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When asked what we, as Americans are thankful for, often we say and hear, "I'm thankful for the soldiers who fight to protect our freedoms." In the newspaper, we don't often hear back from them. Here, we asked a few members of the armed forces from the Estancia Valley and East Mountains to share what they are thankful for this holiday season.
Capt. Michael Calhoon Estancia New Mexico Army National Guard 515th Combat Service Support Battalion, currently in Mosul, Iraq "The following is a list of a few of the things that I am thankful for this Thanksgiving: My wife Renea for maintaining our household in my absence; my children Mikayla, Leanne, Kaitlyn, and Joshua and how they have matured and strive to always do their best; my family's support system: My in-laws, my mother, father, and sisters and their families, my church, my employer Estancia Schools, my co-workers and students, and my friends in the community. I'm thankful for receiving an e-mail, letter, or package any of the above; my fellow New Mexico Guardsmen I'm deployed with; the civilian contractors and local nationals I have met; a dining facility that actually has very good food; not having to decide what clothing to wear each day; my health; technology that allows me to stay in contact with home; and being a citizen of a country where casting a vote in an election won't cost you your life. I'm truly a blessed man and have much to be thankful for." 1st Lt. Christina McMillan Edgewood United States Army Senior staff logistician for the 121st Brigade Support Battalion 1st Armored Division stationed at the Tallil Air Base in southern Iraq "I'm thankful for support we receive from our friends and families, but especially for the support from the people who don't know us and still offer their support. 'Any Soldier' and USO care packages with reminders of home are what keeps us pressing forward. One of the company commanders has a maple leaf that is preserved in wax paper hanging on his bulletin board, every time I see it, I am reminded that someone remembered we're here and realized that we're missing out on the leaves turning. That person cared enough to preserve something they love about this season and made the effort to pass that on to us. I'm thankful for those people who try to make our days just a little brighter by taking the time to pass on reminders of what we have to look forward to when we get home." Lt. Cmdr. Gilbert "Thomas" Candelaria Moriarty First Lieutenant, DPMA Coordinator United States Navy USS Boxer (LHD 4) "I'm thankful for the family and friends I have, as they've provided me overwhelming support throughout my military career. Additionally, I'm thankful for people who go out of their way to show appreciation to the men and women serving in the armed forces. The real people who should be recognized are the families of service members. They are the ones that are left behind and they continue to manage without the help of the service member. If the car breaks down or the water heater gives out, the family member has to figure out how to get that stuff fixed. Maybe one day there will be a military member family appreciation day... I would like to see that. I hope all is well in Moriarty. I really hope you have a happy and festive Thanksgiving and I hope that we can all enjoy the freedoms we enjoy in the United States." |
