As a Nation we have much to be thankful for. The unparalleled freedoms that we enjoy having provided us with a quality of life that continues to be the envy of the world. These freedoms have survived many challenges throughout our history, largely because of the vigilance and dedication of our Armed Forces.

This special day has roots dating back to the first Thanksgiving, when the Pilgrims gathered to celebrate and give thanks for all of their blessings. After enjoying our Thanksgiving meals, let’s be mindful of those less fortunate than ourselves, who may be hungry or cold, without family and friends, and without the blessing of liberty and prosperity that most of us take for granted.

For those deployed in harm’s way, know that we are thinking of you, and saying a special thanks for your selfless service.

Over the last decade, our Armed Forces have sacrificed Thanksgivings, and countless other holidays, in service to their country, both at home and abroad. We truly appreciate your service to, and sacrifices for, our nation; but even more, we are eternally grateful that men and women of such character are willing to raise their hands and volunteer to place themselves in harm’s way and defend what Americans hold dear.

I personally had the opportunity to serve this great nation in a combat zone during Christmas of 1990. I was deployed with the 2nd Marine Division in Southwest Asia in support of Desert Shield/Desert Storm. It was a challenging time for me, not because of facing the possibility of dying in war, for which I was trained to do, but the possibility of not seeing my first child born, Amanda Lee Turner.

I remember to this day taxiing down the runway, praying to God to let me live to see my first child. Not only did God answer that prayer, 23 years later he let me live to see the birth of my first grandchild, Logan Paul Campbell. My letter is late due to his birth, and what a miracle.

I want to thank God first for this blessing, and also want to praise God for Brandon Campbell. He is the best son-in-law a father-in-law could have.

God said war is a terrible thing. Some wars are more “just” than others, but war is always the result of sin. At the same time, “There is … a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.” In a world filled with sin, hatred, and evil, war is inevitable. Christians should not desire war, but neither are Christians to oppose the government God has placed in authority over them. The most important thing we can be doing in a time of war is to be praying for godly wisdom for our leaders, praying for the safety of our military, praying for a quick resolution to conflicts, and praying for a minimum of casualties and civilians on both sides.

We are blessed to live in this nationn and let’s not forget the sacrifices that we never hear about from our service members. They are the true “Heroes”

SFC Michael D. Turner

Chavies, Ky.