The boys over at Desktop Alert are headed to Iraq on Wednesday to install their life saving mass communication software at US Military bases in Baghdad and Tikrit. Howard, the founder of Desktop Alert, was humbled when chosen for this assignment. I met Howard five years ago while teaching a class on .NET at CUNY in Manhattan-and he is as crazy as I am, so we hit it off. Since then I have acted as a business and technical advisor to Desktop alert and most recently architected the latest version of their software about six months ago. (Massively distributive application, right up my alley.)

To have played a small role in the success of Desktop Alert and to contribute in helping our brave men and women in uniform-and in the line of fire-is overwhelming. Having lost someone very dear in Iraq three years ago makes this even more special.

Good luck and godspeed Howard and team. I'm so proud of you.