I know I haven’t written in a couple of weeks. It isn’t like there’s a shortage of material out there, both political and personal. It’s just that, well, Thanksgiving is coming up this Thursday, and while the world still seems bound and determined to go to hell in a handbasket before Barack Obama’s inauguration in, what is it now? 56 days? rushed in no small part by The Shrub, I try to rein myself in around this time, and think about all the things for which we as a nation and I personally, have to give thanks.

Whether or not you believe in a Higher Power in some form or another, isn’t relevant. I don’t think there necessarily has to be a deity to whom to direct your thankfulness (here comes that bolt of lightening!). In a recent study: “Grateful people report higher levels of positive emotions, life satisfaction, vitality, optimism and lower levels of depression and stress... Grateful individuals place less importance on material goods; they are less likely to judge their own and others success in terms of possessions accumulated; they are less envious of others; and are more likely to share their possessions with others relative to less grateful persons.”

I was reminded of this today, when I received the following e-mail from a soldier serving in Afghanistan, to whom we sent a package a couple of weeks ago:

RJ and MJ,

I just wanted to take a moment to tell you how much the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Civilians here at *** appreciated the care packages that you all sent. They were absolutely stuffed with goodies that are hard to come by here in Afghanistan and served to remind us all of not only the comforts of home, but of how much support we have from patriots like you all. It is gestures like this and folks like you that make serving in this environment a lot easier and I thank you on behalf of all the *** service members for that!

Just so you know where your package ended up, *** is the Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) Task Force here in Afghanistan. Our mission is to defeat the enemy’s ability to use IEDs against our troops. Given that IEDs are the primary cause for US killed and wounded over here, our charter is significant and we work tirelessly going after the enemy and his devices. I’ve attached a picture of some of us so that you can put some faces to the joy that you have spread with your generosity and concern.

Thank you again,

JP

I’m thinking he’s grateful that he doesn’t have to be out there doing his job in this:

Yes, Boys and Girls, it’s raining mud.

So, today I am grateful for people like JP, who volunteered to put their bodies on the line to go wherever, whenever, on behalf of us. I may not like it that he’s there – hell, if you asked him, he’d probably tell you he’d rather be home with the wife and kiddies, hisownself – but I’m grateful that he’s willing.

And I’ll send him a package or two to share for Christmas. You should too. Go to AnySoldier.com and pick one out. And say Thank You.

This is an open letter to all women and men of the Armed Forces, past and present:

Whether you volunteered or were drafted back in the day – Thank you for your service!

While no one in my family was ever in the military, we all benefited from your sacrifices and efforts. You see, my family were Jews in Poland during World War II. They were all rounded up by the Nazis and sent to concentration camps. Only a very few survived. And they were liberated by members of the American military. So you see, if it were not for you, and those that came before you, I would not be sitting here writing this.

On those days when you feel forgotten and that no one cares, think about this: There are people like me out there who remember you everyday. We may not be lining the streets and waving flags, but we send care packages to our troops in harm’s way, and we write e-mails lobbying for your benefits and care for your families. Because, whether you know it or not, you have changed lives. And you made mine possible.

No matter what we think about any individual conflict, you put your bodies on the line in service to us. Remembering our Troops and honoring our Vets is the least any of us can do. I think. I’ve done a very modest tribute in Flamingo Fotos today, too, to Thank You For Everything You Do!

This post is inspired by an “opp” on SocialSpark sponsored by Reader’s Digest. They have a feature on their website called “Make Your Mark.” It’s about the power of one person to make a difference. I know, I know. Reader’s Digest. But honestly, there actually is a subject near and dear to my heart at RD.com – Make Your Mark. On the RD.com “Make Your Mark” page, there is a feature called the Weekly Challenge. It’s a challenge to you out there in Interwebsland to do one small thing (or an even bigger thing) differently, socially or environmentally, etc.. Coincidentally, this current week’s challenge has to do with helping our troops overseas. So, whether RD wants me or not, I am inspired to let it all hang out.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: While I don’t condone this war in Iraq (I can justify Afghanistan), I support our troops. There are plenty of politicians out there who mouth their support, but screw the boys and girls with every vote (cutting hazardous duty pay, cutting health benefits for their families, cutting their healthcare after losing their limbs and their minds — all because the pols put them there, mind you! Rant, rant, rant!) These poor bastards (male and female) in our military have been getting screwed left right and sideways by this president and his minions.

MJ, who is a student of military history going back to the Revolutionary War and beyond, will be the first to tell you how, even in the worst of times, a GI used to be able to get his necessities and a cup of coffee free of charge, mind you, provided by the military. It was the least they could do after grabbing you up out of your nice comfy bed and dropping you into the middle of a war zone. Will you be surprised to know that it’s not the case anymore?

Truth. Today a soldier (marine, airman, sailor, take your pick) gets virtually nothing for free. Not toothpaste, not deodorant, not even a freaking cup of coffee. They’ll get their meals – if they happen to be around when the DFac (dining facility) is open. If they happen to be out on night maneuvers or on duty in the middle of the night, too bad. Today’s soldier overseas is scrounging a microwave (if they have the right kind of electricity) or is being supported by family back home (if they can afford it). They get their uniforms and a couple of uniform t-shirts, etc., but once those are in the laundry or beyond repair, they have to buy their own. Socks. Underwear. Snacks. If the PX even has anything in stock. And the more remote the location, the less and less is in stock. They get a bed and a towel, but no sheets or pillows. Hand-to-God. The whole thing is an embarrassment.

Pisses me off. You know what really pisses me off? For the most part, these men and women aren’t. Pissed off, that is. They miss the creature comforts, the Cheetos, and are desperate for something to flavor the endless bottles of water they have to consume (desert, you know), but any complaints are expressed with humor. This is their duty, you see. They go where they’re sent to do whatever needs to be done. And a lot of them are going out among the people and giving candy, toys and school supplies to the local children. Technically, that’s not really in their job description. You know?

So here’s another deep dark secret from my checkered not-so-past and present: For the last 2 years, I’ve been sending care packages to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan through AnySoldier.com. At various times and according to the season, I’ve sent food, hot cocoa, Slim Jims, snacks, Girl Scout cookies, Crystal Light singles, blankets, sheets, magazines, newspapers, personal hygeine stuff for men and women. I’ve got a stack of stuff in my craft room right now, waiting for me to pack up and ship out. In January, I’ve sent packages of blank valentines, so they could send some back home to their kids and other loved ones. In the summer, I send sunscreen. I send Chapstick all year-round. Sometimes I hear back from the recipients, sometimes not. I’ve had e-mail correspondence and letters and Christmas cards and photos. And sometimes nothing. But they’re kind of busy, you know? So I really don’t expect to hear back from them, but they know that some people back home remember them and care. Whether you’re one of the gung-ho or otherwise. I fall into the “otherwise”.

So, are you inspired? If you are, Adopt a Soldier! Send letters, emails and care packages. You can connect with servicemen and servicewomen of any service branch serving overseas at AnySoldier.com

I’ll tell you what. On my own re-reading of this – prior to clicking the “publish post” button – I’m not quite in the traditional Reader’s Digest mold, am I? It will be really interesting to see if they do accept this.

Want more ideas on how to Make Your Mark? Then visit RD.com – Make Your Mark and take the Weekly Challenge. It’ll make you think.