God Bless the US Military

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas! The songs are in the air, there is snow falling somewhere, the egg nog is in the fridge and the Salvation Army bell ringers are doing their thing! Whether you celebrate the religious meaning of Christmas, or it is just a time for peace and goodwill and gift giving there is one other aspect of Christmas that most people around the globe share and that is the familial aspect.

As I look toward Christmas and spend time with new friends on the East Coast, my family out here and then fly to my hometown for a hometown Christmas I can't help but think of all the military families that are making HUGE sacrifices right now.

There are so many soldiers that are either in war zones or stationed in places that have them separated from those they love this season. For every soldier there is a family and a group of friends that is going to be celebrating the holidays without their soldier at home.

The amazing about all this is that it is done WILLINGLY!!! None of these families were coerced by the government to be parted. The spouses, children, and parents would rather have their loved ones home, but they willingly said "good-bye". They do this because they understand the meaning and the cost of freedom.

Freedom and the American way of life is not just purchased in flag draped caskets, but in missed birthdays, anniversaries, Christmases; in the wife giving birth without her husband there to provide coaching. It is purchased in the military spouse packing up and moving the family halfway across the country while GI Joe or GI Jane is off fighting the bad guy. Our way of life is purchased in the lonely nights, the empty side of the bed, the gazillion of problems that the lone spouse must tackle alone, and then find a funny way to share it over a phone call or e-mail. Our freedom is purchased by Dad or Mom watching their kids grow up through webcams and pictures.

So, next time you get to hug your best friend, your sister/brother, Mom/Dad take a few moments to pause and be thankful that they are home and you are together. Families all across our country are willingly (though with tears) sacrificing time together so that you can be with yours and I can be with mine.

For all that our military FAMILIES do for us each I day I want to wish each of them a very merry Christmas and may 2009 find them reunited and more in love than ever before.

MAY GOD BLESS THE US MILITARY FAMILY!!! THANK YOU AND MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!

-PRT-