[6] He has also spent his time working as a freelance journalist, specifically writing about his endeavors in the military as well as right-wing politics.

Salzman joined the National Guard, enlisting shortly after the second anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

His unit was activated as part of the 34th Infantry Division in the fall of 2005[1] and in the spring of 2006, he was deployed to Iraq.

His right arm was severed below the elbow, his left hand was pulverized by the blast, and he suffered a traumatic brain injury.

Salzman runs a milblog, "Lumberjack in a Desert", on which he has recounted his military life and his medical recovery.