Reviewing Thanksgivings gone by

On the 27th of November, 2003, while I was in Korea, I expressed myself as thankful for the following things:

1. That I'm not in Iraq.
2. That everyone I know in Iraq is safe.
3. Gesina.
4. Good start to my sister's first year of college.
5. Learning every day how lucky I am to have my parents.

Well, you got me on that one God. I'm in Iraq, but that doesn't mean there isn't plenty more for which to be thankful. My family's tradition is that before the Thanksgiving meal we go around the table three times, everyone offering thanks for something - a person, concept, event, continued event, etc - each time around. I am in Iraq, and CONUS conventional norms no longer apply, so here are my five for 2005:

1. The love and support of my wife.
2. That everyone in my unit and everyone else I know in Iraq is safe.
3. That I have a unit full of self sufficient and responsible soldiers and NCOs who distinguish themselves every day with their professionalism and work ethic.
4. Continuing to learn every day how lucky I am for the family I have.
5. That I won't be in Iraq at this time next year.

As an addendum, there has never been a time in my life when I haven't been completely thankful to be an American. But being in Iraq, if nothing else, underscores what an incredible nation the United States really is. If you have a hard time understanding the greatness of America, feel free to hop in your car, drive to the grocery store, and wander around. Then contemplate the fact that most of the rest of the world can't even begin to fathom any part of that exercise. No one shot at you, nothing blew up, if you are female you are allowed to drive your car and didn't have to cover your face, no one watched to see what you purchased, there is no limit on what you can or cannot buy, and in the middle of your grocery store you can buy literature that presents all sorts of conflicting political positions and news items. Plus you can pick up a six pack.

Happy Thanksgiving!