Blake Stilwell

Blake Stilwell is a former Air Force combat photographer with degrees in Graphic Design, Television and Film, International Relations, Public Relations and Middle Eastern Affairs. Instead of using those, he (eventually) became a writer. His work has appeared on Business Insider, Military Times, We Are The Mighty, Fox News, ABC News, NBC Sports, HBO Boxing, and at the White House. Blake is based in Los Angeles but is often found elsewhere.

Email: Blake.Stilwell@Military.com

Latest Articles

Phil H. Bucklew, "the Father of Naval Special Warfare," earned two Navy crosses and served in three major conflicts. (U.S. Navy)

'The Father of Naval Special Warfare' Almost Changed the History of the Vietnam War

Phil Bucklew had an experienced eye for irregular warfare by the time he arrived in Vietnam in the early 1960s.

British Major General Charles Cornwallis surrenders his army at Yorktown, the U.S. Army's first - but not last - overall war victory.

The History of the US Army Birthday

A brief rundown of the U.S. Army's early history until it was disbanded in 1783. Spoiler alert: it comes back with a bang.

The USS Jimmy Carter returns to its home port, flying a jolly roger flag. (U.S. Navy/Lt. Cmdr. Michael Smith)

Why Some Submarines Return to Port Flying Pirate Flags

This is what happens when admirals talk smack; naval traditions are born.

(U.S. Air Force/Staff Sgt. Rachel Williams)

6 Qualities Veterans Have That Prepare Them for the Corporate World

The military and the corporate world have more in common than one might think.

5 Things Every Newly Separated Veteran Needs in a Cover Letter

Writing a cover letter is simple, you just need to include a few key elements.

Your resume should be full of skills, experience and education; not these giant red flags.

6 Red Flags Employers Find on Veteran Resumes

Honesty, clear communication and a little careful preparation are all you need to keep the recruiter from pitching your...

6 Things Veterans Should Consider When Accepting a Job Offer

Don't get too excited about landing that first big civilian job without making sure you're getting what you expect.

Airman 1st Class Ashley Grainger plants flags during Flag Day setup. (U.S. Air Force/Senior Airman Rusty Frank)

Everything You Need to Know About Flag Day

Flag Day isn't the most celebrated holiday of the year, but it's a good one, a long time in the making.

The Second Man on the Moon Wants You to Know That Tang Sucks

After Buzz Aldrin made the controversial announcement, much of the internet agreed.

Workers traveled in the Daniel Boone, the first American Red Cross clubmobile to land in Normandy, France, in July, 1944, following D-Day almost 75 years ago. (American Red Cross/Twitter)

How to Make the Doughnut That Followed US Troops from World War I to D-Day and Beyond

Celebrate National Doughnut Day with the sweet treat that landed at D-Day, Da Nang and everywhere else US troops were sent.

(U.S. Navy/Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Justin Pacheco)

5 Tips for Employers Who Want to Attract Veteran Talent

Veterans' misconceptions about your industry may be hurting your chances of hiring them.

Tennis Hall of Famer Tony Trabert Stopped His Career to Join the Navy

He was a rising star in the world of international tennis. Then the Korean War started.

Senior Airman Kiana Brothers waves the pride flag and cheers on participants of the Pride Month 5K at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Members of Team Scott came out to participate in the run and celebrate base diversity, particularly members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community. (U.S. Air Force/Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Fowler)

The Worldwide Icon of Pride Month Was Created by an Army Veteran

Gilbert Baker found his calling and community after the Army sent him to San Francisco in 1970.

15 Things You Need to Know About the American Flag

The American flag carries a large history, along with very specific customs and courtesies.

A grave at the New Bern National Cemetery is decorated with memorabilia in New Bern, North Carolina. (U.S. Marine Corps/Lance Cpl. Michael Neuenhoff)

4 Things to Remember Every Memorial Day

There are a few certain things that always happen throughout Memorial Day. Be prepared.

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Most Popular Military News

David Schmitz stands on the flight line at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico.

F-16 Pilot's Runway Death Forces Reckoning Over Tight Flight Hours, Training Gaps

David Schmitz's tragic death underscores the inherent risks of fighter training.

Reality Winner’s U.S. Air Force basic training graduation photo.

Air Force Vet Reality Winner Freed from Prison After 4 Years, Attorney Says

Winner's attorney posted a statement on Twitter announcing that she is now in the residential reentry process.

Infantrymen at a fire support coordination exercise, Fort Carson.

