Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on life's blesssings

  • Published
  • By Col. Art Huber
  • AEDC/PA
ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. --  Team Arnold Engineering Development Center,
During the Thanksgiving holiday season I find it wise to spend a few moments contemplating the blessings in my life and the reasons I have to be thankful. They are many, but here are a few I want to share with you. 

I am thankful that my Creator is a loving God and that He has blessed me abundantly. He has blessed me so much and in ways that I cannot even hope to understand. 

I am thankful that I live in the good 'ole USA, the greatest country this world has ever seen. "Greatest" not because of its economic or military might, but because it is a place where with God's grace we have made living in freedom an everyday reality. 

I am thankful that I am assigned to Arnold Air Force Base ... that I have the opportunity to work and socialize with such wonderful people ... people who are smart and hard working and dedicated ... people of faith and integrity. 

Likewise, I am thankful that I live and work in an environment of materiel wealth that allows us to execute a mission that is both honorable and interesting and educational. I am thankful that I am able to contribute to a noble cause and a noble organization. 

I am thankful that I am part of a wonderful extended South Middle Tennessee community ... a community that fosters growth and moral values ... a community that supports AEDC with a heart of gold. 

I am thankful for all our military men and women who are forward deployed and in harm's way. They are the bulwark of liberty and the terror of terrorists. They believe in what they do and do it with humility. 

I am thankful that I have a wonderful, healthy family. My wife, Beth, and daughters, Juliann and Zhenya, support me in whatever I do and gift me with their unconditional love. 

This year I am particularly thankful that my daughter, Zhenya, has been delivered
from a life-threatening illness. I am especially thankful and touched by all the expressions of support my family has received from the AEDC family during this trying time. 

The prayers and the gifts of food, assistance and kind words have been overwhelming and unsought for. The spirit of compassion and generosity that lives here speaks volumes about the blessing you are to this country and to each other. How is my cup not overflowing in all this? 

May you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!