by Spc. Mike Pryor
November 1, 2006
Paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division practice battle tactics at Range 42 in Fort Bragg, N.C.
US Army photo

Ali Al Salem, Kuwait (Nov. 22, 2006) - Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) The Honorable Dr. Donald C. Winter wishes Sailors and Marines stationed at Camp Moreell a Happy Thanksgiving and gives thanks for their service during his visit to Ali Al Salem, Kuwait. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Shawn P. Eklund

Purple Ceremony - Staff Sgt. Rory Sturm and Airman Kevin Perez Glazer were presented Purple Hearts at a ceremony Nov. 14 at Camp Bucca, Iraq, for wounds received when their patrol Humvee was struck by an improvised explosive device Oct. 16. Both Airmen are deployed to the 586th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron area security operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Jeff Clark)

MUDIQ, Iraq - Marines of Jump Platoon, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment patrol down a sandy path near Mudiq, Iraq Nov. 8. The group was there to keep insurgent material out of the area with vehicle checkpoints. All Marines serve under Regiment Combat Team 5 and will be conducting operations for the next several months.Photo submitted 11/20/2006 Taken by Cpl. Ray Lewis

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (Nov. 11, 2006)--The U.S. CGC BERTHOLF was christened on Nov. 11, 2006 in Pascagoula , Mississippi . Captain Patrick Stadt, the ship’s first commanding officer, attended the Veterans Day ceremony with representatives from the first crew. BERTHOLF, the first national security cutter, is the first Coast Guard high endurance cutter to be built in more than 35 years. USCG photo by PA2 Brian Leshak

I am thankful that I live in a free country, where I am guaranteed the freedom to speak my mind, and to worship as I choose. I am thankful for those who came before me, who worked to ensure that my generation would reap the rewards of their efforts. I am thankful for a husband who supports anything I do, my soulmate. I am thankful for family and friends.

I am thankful for a hand injury that reminds me of how fortunate I really am, and of how important it is to support those who have been injured in derfense of their country.

I am thankful for Patti, Sara, Linda, Eileen, Elaine, and all the Soldiers' Angels. I am thankful for the SOS: KIDS and Operation Outreach Teams, who support our troops and those important to them. I am thankful for those who read this blog, and who stand tall to support our Heroes in harm's way.

I am thankful for little girls like Brittany, who show that doing the right thing is not a matter of age, it is a matter of character. I am thankful for Dawn and Michael, who show that no matter the challenge, love can endure.

I am thankful for Christian, and Henry, and the Mikes, for Clif, Phil, and Todd, for Janette, Omar, and Bill. I am thankful for Kyle, who turned a simple airport delay into an opportunity to speak with a Hero. I am thankful for all who work to ensure our freedoms, and who would give their lives to ensure that I can live mine, safe and free. I am thankful for military families, who sacrifice and keep the home fires burning for those who serve.

Today, I am thankful for Heroes.