There's a new military video site on the Net.

It's raw. It's rough. And it's loaded with actual footage recorded by U.S. men and women serving on the front line.

Parents, friends, family members, and U.S. soldiers (current and former) have been sharing some great resources that others with a son or daughter, husband or wife in the Marines will surely appreciate.

Two that stood out from all the rest and made me want to know more were:

Jean's take on the movie "Ears, Open. Eyeballs, Click."

And...

Linda's recommendation to read a book called "BOOT".

I found a bunch of fun gift ideas to include in care packages to U.S. military soldiers or to give to the spouse or family member of someone who is serving.

Last year was the first time we sent a care package to U.S. soldiers we didn't even know.

We were inspired by all of the responses this article I wrote which included dozens of fun ideas for soliders' care packages.

So Jim & I went shopping with a couple hundred dollars... we loaded up the biggest box we could find... and mailed it off to some medics in Baghdad.

Our care package was very well received, so I thought I would share some of the items we included inside.

In case others are still looking for ideas...

Patti asked what it's like to graduate as a Marine from Camp Pendleton.

I haven't been there myself, so I can't provide the same photo tour like I did for Parris Island (here, here, and here).

But I can share with you some links to others' firsthand accounts of what the experience is like at Camp Pendleton.

Are you a military wife or a military husband?
Is your spouse currently deployed?
Do you have young children at home?
Would you like to have a life-size cut-out of your military spouse to incorporate into your daily life with your children?

...Flat Mommies and Flat Daddies to the rescue!

I've shared some tips for sending military care packages before.

...Tis the season! Time to start thinking of what you'll be sending your friends & loved ones again this year.

Here are some more fun ideas...