On a lighter note, I'm sad to say that my lack of TV and advance cable will prevent me from watching the Science Channals coverage of the World Championship PumkinChunkin. For any of you not so limited, its on at 9est, please let me know how it goes, as nothing makes me happier then building catapults!I’m also thankful that I have the privilege of serving with these great Americans. I say privilege because that’s what it is; a privilege. These are America’s best and brightest, when they’re country called they answered. Not with "Who me"? But with; “Yes, I’ll serve”!
They symbolize what is great in the United States the idea that all people should be free to determine their own destiny without the threat of violence or coercion. These men fulfill that promise every day. They sacrifice their time, happiness and comfort to ensure that someone they have never met before nor may ever meet again; lives a life of liberty. Each one of them is intelligent, compassionate and prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the United States of America. When Patrick Henry cried, “Give me Liberty or Give me Death” these were the type of men he called out to!
I’m thankful that I’ve seen the application of American combat power not as an empirical tool to gain riches, power or land; but to get a little Afghan girl her first and possibly only coloring book. The scene of an American Soldier dressed in full combat gear, burdened in cutting edge modern technology, kevlar and sweating, bending to pick her up and make sure she gets to the front of the line. The look in her eyes as she gazes in amazement at that book and crayons. Colors in that box that she never imagined existed until that moment. This will stay with me forever.
Happy eating all!
