Hi Janie,
I'd like to take this opportunity to extend warmest wishes for this holiday season to you and your family as well as to all of your readers.

I think the holidays will be seen from a different angle this year and rightfully so. This was a year like no other year we've ever witnessed. Unconscionable acts of terrorism rocked our world and changed our lives forever.

A lot of amazing things have happened since that fateful day of September 11th. We've seen countless acts of bravery and courage, selflessness, giving, volunteering, donating, and patriotism as we've never seen it before. Support and recognition of our public servants and our military has been outstanding. New alliances have been forged around the world, and existing alliances have become even stronger. I think the events of this year will have a direct affect on Christmas, with people caring less about the commercialism and celebrating the true meaning of what this day is about.

As this year comes to an end, I'm hoping that people spend meaningful time with their families and friends. I hope that people can see what they have and be thankful for it instead of dwelling on what they don't have. People are richer than they think no matter what the situation. I hope that people take a brief second to say "hi" as they pass someone on the street, or at least acknowledge their existence with a smile. Sometimes it's the little things that will brighten someone's day.

The coming year will present us with many challenges. We must continue to push forward, overcome obstacles, jump the hurdles, provide solutions, and most important, enjoy life and live it to its fullest.

I must admit, it's been a great year for me. I entered my 18th year of serving in the world's greatest Air Force with unwavering support from my wonderful wife and son, I had a great deployment to Saudi Arabia where I met several friends from many assignments ago that I haven't seen in years, I was adopted and honored by the absolute best collecting website, I "met" a lot of super nice people via the Internet, and I was able to finally work out a trade for a Thank You Bear! LOL.

Here's wishing that everyone has a wonderful, joy filled Christmas and a super exciting New Year!

John