Big Blend Magazine presents Champagne Sundays  

Join us on Champagne Sundays radio on March 29^th at 11am PT as we interview Craign Mullaney, author of ‘The Unforgiving Minute: A Soldier’s Education’

Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Southwest-Blend/2009/03/29/Family-Gardening-Art

In THE UNFORGIVING MINUTE: A Soldier’s Education Craig offers us a fascinating inside look at a rather singular education.

Craig Mullaney served as Chief of Staff for the President-elect's Pentagon Transition Team. Born in Rhode Island in 1978, Mullaney received his nomination to the U.S. Military Academy from the late Senator John Chafee. He graduated West Point in 2000 and was commissioned in the United States Army. After completing Ranger School, Mullaney continued to the University of Oxford on a Rhodes scholarship. At Oxford, he completed two masters degrees.

In 2003, Mullaney led an infantry rifle platoon along the hostile border between Afghanistan and Pakistan with the10th Mountain Division as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. His platoon operated along the entire spectrum of military operations—from humanitarian assistance with the first Provincial Reconstruction Team established in Afghanistan to combat engagements against Al Qaeda and the Taliban. Following his return to the United States, Craig joined the elite 3rd Infantry Regiment, "The Old Guard," in Arlington, Virginia, responsible for Arlington Ceremonial burials, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and defense of the National Capital Region. He served for three years as the Army Exchange Officer to the history faculty of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland where he focused on American foreign policy and directed the international scholarships program.