Last year in November, life wasn't throwing me too many curve balls and things seemed to be looking good. I started a new job and our organization sent many more troops care packages than the year before (thanks to a dramatic increase in donations from the previous year).

Most of us had a lot to be thankful for. 

As we entered the year 2007, I lost my father in January and in March, I also lost my dog, "Beastie" of 17 years.  A few months after that, we received word that my husband, a Marine Sergeant, was going to deploy again.  And in September, he headed for his 2nd deployment. Suddenly, things didn't look so good.

I haven't been thrilled about the way 2007 unfolded for me (or for some of my friends who lost a spouse or child).  I am sure there are others who also suffered a loss, a heartbreak, a health issue or a deployment this year.  My heart goes out to all of them because it is never easy.

So, here we are again, at the cusp of a new year approaching -  about to celebrate another Thanksgiving Holiday.  Many of us will gather with our family and friends, eating traditional holiday meals and perhaps watching a parade or football game on television. Isn't that what we do each year?

There are many deployed troops who cannot be with their families right now. They can't smell the pumpkin pie, taste the turkey or sweet potatoes or hang out and watch tv with their loved ones. They are lucky if they can even get to a phone to call home.

Instead, they are in a far away land where it is cold outside.  Many are simply requesting blankets and cards of support because they miss home.

It doesn't matter if I had a "bad year" because so did they.  Life marches on, and when we feel like we are having a bad "day", "week," "month" or "year" - let's think about the types of days our troops are having ... without complaining.

I know what I am thankful for this year.  In addition to having decent health; a roof over my head; a job; food on the table; a loving family; and good friends, I am thankful for our ALL-VOLUNTEER military we have.

Let's say thanks at our dinner tables to all the veterans who honorably and selflessly served our country so that we may continue to celebrate Thanksgiving each year. They deserve that at the very least.

THANK YOU, TROOPS!

Love,
Andi  

 

 

Thank YOU, Andi. Thank you for being the wonderful patriot and wife that you are.

To the men and women of our armed forces, THANK YOU. I am a father and husband and you keep my family safe from harm. THANK YOU FOR DOING MY JOB.

As you know, Andi, I am thankful for MY FAMILY. After July 4th, I did not know if God would allow me to keep them. His Grace allowed them to stay. This is a VERY special Thanksgiving for me.

God bless you and our troops.

Very well said. Thank you for being willing to give up your husband for another year. I don't think anyone should go more than once, but the men keep being willing to go where they need to, and for that service, I am grateful.

I think I wrote the same thing last year. Andi, I'm grateful for you! I pray for you, Brian and Ryan every day. You are such a strong force amongst us. You are on the front lines along with the troops. You are part of what keeps them going and the best that America has, just like they are. God Bless our troops and God Bless you and all those that work with you to make what you do such a huge success! I love you! Sue Anderson

First off I wish to say thanks to all who send their messages of suport to the troops. It means a lot to them. To me it hits home. I have done 22yrs in the Marine Corps I am now retired, so I know what it is to leave your family and go somewhere and put your life on the line for your country and those Marines around you. But now I am sitting here with my daughter L/cpl Alers, and my future son in law Cpl Anthony Santos in harm's way and it is hard. I am thankfull that I have lived to see my retirment and my daughter keeping the family tradition. and I am thankful that Americans have not turned their backs on those who serve. Despite what the media says. Happy Thanksgiving and Semper Fi
;)

I am very thankful for my wonderful friends at Give2TheTroops. I have met such wonderful warem and caring people at our Connecticut packing parties. That love is expressed every time we meet and pack boxes for the troops. Even when times are difficult, the friendship and warmth when volunteers get together lets us all appreciate what we have. I am very blessed to call these wonderful volunteers friends. I know that the warmth is expressed in every box that is sent to the troops. This love is passed on in many ways. There are very few places where people can come together and support each other, as well as support people we do not know. During the holidays, let us remember all the wonderful people who work together with a common goal of helping others.

What a wonderful blessing you all are to the troops - God Bless.

Hi!
Just want to say what a wonderful job you've done enabling citizens like myself to show our gratitude to our men and women overseas. Thank you for affording us the opportunity.

Sincerely,
James D. Aleson

Thank you for the life lesson you shared with us, Andi! Our perspectives are enlightened, softened, and adjusted when we think of the hardship of others. Our Veterans created the Freedom to support our American way of life and Our Troops continue to protect it!!! Our past & present Armed Forces are what I am truly thankful for this & every Holiday season!

My daughter, Capt. Karen Nuccitelli, Utah Natl Guard, told me about your site being a favorite with our troops. I can't wait to get a donation in to you for Christmas.
God Bless All our troops, Walt McElligott