It occurred to me as I was walking back from a wonderful Thanksgiving meal at the DFAC that I've come full circle. As a brand new Lieutenant (Junior Grade) I began my first deployment right after finishing training in the A-6E Intruder. I met my squadron on November 9th, a few weeks after they'd departed Norfolk . That was in 1991. My first holiday deployed away from home was Thanksgiving onboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower right here in the Arabian Gulf. And here I am, in 2007, enjoying another Thanksgiving in the Gulf region, but this time, on the ground with an Army unit.
Would I have rather been at home with my family today and all of the Thanksgivings spent apart? Absolutely! There's not a Soldier (or Sailor) on the ground here that doesn't have that wish. But today was a special day, spent among friends, and was still a day full of thanks. I am thankful that I have had an enjoyable career that could never be called dull or boring. I am thankful that I have a loving family at home, celebrating their last Thanksgiving without me there. I am thankful to work among such professionals as the men and women fighting here in Iraq today. Finally, I am especially thankful for all of God's blessings on everyone in uniform.
Cheers, Pearl
