tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77157645879030041872024-03-05T04:35:53.000-08:00Stephen PhillipsAuthor of <i>Proximity: A Novel of the Navy's Elite Bomb Squad</i> and <i>The Recipient's Son</i>Stephen Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148829137635130941noreply@blogger.comBlogger118125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715764587903004187.post-10842118074117897992014-07-14T04:10:00.002-07:002014-07-14T04:11:12.426-07:00Indie Publishing and Distribution<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For writers that publish independently, it is important to pick the best "Print on Demand" (POD) publisher to fit one's needs. In 2006, after four years of pursuing the traditional publishing route, I decided to pursue the independent/ POD path with my debut novel, <i><a href="http://amzn.to/1oP1x8j" target="_blank">Proximity</a></i>. I chose Xlibris (http://www.xlibris.com/) for a few reasons. First, I obtained one or two books from Xlibris. Physically, they were well constructed, they appeared as good as anything I purchased from a traditional publisher. Second, at the time, Xlibris was a subsidiary of a traditional publisher - Random House. Currently it is part of Author Solutions, which is owned by Penguin Random House. Why is this ownership important? I imagined and my Xlibris sales person confirmed, there was potential for a successful book to be obtained by the traditional publisher - parent company. (Note: I've never actually heard of this happening.) Third, Xlibris at the time touted distribution through Lightning Source (https://www1.lightningsource.com/), an Ingram Company. It turns out, this has huge impact on book availability.</div>
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Books reach the market through a book distributor. Bookstores and libraries may have a contractual relationship with only one distributor, or more importantly, may not have a connection with the book distributor that your independent publisher / POD firm uses. Written another way, I've had indie author friends who tried to place their book in a specific brick and mortar store, only to be told, "Your publisher does not really matter to us, it is your distributor...we do not have a relationship with them. Therefore, we cannot carry your book."</div>
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Of note, Lightning Source is connected to major retailers like Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Thus, readers can order my indie novel from both stores online, and can even order when in a B&N store through their computer kiosks.</div>
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So, when heading down the indie publishing path, ask about the associated distributor and determine where that distributor's books are available.</div>
<script src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/link-enhancer?tag=stephphill-20&o=1" type="text/javascript"></script>Stephen Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148829137635130941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715764587903004187.post-528911800931274812014-05-25T16:05:00.001-07:002014-05-25T16:05:37.890-07:00Words After War<br />
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The plight of veterans is often in the news today. For example, congress recently voted to reduce retirement benefits retroactively (How can this even be remotely legal!). Fortunately, this was repealed. Perhaps more importantly, it has come to light that many veterans receive inadequate medical care, or no care at all as they are shuffled and maneuvered through a bureaucratic system...one that apparently even falsifies records to hide its inefficiency. While it is criminal that these tragedies occur, it is somewhat encouraging that the issues surfaced and will be addressed voraciously. This is because vets know how to organize, support, and defend one another. One need only look to examples set by the <a href="http://www.vfw.org/" target="_blank">Veterans of Foreign Wars</a> (VFW), <a href="http://www.dav.org/" target="_blank">Disabled American Vets</a> (DAV), and support groups such as the <a href="http://www.eodwarriorfoundation.org/">EOD Warrior Foundation</a> (EODWF) to observe that veterans are a formidable force.
Some veterans support one another through connections that are less formal, yet equally effective.<br />
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Vietnam Veteran Mike Walsh decided to document and photograph all of the Vietnam memorials within the United States. Mike's photojournalistic journey grew into a blog called "<a href="http://michaelfwalsh.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Means to Heal.</a>" Vets use his site to address the internal conflicts stemming from their service in Vietnam.
Naturally, a common way for veterans to honor their service and that of their compatriots is to talk or write about their experiences in war. It follows then, that veterans often help one another when they write, edit, and publish.<br />
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While writing my first novel, <i>Proximity</i>, I was also working on an emerging journal called <i>Military Diver</i>. This periodical never come to fruition, but it introduced me to Steven Waterman (<i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Just-Sailor-Divers-Photography-Salvage/dp/0804119376" target="_blank">Just a Sailor</a></i>) and Chuck Pfarrer (<i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Soul-Memoir-Navy-SEAL-ebook/dp/B000FC0XZK/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1401058146&sr=1-1&keywords=warrior+soul" target="_blank">Warrior Soul</a></i>). They both read my manuscript, gave sound editorial advice, kindly provided a blurb for the book jacket, and guided me through the publication process. Now, I pass on this wisdom and experience, assisting other veterans to develop their manuscripts and find a home for their work. I do not know how much impact I imparted to each, but many of them enjoy well deserved success. Perhaps my favorite is fellow EOD Technician Brian Castner. When introducing him to my former agent via email I wrote "This maybe the most important book about modern war." Brian's story, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Long-Walk-Story-Life-Follows-ebook/dp/B0074D2YH8/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1401058209&sr=1-4&keywords=the+Long+Walk" target="_blank">The Long Walk</a></i>, is published in multiple editions in the U.S. and UK, and has even inspired an opera!
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For veterans in search of literary guidance, I always recommend they join the <a href="http://www.mwsadispatches.com/" target="_blank">Military Writers Society of America </a>(MWSA). MWSA supports military members in their writing and those who are enthusiasts writing about military topics. Recently, Brian Castner introduced me to <a href="http://wordsafterwar.org/" target="_blank">Words After War</a>. Founded by Brandon Willitts, it is a group that provides opportunities for veterans to develop through a variety of programs. For example, there is a one week "Summer Writing Intensive" at Marlboro College in Vermont.<br />
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I volunteered for the Literary Mentorship Program. Through this, Words After War connected me with a Navy veteran writing a novel that is influenced by his service in Afghanistan. I look forward to sharing more as it moves from manuscript to published work.
In the meantime, I recommend perusing Words After War, following the blog, and contributing to their efforts. Stephen Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148829137635130941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715764587903004187.post-59805799675935387242014-04-26T07:51:00.001-07:002014-04-26T07:54:33.297-07:00Purchase signed copies of Proximity from Stephen Phillips via SquareNow, readers can purchase signed copies of <i>Proximity</i> through Square. Visit: or select one of the links below. Be sure to ad a note at checkout for any specific inscription like, "Thank you for your service to our nation," or "Good luck in EOD School!"
<a href="https://squareup.com/market/stephen-phillips/proximity-hardcover" class="sq-embed-item"> on Square Market</a>
<script src="https://cdn.sq-api.com/market/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Stephen Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148829137635130941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715764587903004187.post-31895349432727502862014-03-22T06:22:00.000-07:002014-03-22T06:22:00.695-07:00Stephen Phillips speaking to the Annapolis Chapter of the Maryland Writers' AssociationOn March 19, 2014 I was honored to join the Annapolis Chapter of the Maryland Writers' Association. They were kind enough to video tape the talk. Here is the first of three sections. Enjoy it and it should link to the other two.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PL8BBHf-Fz8e5UkGjE-8dJzr3kc8kmcdsw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Stephen Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148829137635130941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715764587903004187.post-58644043080070603292013-12-09T05:10:00.000-08:002013-12-09T05:10:00.222-08:00Army-Navy<div align="left" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">For generations, the Army-Navy football game occurred on the first
weekend in December. This was a good time slot for the Brigade. It was normally
a week after Thanksgiving break. Often the last week of school before finals.
For this reason, emails, facebook and You Tube are populated with the latest
spirit spots already. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Since the game is now held the second Saturday in December, today is
the real start of Army-Navy Week. As it begins, please enjoy this section of
<i>The Recipient's Son</i> that describes the meaning behind this game.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">"Every Army-Navy game is momentous. Many suggest it remains the last
remnant of purity in college football.
Perhaps it is the recognition that the players are only in it only for
the game. Many used their skills on the gridiron as a vehicle to get into
college, but it was with an ultimate goal of service, not scholarship. Such a
choice is fully embraced by the two student bodies, and all alums. Thus, like
no other athletic team, the mids and cadets truly represent their respective
schools. Then, this extends even beyond the alums as any veteran can lay claim
to the game as they see future leaders darting down the field with the
‘Screaming Eagle’ of the 101st Airborne or the ‘Jolly Roger’ of Fighter
Squadron 84 sewn on their shoulder, a reminder that those on the field will
soon rely on each other in battle. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> The sibling rivalry
between young men in such circumstances is simply unequaled."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<script src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/link-enhancer?tag=stephphill-20&o=1" type="text/javascript"></script>Stephen Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15888525246042616344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715764587903004187.post-60786495208936308612013-11-18T05:00:00.000-08:002013-11-18T05:00:11.897-08:00It's Monday morning.......and someone is classing up. Someone has already finished their bay swim. Someone has already puked their guts out.<br />
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Someone is starting pool week.<br />
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Hooya, Divers!<br />
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(With thanks to Class 09-60-EOD) <br />
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<script src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/link-enhancer?tag=stephphill-20&o=1" type="text/javascript"></script>Stephen Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148829137635130941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715764587903004187.post-28023512308581575912013-11-11T05:00:00.000-08:002013-11-11T05:00:00.774-08:00Happy Veteran's Day - Medal of Honor SEALs - Norris and Thornton<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-weight: normal;">On this Veteran's Day, I wish to thank all who have served our nation. "Hooya! Thank you!" <br /> <br />
The Pritzker Military Library in Chicago is the source of many of my
favorite podcasts. To celebrate Veteran's Day, I recommend you visit
this link of an interview with two Medal of Honor (MOH) Recipient's -
Thomas Norris and Michael Thornton. Both served as Navy SEALs in
Vietnam. Norris action is chronicled in the movie "BAT-21." Thornton's
action was rescuing Norris- the only case of one MOH Recipient being
recognized for rescuing another MOH Recipient.</span><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pritzkermilitarylibrary.org%2FHome%2FMedal-of-Honor-with-Ed-Tracy-4.aspx&h=oAQHbIInjAQECyd6CM85Yx8FPKfUtYVeAk2ywBN0oKxfDTQ&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>www.pritzkermilitarylibrary.org</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>/Home/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>Medal-of-Honor-with-Ed-Tracy-4.</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>aspx</a></span></span></h5>
