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.