Just in Case

White Peril has an interesting post about Japan and defense. He ends the post with something that I want to say everyday, but am always looking for a new way to say it, so it doesn't get boring.

Sometimes simple is best, so here goes:

TO THE ALLIED FORCES IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN:

We believe in you. We think of you every day. Even those of us without family Over There. We, too, think of you every day. We appreciate what you're doing--marvel in it, actually. We know that you are making progress in the WoT every day. We know that you are getting closer to fulfilling your mission, every day.

We also know that the press is not good from here. But that's not your problem, that's ours. You have to remember that an election is coming up soon so there is a lot of pandering and whining to try to get a constituency for the election.

Don't let that be a distraction. Don't think that any of us have wavered in our support.

We support you.
We support your mission.
We support your officers.
We support the Commander and Chief.

You don't waver. Nor do we.

The Holidays are coming up and it's likely your thoughts will stray and think of home. You'll think about what you're missing by not being home for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or whatever Holiday you celebrate. Just know that we'll be sending those thoughts back and that on Thanksgiving Day, when millions of us sit down to our dinners, the first thing that we'll be remembering to be thankful for is you. We'll remember that we sit down at our tables, in peace and prosperity, because of you. Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks and you're it, buddy.

While it isn't roast turkey and all the trimmings and you'll not have the full bellies you're accustomed to on Thanksgiving, just know that your hearts, pride and souls will be fed by the loving, supportive, and appreciative folks back home.