<script src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/link-enhancer?tag=stephphill-20&o=1" type="text/javascript"></script>Stephen Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148829137635130941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715764587903004187.post-11327403639993940642013-11-08T05:00:00.000-08:002013-11-08T05:16:07.463-08:00Friday Film - The Fog of WarThe Fog of War is an award-winning documentary film comprised mostly of an interview with former Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara.<br />
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Most Americans will recognize McNamara as the SECDEF under Kennedy during the Cuban Missile Crisis and beginning of the Vietnam War, who continued to serve under President Johnson. Through the documentary much more of his life is revealed, followed by insight on leadership, warfare, and realpolitik.<br />
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For example, McNamara was a staff officer serving on the staff of General Curtis LeMay. A statistician, he participated in the decision-making process to firebomb Japan. McNamara relays that LeMay asserted if they lost the war, the staff would be tried as war criminals.<br />
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McNamara was known for his business mind and served as an executive at Ford Motor Company. He was a member of the team that instituted seat belts for enhanced safety. Later he became the first CEO that was not a member of the Ford family....for five weeks.<br />
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The bulk of the film delves into intimate details of decision making with respect to Cuba, Vietnam, Russia, China, and the whole of the Cold War. McNamara is brutally honest about his, and the failings of the administrations he served, and the failings of the communists, in understanding the nature of conflict. Through the film, eleven rules are presented with McNamara's examples to apply to each.<br />
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If you are in history, politics, conflict, conflict resolution, and leadership - watch this film.<br />
<script src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/link-enhancer?tag=stephphill-20&o=1" type="text/javascript"></script>Stephen Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148829137635130941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715764587903004187.post-85350951286613495112013-11-07T05:00:00.000-08:002013-11-07T05:00:03.696-08:00EOD Book Review - This is What Hell Looks Like by Stuart Steinberg<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Specialist Stuart Steinberg and a
fellow Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician responded to a improvised
explosive device of "IED" placed under the seat in a movie theater.
They tied fifty feet of wire to the device, and from a position of cover,
pulled,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>remotely moving the bomb to
ensure it did not incorporate a anti-handling device. The soldiers then carried
it into the street to perform a render safe procedure. The bombmaker employed a
U.S. grenade fuze with a sophisticated time delay feature embedded in C-4
plastic explosive. The EOD Techs successfully disarmed the device, and received
a commendation letter for their action.</div>
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This story does not come from Iraq
or Afghanistan, but from Vietnam. Steinberg relays this and many other EOD
incidents in his war memoir,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This is What Hell Looks Like. </i>Published
in 2013 as an Amazon Kindle eBook, Steinberg makes it clear from the beginning
that the work will be raw. He notes that writing about his service, especially
in Vietnam,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is cathartic, and assists
him in closing the door on post-traumatic stress and drug and alcohol use previously
employed to manage PTSD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus it is easy
for any reader to become empathetic and subsequently enthralled with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This is What Hell Looks Like</i>. Those who
enjoy military memoirs, especially EOD Techs will not be able to put the book
down.</div>
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Steinberg joined the Army in 1966.
He began his career assigned to Nike Hercules missile crew in the Everglades.
He determined quickly that he wanted to transfer because he was surrounded by
"ant-Semitic rednecks." To do so, he re-enlisted for four years and
volunteered for EOD school. This includes a $1000.00 signing bonus and a
promise of $55.00 a month in hazardous duty pay. Steingberg describes EOD
school and then his first assignment at Dugway Proving Grounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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At Dugway, Steinberg disposed of
chemical weapons. The job frustrated, even angered him, because of the way the
Army handled an accident that killed local livestock. Wanting to leave Dugway,
he volunteered for Vietnam.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The bulk of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This is What Hell Looks</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Like</i>
is of Steinberg's service in Vietnam. Again, any fan of military history,
especially of war memoirs will enjoy this part of the book. It is a must read
for EOD Technicians or those who want to become EOD Techs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Steinberg describes life in
Vietnam, operating with a small team, usually responding to EOD calls with two
men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and his fellow EOD Techs enjoyed
freedom and priority access compared to others because of the nature and
importance of their job. Steinberg goes into the jungle to aid a team of
Special Forces and Montagnard tribesmen exfiltrate from a minefield. He renders
safe dud ordnance that the Vietnamese lobbed or fired at his compatriots.
Steinberg's team may be the only Army EOD Techs to ever respond to a limpet
mine placed on a ship!(There was no Navy EOD available and the tide and loading
made the limpet emerge above the water line.)</div>
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Perhaps the most interesting, and
most common EOD responses that Steinberg describes are when he and his team
respond to sapper attacks on ammunition depots. The Vietnamese realized that
any ordnance destroyed <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">in situ</i> would
not be used against them. Some of their attacks required EOD Techs from around
Vietnam to respond - conducting cleanup for months.</div>
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Recognizing that he is relying on
his own memory,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Steinberg connected with
former teammates, asking them to relay or relive different missions/ responses.
Additionally, he conducted archival research, drawing on logs, reports, and
government memos. As a result, he uncovered records of incidents that he
participated in for which he had no memory. The whole project is then supported
by many of Steinberg's photos, including some of particular events. This
thoroughness enhances the readers understanding and puts many of the events in
context. Equally important is that author provides enough to be of real interest
to EOD Technicians, without putting in so much detail as to boor those simply
interested in historical accounts.</div>
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<![endif]--><script src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/link-enhancer?tag=stephphill-20&o=1" type="text/javascript"></script>Stephen Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148829137635130941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715764587903004187.post-63291246758007966462013-11-05T17:14:00.001-08:002013-11-06T16:54:55.633-08:00The First Frogman<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-weight: normal;">John
Spence, the first U.S. "Frogman" has passed. I was honored to hear him
speak at a diver's conference at the U.S. Naval Academy. The audience
was filled with salvage divers, saturation divers, SeaBee divers, deep
submergence divers, SEALs, and EOD Techs. The same array of dolphins,
crabs, flintlocks, tridents, and MK Vs could only be found in Panama
City during a Master Diver Reunion. The crowd included giants in naval
diving like Admiral Cathal "Irish" Flynn, and Astronaut/Aquanaut Scott
Carpenter (He also passed just a month ago).<br /> <br /> Spence told his
story of using Dr. Lamberston's diving apparatus at a pool at the
Washington Navy Yard, then a few days later making the first open water
dive there at the U.S. Naval Academy in the Severn. He allowed that the
biggest challenge was how to swim strait - to navigate. <br /> <br /> When Spence finished his story - standing ovation.</span><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /> <br /> He will be missed. Fair winds, following seas, frogman.<br /> </span><br /> ://<a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.latimes.com%2Fobituaries%2Fla-me-john-spence-20131104%2C0%2C5696985.story%23axzz2jopqsL1h&h=wAQGlz0AtAQEIYy741BPRw2NjIb5LVwcD3fgNO5pE3TDIsw&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">www.latimes.com/obituaries/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>la-me-john-spence-20131104,0,56<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>96985.story#axzz2jopqsL1h</a></span></span></span></h5>
<script src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/link-enhancer?tag=stephphill-20&o=1" type="text/javascript"></script>Stephen Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148829137635130941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715764587903004187.post-19517074089239967352013-09-20T06:27:00.001-07:002013-09-20T06:29:01.777-07:00The Waters Edge<b>The Waters Edge</b> - This is an entertaining short video of the Naval Diving Salvage Training Center (NDSTC) in Panama City, Florida. Watch to see the wide variety of diving performed by the U.S. Navy to include scuba, surface supplied, and mixed-gas re-breathers. There are also depictions of physical training...and blowing sh!t up!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/74585603" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/74585603">*** The WATERS EDGE (Short Film) *** - Mariano Lorde | 16x9Studios</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/16x9studios">16x9 Studios</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Stephen Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148829137635130941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715764587903004187.post-62996576966119155612013-09-11T08:28:00.004-07:002013-09-11T08:30:30.033-07:00A Remembrance of 9/11<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghYo-uxKCLB6BYGZTYo4J-9QI0CWu7km48XNi8wnsEHJF7k7Ss8Wb5Ma-omVKyB1q94Lt6MEDyOSnFIWf9cq4okgtHsL_ddYveOMiZeQONUEyWtyvLt-vs0bTHc7tzyedhD6PA0bwiks70/s1600/021125-N-4943L-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghYo-uxKCLB6BYGZTYo4J-9QI0CWu7km48XNi8wnsEHJF7k7Ss8Wb5Ma-omVKyB1q94Lt6MEDyOSnFIWf9cq4okgtHsL_ddYveOMiZeQONUEyWtyvLt-vs0bTHc7tzyedhD6PA0bwiks70/s320/021125-N-4943L-002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Re-posting "<a href="http://smallwarsjournal.com/jrnl/art/a-remembrance-of-911">A Remembrance of 9/11"</a> with thanks to Jim Prewitt for trusting me with his story. Start with this link on the Small Wars Journal. The whole story can be reached through the link embedded there.<br />
<br />
I will never forget.Stephen Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15888525246042616344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715764587903004187.post-27602044743203806692013-08-16T05:24:00.001-07:002013-08-16T05:24:50.666-07:00Boat School Sea Story - "Sir"<br />
<b>"Sir"</b> <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%;">When
Barker jumped to his feet and assumed a position of attention, so did I. There
was no need to look behind me for the danger that had just entered his room on
4-0. To do so would have exhibited a lack of discipline, and a questioning of
Barker’s judgment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%;">“Sir,
Midshipman Fourth Class Phillips, nine two five seven eight seven, Twenty-Third
Company, First Platoon, Third Squad, Beat Army, Sir!” I yelled in near unison
with Barker’s own ‘sounding off.’</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%;">“Mr
Barker, how are you?” I heard in a distinctive southern drawl. I knew from the
voice that Marine Corps First Sergeant Halifax was in our midst. The first sergeant
was our Battalion Senior Enlisted Advisor, and guided the entire Plebe Regiment
through drill during Plebe Summer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%;">Now
it was fall, we were approaching our first set of finals and Barker and I were
already sinking. Halifax cared for not just all Plebes, but all midshipmen
within the Brigade, but he especially looked out for prior enlisted Marines
like Barker. My classmate spent a few years in fleet before coming to
Annapolis, much of it as part of the Marine Corps detachment onboard the
battleship USS <i>New Jersey. </i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2XOHFSRSrO2iepLCdwFRxXVdcNiBvBZLEiFM01cLOtLKO6C5XRL7TkOFyHyEcXpuwkahXB55zPo8bJwNLyemd5pNSiqFbZxWtl7aLBCpgVk2wVMIrFcw8c-0oyuGstcX2j6kuBjhEHk3/s1600/Boat+School+Sea+Story+Sir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2XOHFSRSrO2iepLCdwFRxXVdcNiBvBZLEiFM01cLOtLKO6C5XRL7TkOFyHyEcXpuwkahXB55zPo8bJwNLyemd5pNSiqFbZxWtl7aLBCpgVk2wVMIrFcw8c-0oyuGstcX2j6kuBjhEHk3/s320/Boat+School+Sea+Story+Sir.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%;">Prior
enlisted mids definitely had a leg up on their peers, especially military-wise.
