxhole, leaving your spouse and children (for three months, six, months, and even twenty-four months and still expect them to be there upon return,) sleeping in a tent or hut with 50 other people, about KP, or latrine duty.

I spent 23 years in the service and have seen some things that are amazing - yet my civilian friends don't comprehend the humor or the sadness - the sacrifice or the loss.

When We Served: Our Story is a project to help 'civilians' get a better idea about the military - about what we do, and what we gain and lose in the meantime. The finished product will be a storyline intertwined through history - a history provided by people who want to share a picture, a thought, a story, something funny, or something that made them sad or mad.

It will illuminating.

It will be closure for some.

It will be something to be proud of - even if you didn't contribute.

It will be men and women from every era (that I receive submissions on) and represent every service. It will be enjoyable to read, and something for people to cherish.

It will be an honor and a tribute to compile the information, research the events, and write the connecting text to tie it all together. I am up to the task, and I'm sure I'll have help.

What am I looking for? Anything! Everything! Peacetime photos of training in the field, foot marches, swim lessons with full gear on, parachuting school, flight school, ranger school, again - anything.

What restrictions are there?

1. It (story, photo, quote) preferrably, can't have been published previously - unless there is a release to publish again by the owner of the rights, and the initial publication/date/page must be provided.

2. All photos must have a written release that states "approval for publication is granted."

3. Nothing will be returned, so do not send an only copy.

4. Journals will not be accepted. You may send a copy of a journal entry page - but I won't be looking through a journal to pick an entry out.

5. A signed entry form must accompany all entries. This acknowledges your understanding, and provides authorization for publishing. Click here.

6. Do NOT send classified information, pictures of classified locations or events, or pictures of classified equipment.

Additional Information:

There is no pay or reimbursement for your submission.

If your submission is accepted for publication, you will be notified.

Not all submissions will be published.

Submissions can be mailed (to Lorraine Morgan Scott, PO Box 5611, San Clemente, CA 92672)

Emailed to ourstory@connectingca.com

Photos can be on a CD or disk when mailed, or, if emailed - they must be in the body of the email. No attachments will be opened.

Entries should be typed, although neat writers can send them in as well.

Again, all entries must have an entry form - and be received by September 30, 2008.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Lorraine Morgan Scott