Fireside chat with COL Glenn – The Military Frequent Flyer

Welcome to a new Sunday series that will be a bit like a fireside chat. I count it a privilege to be a part of an amazing group of Travel bloggers here at BoardingArea.com. But just how well do you know “your” BoardingArea writers? Are you reading all the blogs you should be each day? This series will help you get to know them one by one. Now on to this weeks chat.

One of the reasons BoardingArea should be your go to source for the most unique information is because of The Military Frequent Flyer, BA’s own COL Glenn Goddard. I know Glenn and he is an amazing individual. While his blog is focused for those in uniform, I think anyone can benefit from his experience by reading his blog each day. He is, for example, a United Million miler. He is a family man who can maybe share some tips on balancing our points obsession and so much more. I love his writing style and I think you will to. Let’s get to know Glenn.

Rene – Hello, Glenn I just cannot thank you enough for all you do and for your time and sitting down with me to chat. I so enjoy your blog. But you have a “full time” job, how do you find time to blog and why blog at all?

Glenn – I blog to do my part to rid the world of ignorance. I got tired of meeting service members who traveled all the time, but failed to capitalize on all the points and miles they could be earning to make their lives a little easier. This was especially true with the benefits that they could give their families and enable them to take the trip they didn’t think they could afford. As for the “time” aspect, yes that is often a problem and why I can’t seem to blog more than once a week, but I brought in some help in a Navy volunteer named LT Andy. You’ll see more posts from him to help expand the regularity (is that a word?) of my blog.

Rene –  I have to say, it is refreshing what you just said, to blog just because you want to help others.  That is something unique in the blogosphere. But at the same time, everyone needs to know about points and what they can do for us. OK more questions. I have to ask (I hope you will not have ‘throw me in the brig’ for asking) are there things you cannot blog about that you wish you could?

Glenn – Well, I do have to be a little careful of what I say given my senior position. I cannot advocate anything that would be construed as favoritism that benefits me personally. That’s the main reason you would not see a lot of affiliate links on my site – just those that I already have and endorse personally. Limits the income, but that’s not why I blog anyway. I just want to help out my fellow man.

Rene – I would expect nothing less from you! Is your blog only for those in the branches of the military or who else should take the time to read The Military Frequent Flyer?

Glenn – The benefits that I highlight are mainly for those currently serving in the military, but I have a number of readers in government service, retirees, and affiliated groups such as the National Health Service who get something out of the tips that I give.

Rene – I have to add that, to me, you are being too modest. To me everyone can benefit from your blog. I so appreciate your writing style and what you cover. I look forward to LT Andy’s take soon as well. I just have to ask why BoardingArea. Most of us in some way had a tie-in with Randy Petersen. Is this your case too?

Glenn – I emailed Randy (whom everyone knows is the expert in miles and tequila) and offered to start a blog in an area that I didn’t see addressed. He invited me in even though I will never have the readership of say, DeltaPoints, because he saw this as a niche market. Turns out Randy’s dad was career military so I think he had a soft spot for me.

Rene – Impressive. You know, many bloggers pour out content. Many times your quality means much more. These are exciting times for BoardingArea with new blogs coming online and so many new readers to all the blogs. Other than LT Andy, what else can we look forward to seeing from BA’s Colonel in 2014?

Glenn – I’m going to try my hand at a few trip reports. Going to Singapore with the wife next week to celebrate our 25th and also get my United 1k renewed. Of course, that means I’m in Coach and she’s in First using my miles. I guess the trip will have reports from both ends of the plane!

Rene – I love it. I cannot wait to read all about it (I hear coach is not all that bad)! Glenn I want to SO thank you for all you do and for taking the time to sit down and to get to know you. I have such great respect for you and look forward to each new post. I think 2014 for The Military Frequent Flyer is going to be great!

Glenn – Thanks for the compliments Rene and thanks even more for being a friend!

You can follow COL Glenn on his blog and via BA on Twitter. You can reach out to him via e-mail as well. I hope you add The Military Frequent Flyer to your daily blog read! – René

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