Anchor Robin Meade

Yesterday morning our VIP tour came through the studio like it does every Thursday, and I stopped to chat with the viewers afterward. I was struck by one of them, who said she loved watching our daily "Salute to Troops" segment on "Morning Express with Robin Meade" and she thanked me profusely for showing the segment on air.

Robin Meade would like to wish a safe and happy holiday to servicemembers and their families.

I thought to myself, 'Ah she must know some folks in the military ... or maybe her father or grandfather fought on a foreign shore ... or maybe she's a patriotic woman especially feeling the red white and blue headed into the Fourth of July weekend.'

Here's what I learned about her during our chat: She is not only a viewer grateful to our current troops who are serving in harm’s way, but she is also a veteran and has just retired after 28 years in the service.

28 years!

I told her, in so many words, “Wait a minute ... don't thank me for a TV segment, let the rest of us thank you for your service!"

It’s in these moments we are reminded of the stellar character of our military men and women who are so selfless in doing their job.

So as the rest of us celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, hotdogs and parades....a big thank you and salute to all the servicemembers who can't be home this holiday weekend ... because you are doing your job.

It’s an effort for which we are all grateful. Thank you for your service!

Robin looking fearless as she heads to the plane on her way to skydive.

Robin's back from her adventure with the 41st President of the United States!

George H. W. Bush invited Robin to go skydiving with him in celebration of his 85th birthday! See up close and personal photos of the event here!

Anchor Robin Meade

Hi everyone. I just finished my interview with President Bush 41 ... he was energetic, charming, endearing, and funny. He was accommodating in that he answered darned near everything I asked.

Robin and President Bush get down to business.

Watch for his comments about supreme court nominee Sotomayor, what he thinks about the dreaded "L" word as we put it: his legacy, now that he's 85.

One of the most touching moments was his reaction to a song we played him as our gesture of a gift for his birthday.

He keeps inviting me to the Walker's Point this afternoon after our jump ... to the Bush summer home. What to do? Live shots ... or hang out at Walker's Point!?

HLN's Robin Meade arrived in Kennebunkport, Maine, and has been preparing for her upcoming interview and skydive with President George H. W. Bush.

Watch as Robin discusses what she plans to ask the former president and shares her thoughts on skydiving.

Anchor Robin Meade

Hey gang; I'm typing this on my blackberry on the way to airport.

President George H. W. Bush enjoys a good birthday skydive.

This morning, while I prefer to be thinking about what to ask President Bush 41 on his 85th birthday, I had to mostly think about what to pack. Seriously!

What do you pack for an assignment that has you interviewing a former president in the morning in a casual setting, training with the Army's Golden Knights, jumping out of a plane with the Knights and Bush 41, and then doing live shots all afternoon after I disrobe from the skydiving jumpsuit?

All while it might rain?

Two words: baseball cap.

Well, ya roll with it. There's a plethora of backup outdoor wear in my suitcase for whatever the east coast wind is going to bring us. Right now I keep checking the forecast ... hoping there won't be a rain delay.

I shall keep you posted so I can bring you along for the occasion via our live shots. Watch for the skydive landing live around 1pm this Friday (Eastern time). See ya then!!

Anchor Robin Meade

Hey folks! President H. W. Bush celebrates his 85th birthday Friday by jumping out of a plane. And I’m going with him!

President Bush, what an adventurous guy.

It’s happening over Kennebunkport, Maine, this Friday, after I interview him one on one ...

Personally – I’m trying to focus on the interview right now ... to do a good job, but also to distract myself about the actually leaping from a plane.

I’m wondering: what do I wear under the jump suit? Will it be cold that high up in the wind? Will my mascara smear all over my face before I reach the bottom?

We have a live camera watching the landing from the ground … watch for it around 1pm eastern Friday – I pray I don’t trip and land on my face upon landing on live TV!

You tell me – what would you like me to ask Bush 41?

And if you’ve been skydiving – got any tips for this first-timer?

Leave them in the comments field!

Anchor Robin Meade

This is the day … an historic event for the United States. The nation’s first African American president will be sworn in. I think it’s fair to say, no matter who you voted for in the election, this is indeed a monumental occasion.

Are you in D.C.? Are you there in spirit? Share your thoughts on this momentous occasion.

All morning, we’ll bring you the latest on the pre-inauguration events. Then, starting at 11am eastern here on HLN, I’ll be anchoring special coverage, including the live swearing-in.

I’d like to know your thoughts today about the inauguration of Barack Obama.

Does it carry a certain meaning for you … for your family?

As you watch today’s coverage, what will you be looking for? The people? Maybe the faces … the expressions in the crowd?

Or perhaps it’s Obama’s speech that’ll capture your attention?

And … what do you want to tell President Obama today?

I’d love to read your comments on the air - so post away below! And if you’re watching the inauguration … from work, from home, or perhaps if you’re there in person … we’d love to SEE your reaction. Send in your iReports to cnn.com/robin

Morning Express Anchor Robin Meade

How in the world did I get to share a stage with Grammy Award winner Richard Marx? I mean the guy has sold 30 million records. He's written 13 number one songs. And ... he got roped into doing a duet with me on stage. Huh?

Robin harmonizes with Richard Marx, chanteur of such hits as "Right Here Waiting" and "Now and Forever."

Here's the deal - I used to anchor the news in Chicago before I arrived at Headline News. Richard Marx lives in the Chicago area. He had a big idea to do a concert benefiting cystic fibrosis research. The premise was this: He'd do a few numbers with his band, then his band would accompany Chicago news "celebs" performing a song of their choice.

Okay, easy enough. Someone muttered "This has Robin Meade's name written all over it."
So I got the call. Would I haul my karaoke queen butt back to Chicago to perform?

Of course I would - but I told Richard Marx, I'd only do so on the condition that I got also sing a duet with him. Gutsy!

So, did he say yes right away, or did I have to threaten to shave his head of that signature hair of his? (For the record - what hip guy DIDN'T have a mullet pre-1990? Richard's hair is in its 2008 groove now, although he did call my attention his iconic 'do pictured on an old album cover a fan was asking him to sign.)

Well ... for the rest of the story ... you gotta hear it from Richard's own mouth! (It's a mouth, from which a great voice still emerges, btw. Wow, his singing is spot on every time. You know how you hear people in concert and go "Eww, that voice must have been a studio creation"? Well, not Richard Marx. He delivers such emotion with a great instrument.)

So, see him describe what he was thinking when I asked him to duet. And then, see our duet too!
It's right there on our website, CNN.com/Robin

What do ya think - is there a potential for an RM & RM Christmas album or something?

btw, on his Web site - i see he's got newer albums out if you'd like to hear his latest stuff.

Anchor Robin Meade

Can we ever do enough for our troops?

I'll be in New York on assignment Thursday and Friday - at a concert to honor our young vets.
It's a joint venture between CNN networks and MTV. I'll be talking with the troops about the issues they face. Meanwhile, performers like Kid Rock and Will Ferrell will be doing their thang on stage!

You'll see the bulk of my work on MTV Friday night at 8pm eastern. Then, I'll make an appearance to talk about it on Anderson Cooper’s 360 Special “Back From The Battle” CNN Saturday and Sunday night 8 eastern.

Anchor Robin Meade

Pinching pennies? We want to hear from you.

We want to hear from you!

What changes are you making because of the economy? Did you have to? Or are you doing it because you fear what could be coming?

Go to cnn.com/robin to email us. Or send us your comments right here on the blog.

Either way, we'll be reading some of your responses on our show today.