I had made a plastic model of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">New
Jersey</i> as a kid. Barker had served on the iconic ship. But now we were in
the same boat academically. Somehow Halifax knew this...the way all senior
enlisted know what is going on with their charges.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%;">“Really?
Everything is copacetic with you two?” he said now including me in the
conversation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%;">“</span>We
are both struggling with grades, First Sergeant,” Barker admitted. “We are
trying to prep for finals and are both sweating it.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%;">“You
are going to do fine. I know you are taking all the right steps to succeed,
extra instruction and all that. Hell, you are here on a Saturday afternoon to
put in the needed effort...you will make it.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%;">“I
will, First Sergeant, but sometimes I think I will be ranked dead last,” Barker
said dejectedly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%;">“That
may be, Mr. Barker, but do you know what they call the last man to graduate in
each Naval Academy class?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%;">No,
First Sergeant.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%;">“They
call him, ‘Sir.’”</span></div>
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<script src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/link-enhancer?tag=stephphill-20&o=1" type="text/javascript"></script>Stephen Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148829137635130941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715764587903004187.post-31968840471142628882013-08-05T10:23:00.001-07:002013-08-12T12:34:51.843-07:00Signed copies of 'The Recipient's Son' and 'Proximity.'<div dir="ltr">
Fans of military fiction, especially those interested in stories about the U.S. Naval Academy and the Navy's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) community often seek signed copies of <i>The Recipient's Son </i>and <i>Proximity.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFf7ahwnl4xN_DnOhCbBKz_P-FctL7U4QW_AOmC7dhFPx9ajxY3f7g7lzE-8BMG8kSzOf8CYH4iVeMoqlyS5U7jhxreAAeuJk0xTkzkuHHVGxV7kjRdT8fXFDPGB2iv0lxdMdTHCuHtzq/s1600/12-15-12+Recipient%27s+Son+Sigining+(10+of+10).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFf7ahwnl4xN_DnOhCbBKz_P-FctL7U4QW_AOmC7dhFPx9ajxY3f7g7lzE-8BMG8kSzOf8CYH4iVeMoqlyS5U7jhxreAAeuJk0xTkzkuHHVGxV7kjRdT8fXFDPGB2iv0lxdMdTHCuHtzq/s400/12-15-12+Recipient%27s+Son+Sigining+(10+of+10).jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<i> </i> </div>
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Signed copies of each can be obtained from Stephen Phillips through the online market - <a href="https://squareup.com/market/stephen-phillips" target="_blank">https://squareup.com/market/stephen-phillips</a></div>
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Put your specific inscription request in the 'note to seller' text box at checkout.</div>
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Stephen Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148829137635130941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715764587903004187.post-54042193618658644152013-07-24T10:20:00.001-07:002013-07-24T10:20:36.626-07:004th Annual METAvivor Author's Luncheon<p dir=ltr>METAvivor supports those who are enduring metastatic breast cancer. On September 7, 2013, 11:00am -2:30pm at the Doubletree Hilton in Annapolis, I will join authors Priscilla Cummings, Lisa Veronica Pires, Erika Roebuck, Jeanne Slawson, and Elissa Brent Weissman at the METAvivor 4th Annual Authors Luncheon. At this fundraising event author Tom Dowd will moderate a discussion about our books, we will sign copies, and everyone will enjoy a great lunch. Proceeds will benefit METAvivor. I hope you will join us for this fun and supportive event. Details on the attached flyer and at <a href="http://www.metavivor.org">www.metavivor.org</a></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhioXm_OItPs8GpQN2_TP_twhsVzjOW0onlXJeMlOaTgqUHzhhoyppQMs5lwZ3240fYQFv2B7m75I0GZdyCxkgIkYFIzBX7-Y2bv3LYyr7wabPAfT_6rbPfs5tBPcAgBa03NDYGtu_6ez8/s1600/Screenshots_2013-07-24-09-41-00.