It feels like that the days have come and gone quickly during this year.
The holiday season is upon us and soon a new year.

I still remember my holidays down range. It was no different then a regular
work day for me. The only difference was the decorations that adorn the entrance of the defac and the meals. The cooks try to bring some feelings of home to their work place. I remember taking a late dinner on thanksgiving day. My buddy and I went to the mess hall and got our turkey dinner and sat at the back tables of the defac. Both of the large LCD tv's were on, the tables were decorated with a white linen cloth, a paper die-cut of a turkey and little folded paper with writings of "Happy Thanksgiving" on them. At the center of the table was a horn with vegetables flowing out of it. My buddy and I sat across each other so we could talk about things while we ate.
A SM (soldier member) from a foreign country sat next to us and he was in a joyous mood. Look like he got released for chow. He was alone and way how he was acting he was sooo happy to participate and partake in an American holiday. My buddy and I were talking about what happened today and the SM interrupted in our conversation to take some pictures. So we did. My buddy took his picture standing next to the large decoration of a horn at the center of the walkway. He also took pictures of my buddy and I, as well with the three of us. The SM talked about how his country was not like this for a holiday, the decorations, the special meals, and the display of large culinary pieces. Our new friend was just full of gratitude to dine and experience an American holiday. Some were in that delightful mood but it was just another day for me.

Happy Thanksgiving & Season Greetings!!!