In Major Promotion Shift, All Soldiers Will Serve as a Corporal Before Moving to Sergeant

The new policy impacts active-duty soldiers and both full-time and part-time National Guard and Reserve troops.

Declassified U.S. documents reveal where former Japan prime minister's remains were spread.

US Military Documents Solve Mystery of Pearl Harbor Mastermind's Remains

The location of executed wartime Japanese Prime Minister Hideki Tojo’s remains was one of World War II’s biggest mysteries in...

Fuselage shown after Black Hawk crashes on Egypt's Sinai Peninsula.

Documents Reveal New Details About Sinai Peninsula Crash That Killed 5 Soldiers

An investigation into a 2020 helicopter crash that killed seven troops appears to indicate a mechanical problem with the...

Latest Military Videos

Air Force Soars Over the Arctic in Support of NORAD

This video shows various Air Force operations over the Arctic.

Navy Rescues Distressed Mariners Off the Coast of Djibouti

15 civilian mariners walk ashore after having been ferried into the Port of Djibouti by the Djiboutian Coast Guard...

Marines Train to Board, Search and Seize a Hostile Ship

U.S. Marines with the All-Domain Reconnaissance Detachment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a visit, board, search and seizure training...

Army News

U.S. Army soldier attempts three repetition maximum deadlift event ACFT.

Army May Go Back to Job-Specific Scoring After All on the New Fitness Test

The force is balancing the desire for a fitter force while also striving not to harm efforts to fill the less physically...

Photo illustration shows images of stolen guns.

Stolen Army Assault Rifles Keep Showing Up in California

Authorities in California’s agricultural heartland weren’t looking for a military assault rifle when they went to investigate...

US Military Guns Keep Vanishing, Some Used in Street Crimes

An Associated Press investigation has found that at least 1,900 U.S. military firearms were lost or stolen over the last...

Navy News

Navy cornerback Cameron Kinley waits for the snap against Air Force.

Acting SecNav Doubles Down on Denying Naval Academy Grad's NFL Request

Cameron Kinley signed with Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent, but the Navy denied his application to delay his service.

US Military Guns Keep Vanishing, Some Used in Street Crimes

An Associated Press investigation has found that at least 1,900 U.S. military firearms were lost or stolen over the last...

Cambodian navy crew members stand on a navy patrol boat at the Ream Naval Base.

Cambodia Limits US Diplomat's Scrutiny of Controversial Base

Controversy over the Ream Naval Base sprang up two years ago.

Air Force News

Some Airmen Can Now Wear Coveralls After Policy Change

The U.S. Air Force has approved a maintenance duty uniform, typically referred to as coveralls, for specific career fields.

US Military Guns Keep Vanishing, Some Used in Street Crimes

An Associated Press investigation has found that at least 1,900 U.S. military firearms were lost or stolen over the last...

Air Force Vet Reality Winner Freed from Prison After 4 Years, Attorney Says

Winner's attorney posted a statement on Twitter announcing that she is now in the residential reentry process.

Marine Corps News

Russian President Vladimir Putin is interviewed by NBC ahead of his summit with U.S. President Joe Biden

Biden's Summit Topics to Include Jailed Vet, Whom Putin Called 'a Drunk, Troublemaker'

Russian President Vladimir Putin is to meet with U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday in Geneva.

Marines prep for exercise at Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

Marine Corps Corporal Dies After Being Struck by Van in Honolulu Crosswalk

Cpl. Douglas A. Mott died June 8 at Queens Medical Center from injuries he received after being hit by a vehicle.

US Military Guns Keep Vanishing, Some Used in Street Crimes

An Associated Press investigation has found that at least 1,900 U.S. military firearms were lost or stolen over the last...

Coast Guard News

capsized lift boat Seacor Power is seen seven miles off the coast of Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico

Coast Guard: Capsized Lift Boat Cracking as Salvage Planned

The offshore service vessel that capsized in the Gulf of Mexico in a deadly April disaster is cracking.

Coast Guard helicopter crew that rescued kayaker Cyril Derreumaux

Hawaii-Bound Kayaker Rescued by Coast Guard Off California

A kayaker trying to paddle solo from California to Hawaii has been rescued six days after he set off by a Coast Guard...

Coast Guard MH-60T helicopter lands on the deck of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington

Coast Guard Gets a Pay Raise in Biden's First Budget Request

The service would actually see a decrease in discretionary funding from fiscal 2021 spending.

Blake Stilwell

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