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhioXm_OItPs8GpQN2_TP_twhsVzjOW0onlXJeMlOaTgqUHzhhoyppQMs5lwZ3240fYQFv2B7m75I0GZdyCxkgIkYFIzBX7-Y2bv3LYyr7wabPAfT_6rbPfs5tBPcAgBa03NDYGtu_6ez8/s640/Screenshots_2013-07-24-09-41-00.png"> </a> </div>Stephen Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148829137635130941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715764587903004187.post-47761632971502361862013-07-20T09:59:00.003-07:002013-07-20T09:59:40.819-07:00The Recipients Son is 2013 MWSA Literary Fiction Award Nominee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7PETyWx0XqDeTnxiTAxDVvn47sQZqMyFLGEYNQXrhEW0f2a2W25sRq0HghvCzMC9vtMt4bZhsQ4h5bzBmIE3WeLuSp-bQQMSvUs5rvMnuX3Fuj03ofxHgcCNyKLHGC4v572xD3Fl1Aey/s1600/MWSA-Header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7PETyWx0XqDeTnxiTAxDVvn47sQZqMyFLGEYNQXrhEW0f2a2W25sRq0HghvCzMC9vtMt4bZhsQ4h5bzBmIE3WeLuSp-bQQMSvUs5rvMnuX3Fuj03ofxHgcCNyKLHGC4v572xD3Fl1Aey/s320/MWSA-Header.jpg" /></a></div>
I am honored to announce that <i>The Recipient’s Son</i> is a finalist for the 2013 Military Writer’s Society Literary Fiction Award. Other nominees include <i>A Quest for Skye</i> by J.L. Rothdiener, <i>Buddy and Grace </i>by John Ciarlo, and <i>Flashes of War</i> by Katy Schultz. <br />
<center><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=stephphill-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B009SC9YKI" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=stephphill-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B00BEMDEGU" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=stephphill-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B009SPD33E" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=stephphill-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B00BWH3AC0" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></center>
<br />
We are in good company with many other talented writers and their works. I’ll note that my Naval Academy classmate, Kristin Barnes is nominated for her children’s book, <i>Haysoos the Honu</i>.<br />
<center><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=stephphill-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B007R5LMIU" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></center>
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Fellow Naval Institute Press author George Galdorisi is nominated for <i>The Kissing Sailor: The Mystery Behind the Photo That Ended World War II. </i> <br />
<center><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=stephphill-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B008HRMBUA" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></center><br />
Additional nominees can be found at: <a href="http://mwsadispatches.com/">http://mwsadispatches.com/</a>
Stephen Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148829137635130941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715764587903004187.post-21002050145630069402013-07-20T06:59:00.003-07:002013-07-20T06:59:57.529-07:00Stephen Phillips on You Tube
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOsxjrlM31gWvs9_zA7BtQ4bWksFJS3VQc2A7hG4xw3rLf6oCx25nurbO0cn6VcwPo3a0I3kZDbmL0Cq2Y02brgBkJE27IfqinI4-iagWuEWKCa-G6YaKP6rRpCYL-_qbF7ywZ2HBDx-q/s1600/120301-N-OA833-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOsxjrlM31gWvs9_zA7BtQ4bWksFJS3VQc2A7hG4xw3rLf6oCx25nurbO0cn6VcwPo3a0I3kZDbmL0Cq2Y02brgBkJE27IfqinI4-iagWuEWKCa-G6YaKP6rRpCYL-_qbF7ywZ2HBDx-q/s320/120301-N-OA833-001.jpg" /></a></div>
I now have a You Tube channel, simply called "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOCCexF_8yGoQeLLXZURR3w/videos">Stephen Phillips</a>." Thus far, I added two playlists, one of recommended U.S. Navy EOD videos, one of bomb disposal in general. I hope that those interested in EOD, the Naval Academy, and my writing, will visit and provide me some feedback on what they think of this means to interact with my readers.Stephen Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148829137635130941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715764587903004187.post-17984710394140916612013-07-17T18:27:00.002-07:002013-11-08T09:02:21.237-08:00Book Review of "Defender Dolphins" for the Naval Historical Foundation.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmAMdqbnTbHtvTf8hcxpnXZgTk03VVgb0Gh4EhAhmcNUxdw2VKKogLUVQnYJYvVrMWG9v4aUtL1fSbQmoqOn7BTCcakkgbcOiBySwSnk1aI-wIycTKtam725MMFne1jrFAoLhUf_-zzF9/s1600/defender-dolphins-goforth-199x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmAMdqbnTbHtvTf8hcxpnXZgTk03VVgb0Gh4EhAhmcNUxdw2VKKogLUVQnYJYvVrMWG9v4aUtL1fSbQmoqOn7BTCcakkgbcOiBySwSnk1aI-wIycTKtam725MMFne1jrFAoLhUf_-zzF9/s400/defender-dolphins-goforth-199x300.jpg" /></a></div>
