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I'm heading to Iraq within the next week. I was able to secure the embed without going through an outside media organization, as I had to do in the past. I established a non-profit, called Public Multimedia, Inc., incorporated as a media company, and was able to obtain my own credentials. This is a great start to allow me to embed in the future, as well as potentially sponsor others who are interested in embedding. This also should put to rest any claims the military is censoring or unwilling to work with bloggers.

I still need your help. I'm looking to raise another $3,000 for the trip. I'm purchasing a new camera today (a digital SLR) so I can take better photos from the field, and upload and post quickly. I also need to cover some outstanding expenses. If you have contributed, again, my sincerest thanks. If you haven't, please consider this. No donation is to small to help me get on my way: 100 donations of $30 will get me there. Public Multimedia, Inc. is currently filing for 501(c)3 status so once this is approved, the donation will be tax deductible.

Also, for everyone that donates to this trip, I will add you on my email list. This email will contain anecdotes not contained in the daily updates, as well as images that won't be posted until later. I will also send a personal thanks to you upon my return.

Or, if you are not comfortable with PayPal and wish to send a check, email me at billroggio@gmail.com and I will send you an address.

When I return from Iraq, and as Public Multimedia continues to evolve, there will be some exciting changes to the web site. We plan to expand our news gathering, incorporate the Global Crisis Watch podcast to provide audio interviews, aggressively pursue resources to create multimedia presentations and create at least one foreign language version of the content. But the foundation will remain just as you see it today: featured posts, Today In briefings and News links.

Thanks as always for your support and encouragement.