The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

A Thanksgiving Request - A Patriotic Prayer

by Dessa Rodeffer, Publisher/Owner

27 November 2002

As we sit around our Thanksgiving tables enjoying turkey and pumpkin pie, and laughter with family, let's remember those who are less fortunate. We have our ups and downs, our health may not be the best, but we still feel the tremors of 9-11 that shook our way of thinking last year. It tells us we are indeed fortunate and have many blessings here in the U.S.A.

As our letter came once again from our Galesburg soldier stationed in Saudi Arabia, he reminds us of this and their need of our prayers. As we sit with family, they are far from home.

Holidays are for family-time and TSgt Hall asks us to include in our Thanksgiving Day, prayers for the military members away from home as well as for honorable military members who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that families may be safe and free to enjoy being together to celebrate on holidays. Have a thankful and safe thanksgiving....Dessa

Dear Dessa,

Greetings from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia! I am so sorry that I have not been able to write lately, but as I'm sure you are aware of the latest news-our operations tempo here has picked up dramatically.

Seems as if I am constantly working non-stop with minimum breaks. Which actually I don't mind - it's all for a great cause.

A while back, we celebrated Veteran's Day. For some people - it is just a day off of work or a day out of school. But in all actuality it is quite an honorable day for all members of the military - both living and deceased.

I started doing some introspection and thinking what exactly Veteran's Day means to me Ñ all the sacrifices and contributions that military members have made to our country.

I'm not going to lie, lately I have been feeling a little down, a little home-sick (more than normal) and then I looked around me - and it seems everyone has had their fare share of sacrifices and heartaches. So, then I felt a little guilty - being so selfish only thinking about myself.

For example, there's Jim, who is going through a divorce, while at the same time trying to stay focused on the mission here.

And then there is Lon whose wife just had a baby, and he wasn't even there to hold her hand or see his son being born, or Bill whose grandpa is in the hospital and might not make it for very much longer. These are just a few of the guys I work with here.

Every person over here has had to make a sacrifice to complete our mission. At times, it is difficult, however, we all bond together and make it through as best as we can.

I felt bad because my wife had to endure the hardship of a close uncle who recently died and I couldn't be there to comfort her, missing most of my boys school functions and their soccer games.

People don't realize sometime the hardship military people face just to help protect the citizens of the United States.

No, I do not want any sympathy for what we have to endure, we love what we do. We love playing a part in history that will forever be a part of our Nation, we just want everyone to know that we are proud of our efforts and we are willing to do whatever it takes to get the mission accomplished.

Some people easily clump the entire military into "just a large group of people."

However, within in that large group of people - when you completely break down the Battalions, Wings, and Fleets, to the Companys, Squadrons, or Districts, down to the Individual Squads, and even further down to the basic Fire Teams - there is that single individual - standing there proud representing the United States.

That individual is a mother, father, son, daughter, or possibly even a close relative. That individual is a person placing his life on the line for all the United States citizens that he/she has never met and probably never will.

That person is there making sacrifices and contributions all in the name of Freedom. So, on Veteran's Day - remember all the people that gave their lives for our Country and us - just so we can be free.

A lot of Americans have given the ultimate price in the name of Freedom, and currently even more that are serving now are prepared to give that same sacrifice if needed.

Veteran's Day is an honorable day, a memorable day. It needs to be given the respect it is due.

Also, if you would, on Thanksgiving Day- say a small prayer for that single individual military member that is deployed away from home - not able to be with their respective families.

Say a small prayer for the honorable military members that gave the ultimate sacrifice so that families may be free to enjoy being together to celebrate holidays.

Well, I'm going to close out. I apologize if I seemed to ramble on. This must have just been on my mind! Please have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving.

I plan on being home around Christmas time, so hopefully our paths will cross again soon.

God Bless, and God Speed.

Respectively,
TSgt Pat Hall

363 Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Joint Patrol
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia