Hard to believe but I am preparing to spend my third Thanksgiving in Korea. Hmm, I guess I’m not preparing at all, Thanksgiving is here regardless of whether I am prepared. So with that profound revelation out of the way we can move on.

Happy Thanksgiving to all Americans, wherever you may be. As a nation we continue to be blessed and on this one day of the year we can set aside the petty politics and give our heartfelt thanks for our freedom, our prosperity, and all the good fortunes that come with our birthright.

As we pause to give our thanks this year, please take time to remember the brave men and women who are guardians of the freedoms we cherish but too often take for granted. For without the sacrifices of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines all that makes America great would not be possible. “Good people sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.” –George Orwell

To all those serving in the military, at home or abroad, I thank you and honor you for your service to our nation.

I am also thankful for my parents, my children, my sweet and beautiful granddaughter, my friends, the people who love me despite myself, my coworkers, and for all the undeserved opportunities that have allowed me to live a comfortable life. My complaints and worries are mere trifles, for I have indeed been blessed beyond all expectations.

So what is on the agenda today? I am going to make my world famous Aunt Pat’s recipe fruit salad. I will bake (i.e. take out of freezer, put in oven) two pumpkin pies and a pecan pie. I will drive to the base and pick up two fully prepared turkey dinners with all the fixin’s. And I will carry this bounty to Dolce Vita for our Thanksgiving celebration and dart tournament.

Yes, we are going to carry out that tradition that started over 300 years ago when the native Americans shared their harvest in a feast with the English pilgrims. And after the meal, the pilgrims taught the indians to play darts. Hey, you can look it up!