I recently reviewed <i>Defender Dolphins</i> for the Naval Historical Foundation. The full review can be found here: <a href="http://www.navyhistory.org/2013/07/book-review-defender-dolphins-the-story-of-project-short-time/">Project Short Time.</a>Stephen Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148829137635130941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715764587903004187.post-33983943522012070232013-07-03T14:23:00.001-07:002013-07-04T03:16:22.101-07:00Independance Day Reading<p dir="ltr">Today is Independance Day. On this day, I recommend reading<i> </i><i>The Killer Angels</i> by Michael Shaara. This 1975 Pulitzer Prize winning novel covers the Battle of Gettysburg which occurred 150 years ago; July 1-3, 1863. Though it is about the Civil War not the Revolutionary War, Shaara reminds us through his characters, especially Colonel Joshua Chamberlain, of why this nation and it's notions of independance are different.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNlNYXFcFqP9dSPzKKYUxrUSFMchuzd_ESOZUFXTtfGtOoykVi4dFTjusSmpNCqO7f47Vq1l1g-YyqenuYax33xYwq3j0ihA7dD4Rk1lKRtMSsyFJkYUPqy8BSOeHnwZjRzSuwM0PuLPu/s1600/Screenshots_2013-07-03-17-23-10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNlNYXFcFqP9dSPzKKYUxrUSFMchuzd_ESOZUFXTtfGtOoykVi4dFTjusSmpNCqO7f47Vq1l1g-YyqenuYax33xYwq3j0ihA7dD4Rk1lKRtMSsyFJkYUPqy8BSOeHnwZjRzSuwM0PuLPu/s640/Screenshots_2013-07-03-17-23-10.png"> </a> </div>Stephen Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148829137635130941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715764587903004187.post-33654073998115195022013-06-19T14:45:00.001-07:002013-06-19T14:45:18.723-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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I reviewed <i>The Hunt for Hitler's Warship</i> by Patrick Bishop for the Naval Historical Foundation (NHF). I recommend reading the full review here - <i><a href="http://www.navyhistory.org/2013/06/book-review-hunt-for-hitlers-warship/" target="_blank">Turpitz</a>.</i></div>
Stephen Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148829137635130941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715764587903004187.post-28443970231045049722013-05-31T10:32:00.000-07:002013-05-31T10:32:00.022-07:00Bill McDonald Review on Amazon.com<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTLn-ievph8d1LM2z0UpHn6xddVllqx_uw0MbSF_rgQofRaFqLcRhrtJRVF_YSyXe2aU75d7JDe81Ef7MVqQXNQjrC4gBuKKj33CsUHc5vBx0TVFnXP3NrDeaHbhbccdGb0F31MEVyLXn/s1600/20130520_111249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTLn-ievph8d1LM2z0UpHn6xddVllqx_uw0MbSF_rgQofRaFqLcRhrtJRVF_YSyXe2aU75d7JDe81Ef7MVqQXNQjrC4gBuKKj33CsUHc5vBx0TVFnXP3NrDeaHbhbccdGb0F31MEVyLXn/s320/20130520_111249.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Bill McDonald is the founder of the <a href="http://www.mwsadispatches.com/" target="_blank">Military Writers Society of America (MWSA)</a>. He wrote a review of <i>The Recipient's Son</i> on Amazon.com entitled "Feels Like an Insider View of Academy Life!" You can read more <a href="http://www.amazon.com/review/R1WQRPVZAESSG3/ref=cm_cr_pr_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B009SC9YKI&linkCode=&nodeID=&tag=" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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I am honored to receive such high praise from Bill.<br />
<script src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/link-enhancer?tag=stephphill-20&o=1" type="text/javascript"></script>Stephen Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148829137635130941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715764587903004187.post-28239644725153662342013-05-27T06:32:00.001-07:002013-05-27T06:33:14.162-07:00Memorial Day 2013<p dir=ltr>This Memorial Day, remember to pray or recall those who gave their tomorrows for our todays.</p>
