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US Army - Afghanistan
Joe, Colonel

A Letter Home From Joe

Forward: Tish has been a special addition to our Just Moved! volunteer team. Despite the fact that her husband, Joe, is deployed in Afghanistan, she is never without a smile or encouraging word and works cheerfully at every task. Joe sent us this moving letter from Afghanistan and it is an honor to pass it on to you...

...Although far from home in war-torn Afghanistan, and despite immense longing for my loved ones, I have so much to be thankful for this year. I am exceedingly thankful for my darling wife, my "principled" and trustworthy adult children (you both make me SO proud), my extended family, and for dear friends like you.

I am thankful for America, and for being born in the greatest country that God has ever blessed. I am grateful my children live in a country where, with big dreams, elbow grease, and perseverance, they can be anything they choose to be.

I am thankful that all of you live in a country where you can say grace over your turkey and dressing humbly, yet with quiet confidence; where you can worship God or anything else you desire without fear of recrimination, prosecution, or torture. Those “outside the wire” here must do so in secret, or fear for their lives and the lives of their loved ones.

I am thankful for the young Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines who perform their duty in harm’s way, here and in Iraq, with such professionalism - bringing freedom to those who so desperately want and need it. I am thankful and humbled to be surrounded by young men and women who represent you so well, and all that is good about America. I am thankful for the compassionate who pray for and support our Wounded Warriors and their families. I am thankful for those of you who will never forget our Fallen Heroes - and the sacrifice their families have made.

I am thankful for the smiles and laughter of Afghan children, though it brings me to tears because of the hellish environment they must endure.

I am thankful for the responsibility and opportunity to thwart evil men on your behalf; truly evil men who greatly desire to kill you and destroy the American way of life. I am thankful for the privilege of being a “sheepdog” on point. I am thankful that the outcome of the “War on Terror” is certain victory - because of the service and sacrifice of military members downrange and the unwavering support of patriots back home.

Most importantly, I am thankful for the free gift of salvation that God continues to offer 2,000 years after sacrificing of his own son. I am thankful Jesus willingly gave His life as atonement for my sin. I am thankful that God is good, and that the creator of this universe is a God with a servant’s heart and that, despite my shortcomings, He remains faithful and true. - Lamentations 3:22-23

Lastly, words cannot express how grateful and thankful I am for YOU. You are the reason I serve; thank you for the privilege and daily honor of donning the finest apparel on earth - an American Soldier's uniform.

May your holidays be blessed, and shared with the smiles and embrace of those you hold dear - and be filled with warm memories and the hope of peace…

Serving proudly,
Joe, Colonel, US Army