Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year. Traditionally at Thanksgiving most people think of family, food, and football. As a child, my family would go to my grandmother's house for Thanksgiving. The day would start with deer hunting and end with a traditional turkey dinner complete with all the southern side dishes (greens, corn bread, oysters in the dressing, etc.).

For me, when I think of Thanksgiving the first thing that comes to mind are the young men and women serving in our armed forces. Many of them are away from their famlies serving to keep us safe. Some of my best memories in the military were at Thanksgiving when we as officers would wear our dress blues to the dining facility (aka mess hall) and eat a traditional turkey dinner with the soldiers. It was a golden opportunity for me to tell them how much I appreciated their hard work and dedication. Many of us do not realize the sacrifice these young men and women give to our country.

Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for our many blessings. We sometimes ask for things we want when we should be thankful for the things we already have. Tuesday I volunteered at the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank. While there, I was reminded that even though we are the most prosperous nation in the world, there are people in our communities that need help. During the upcoming holiday season we need to reach out to those less fortunate than ourselves. May the "giving" in Thanksgiving and the awareness of those in need move all of us to help others in whatever ways we can.

From our house to yours, have a very Happy Thanksgiving.