<div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqJ1OQ4idWOjN-g0udtPAJJzsOjIeVghhQVOZspf3b9yp6U16I2gpbShJ3aEuJES2JhYqj37ubOgnI03cNk5wPWu5y0GmdQ7WP8awHQvwh6JA1e12an8-lGDBOS3b4dBujNknRTbX3mTm/s1600/20130525_164226.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqJ1OQ4idWOjN-g0udtPAJJzsOjIeVghhQVOZspf3b9yp6U16I2gpbShJ3aEuJES2JhYqj37ubOgnI03cNk5wPWu5y0GmdQ7WP8awHQvwh6JA1e12an8-lGDBOS3b4dBujNknRTbX3mTm/s640/20130525_164226.jpg' /> </a> </div>Stephen Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148829137635130941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715764587903004187.post-52397048524142095332013-05-23T03:11:00.001-07:002013-05-23T03:11:47.547-07:00Book Signing at The Mid Store<p dir=ltr>The Midshipman Store welcomed me on Monday of Commissioning Week. It was a real honor to meet midshipman and their families. Congratulations to the Class of 2016 for completing Herndon and to 2013 for their Graduation and Commissioning.</p>
<div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2aBIiRXZRjOn-b4qIL2nTzjFZvPXCtKm_JmRvbwGLgH4y_rVYLGl6miBdMuqVXECXtvGFDPM9u8fV8Uy1sSQZlL1lYzgaXVGw2nmdtKV26sx5NPjAOBz3ec7ohHo7m1Q6zZQFeXsgXGn/s1600/20130520_111258.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2aBIiRXZRjOn-b4qIL2nTzjFZvPXCtKm_JmRvbwGLgH4y_rVYLGl6miBdMuqVXECXtvGFDPM9u8fV8Uy1sSQZlL1lYzgaXVGw2nmdtKV26sx5NPjAOBz3ec7ohHo7m1Q6zZQFeXsgXGn/s640/20130520_111258.jpg' /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxlJEmkvkJTditZ33z80GDBophxLnvyYjlmIAK23LvWAxy-emFV_g60BYvzFh01WpA3_OILyUePT8ifpisOdtGkvmbg20cDVHJpb4enWV6h0zfn87Bdz1_HgOpaexFyrRUsKmfyXMokGW/s1600/20130520_142046.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxlJEmkvkJTditZ33z80GDBophxLnvyYjlmIAK23LvWAxy-emFV_g60BYvzFh01WpA3_OILyUePT8ifpisOdtGkvmbg20cDVHJpb4enWV6h0zfn87Bdz1_HgOpaexFyrRUsKmfyXMokGW/s640/20130520_142046.jpg' /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHfG8tMUdxzU06wanUez5KSIedEk28Qlk7j56upFNoqion67rWIlPrlHpGjdUGLndNjxofsV-w_YOuRopqv8q3VIpysgX5yO4jenCgxqWc4EOmXBrK-L56-hKXl50KTnIh6vZUROTPYia/s1600/20130520_142414.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHfG8tMUdxzU06wanUez5KSIedEk28Qlk7j56upFNoqion67rWIlPrlHpGjdUGLndNjxofsV-w_YOuRopqv8q3VIpysgX5yO4jenCgxqWc4EOmXBrK-L56-hKXl50KTnIh6vZUROTPYia/s640/20130520_142414.jpg' /> </a> </div>Stephen Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148829137635130941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715764587903004187.post-63907939448892937742013-05-13T18:50:00.001-07:002013-05-14T07:50:41.138-07:00Signed copies of 'The Recipient's Son' by Stephen Phillips<p dir=ltr>Would you like a signed copy of<i> The </i><i>Recipient's Son</i>? It can make a great gift for a prospective midshipman, a Naval Academy Alum, or any fan of military fiction. Steve is happy to write any personal message such as, 'Thank you for your service to our nation,' 'Fair Winds, Following Seas,' or 'Non sibi sed patriae.' To start the process, send an email to Steve at eodauthor@gmail.com. Cost will be $28.95 plus shipping and handling. Credit cards are processed through Square.</p>
<div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-w_iBpXrVCIl3J5dkXgluyzs4-4nurclnDST3HOEJXmV0w-lOncj3kUOxrB1zIhRhnKn9WnCevD3xh_YnTByBKaJ3qeqrIMVwZ4WlTcP8v8G2osvOBLtnMSgOVZp0n-hb9FEzrD_46mQ/s1600/556734_10151144531811493_1217671965_n.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-w_iBpXrVCIl3J5dkXgluyzs4-4nurclnDST3HOEJXmV0w-lOncj3kUOxrB1zIhRhnKn9WnCevD3xh_YnTByBKaJ3qeqrIMVwZ4WlTcP8v8G2osvOBLtnMSgOVZp0n-hb9FEzrD_46mQ/s640/556734_10151144531811493_1217671965_n.jpg' /> </a> </div>Stephen Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148829137635130941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715764587903004187.post-72975502848611562062013-05-13T11:59:00.001-07:002013-05-13T12:00:32.556-07:00Stephen Phillips and 'The Recipient's Son" on WNAV and at the Mid Store<p dir=ltr>On Monday, 20 May 2013 at 09:30am, I will join Bill Lusby on WNAV - AM1430 to discuss <i>The </i><i>Recipient's Son</i>. Afterward I will be at the Mid Store at 11:00am to sign copies. It will be a great way to start Commissioning Week at the U.S. Naval Academy. I hope to see you there!</p>
<div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6iLAHzRRXISvN6HoqpBGjUKYEM3eMvIo8QWah5efXwLi4cbEDzVTFDnHFr4B9spI2q9UH1lJiVEsaHVm_yCOSQCn1YUmv5RUV3H_hFJzQXavDsqovxslNuXVXek7vTevGghi5rVZ9r2xV/s1600/537620_10151144531911493_799841492_n.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6iLAHzRRXISvN6HoqpBGjUKYEM3eMvIo8QWah5efXwLi4cbEDzVTFDnHFr4B9spI2q9UH1lJiVEsaHVm_yCOSQCn1YUmv5RUV3H_hFJzQXavDsqovxslNuXVXek7vTevGghi5rVZ9r2xV/s640/537620_10151144531911493_799841492_n.jpg' /> </a> </div>Stephen Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02148829137635130941noreply@blogger.com0