We love our hobby. Whether it is collecting helmets, medals, weapons, vehicles or any other form of militaria, there is no doubt, we are a devoted bunch. We will forgo family parties to go to shows, eat macaroni to have more to spend on relics and even trade some of our treasure to obtain new pieces. We are a very dedicated group of collectors.

Our hobby thrives on forming relationships that lead us to the relics we crave most. The staff of Military Trader and Military Vehicles Magazine have realized it is crucial to introduce new people to the joys of collecting, preserving and displaying military relics. We are constantly exploring new avenues expose our hobby to a fresh audience. Last year, for example, we gave away samples of our magazines to the NASCAR fans at Bristol Motor Speedway. Thousands learned that they can explore their mechanical passion and patriotism through military machines and relics.

In 2013, we are taking our magazines west to partner with Bob and Danielle Chatt at the Pomona Military Show. We will be able to distribute our magazines, meet and talk to military relic and vehicle collectors from the western states—a vibrant, new audience that has been under-served in the past.

We are also exploring new, large venues that will present the opportunity to distribute magazines and introduce the hobby to those who may have never heard of collecting militaria but are inclined to enjoy it. Not a week passes during which we don't consider fresh paths that will benefit our advertisers and the hobby's overall well-being.

One of the most successful avenues has been our annual ''Ambassador'' issue of both Military Trader and Military Vehicles Magazine. Currently, we are preparing our 2013 Military Trader Ambassador issue.

What is the “MT Ambassador Issue?”

This special, stand-alone bonus issue of Military Trader will introduce new collectors to the basic facets of our hobby. The articles will appeal to both beginners and advanced collectors by discussing:

 *Where to find military relics,

*Current collecting trends,

*Investment potential,

*Favorite Finds: Collector’s Stories

*What to consider when it’s time to sell

*Preservation tips

*Dealer profiles

*Even a directory of dealers so that new collectors can immediately begin forming their own network.

YOU are a Militaria Ambassador

Our hobby depends on always introducing new people to the joy, intrigue and satisfaction of collecting military relics. We are all ambassadors for our hobby—collectors, dealers and publishers. This special bonus issue will provide each of us with something to provide to a person who expresses an interest in learning about our hobby.

There are many ways for you to help grow our hobby, and participating in the MT Ambassador issue is one of them. Here a few ways you can become involved and be considered one of the hobby’s Ambassadors:

*Tell us about your “Favorite Find.” What is the best or favorite piece of militaria you have found? Share your your story in up to 1,000 words and 3-4 photos (high resolution, 600 pixels x 900 pixels minimum). Email your tale and images to: john.adams-graf@fwmedia.com (Write “Favorite Find” in the subject line), or send via regular post to Military Trader: Attn: John Adams-Graf, Editor, 901 Fourth St., Suite 50, Hudson, WI 54016. Favorite Finds must be received by November 20, 2012, to be included.

*Introduce your business. Military Trader’s advertising manager, Nick Ockwig, has special advertising packages for you to introduce your business to new people while connecting with our core audience. Contact Nick via email at Nick.Ockwig@fwmedia.com or call him at 800-726-9966, ext. 13322 to learn about these special opportunities. The advertising deadline in this special bonus issue is November 20, 2012.

 *Send us Auction and Show dates for 2013. We will include a complete 2013 schedule of shows and auctions in this issue. Don’t leave your show out! Send your dates and show or auction info by November 20, 2012 to Military Trader: Attn: John Adams-Graf, Editor, 901 Fourth St., Suite 50, Hudson, WI 54016 or email to john.adams-graf@fwmedia.com

When is this happening?

The MT Ambassador Issue will mail in early December 2012, to be in our readers’ hands before the holidays. Extra copies will be printed and distributed throughout all of 2013.

Who will receive the MT Ambassador Issue?

Military Trader’s staff is committed to growing our hobby. We will produce and send this special issue as a “bonus” to all current subscribers. In addition, we will print extra copies for dealers, show promoters or individuals who want to help us get it into the hands of people interested in learning more about our hobby.

Our hobby depends on new collectors and dealers learning how to connect with each other. Help insure the health of the military collecting hobby by sharing your experience with both beginners and advanced collectors. Together, we will form those crucial collecting networks that keeps our hobby vibrant, engaging and meaningful.

Share the passion,

John Adams-Graf
Editor, Military Trader and Military Vehicles Magazine