how about enjoying the moment for once…

christmas lights on pole in fay

It’s officially Thanksgiving.

I am so thankful for my loving family and everything they do for me. We are especially thinking of our Alpha Company family in Afghanistan and around the world.

It’s been a struggle for me to find enjoyment in the holiday season this year. I can’t help but think about all the people struggling across our country. The ads and commercials for Black Friday sales and early store openings make me mad. I feel like I could go on and on how people have it hard right now and that we should be more appreciative of the good fortune we do have. But I won’t. If you are reading this, my clearly unsolicited advice is don’t get too wrapped up in the commercial side of this time of year, make sure to hug your loved ones, remind them you love them, and last but certainly not least, be kind.

have yourself a very metal christmas…

dog tag installation

We stopped by the North Carolina Veterans Park on Veterans Day. There is a small lobby/information desk, and a hallway that leads to a few small exhibits. This ceiling of the hall in lined with hanging dog tags. It has got to be one of the coolest installations I have ever seen.

christmas tree in market house

And completely unrelated, last night, we walked around downtown looking at all the newly placed Christmas/holiday decorations. It is a nice look for downtown, which is usually just kind of desolate and dingy.

Hereos Homecoming…

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my dad, an Army draftee

We live just outside of Fort Bragg, in Fayetteville, NC. The city will be celebrating Vietnam Veterans for the next 10 days. They are calling it a Heroes Homecoming. The Moving Wall Vietnam Veterans Memorial will be here on Sunday as well.

I am very impressed with the effort and thought that has gone into this. If you are in the area, check it out and show your support to our Veterans. Also, be sure to check out Tweet Up for Troops.

www.heroeshomecoming.com

www.themovingwall.org

www.asomf.org