Journal Entry: "Thanksgiving"

Yesterday was Thanksgiving. I have to admit that the Army takes pretty good care of its soldiers (even us sub-human trainees) on the holidays. They put our quite a spread including lobsters, prime rib, turkey, ham, and plenty of cakes, pies, and desserts. As none of us have had dessert in 2 months, it was almost unbelievable. I got the sense it was a sadistic trick and we would be allowed to fill a plate, then be forced to throw it away and marched to the PT field for MREs. But it wasn’t a trick, and in fact, the food was pretty good save for the lobster, which met my low expectations. After dinner, we went to one of the classrooms, which we had converted into a sports bar themed party room with 3 big-screen TVs and a Play Station for an inter-company Madden 2005 gaming tournament. But the best thing by far was the unlimited phone usage! Though I had to wait 2 hours in the cold for it, I was able to speak to my wife and family at leisure for the first time since I arrived here.
It wasn’t “the best” Thanksgiving ever-–that could never be the case when so far away from those I love, but it was, by far, that most thankful Thanksgiving I’ve ever had. Having everything taken away from you is very effective way of developing an appreciation for all you have. This experience has solidified my resolve to serve others in my community; my world; my home. Being around a sampling of more average Americans has helped me understand both blessed I am and how well-equipped, mentally and physically, I am to face the challenges that stand in the way of those who wish to construct a better, more peaceful world. How many of us waste the gifts we’ve been given on ourselves, only to lead mediocre lives of squandered potential and surrounded by the trappings and comforts of all our self-absorbed pursuits, but none the better for it? At what point will enough of us realize that so many of our pervasive social goals and ambitions are hollow and meaningless? I always prefer to think of myself as slightly ahead of the curve, a pioneer in an awakening of a more insightful, enlightened and compassionate social conscience that lies just below the consumer’s veneer we’ve mistaken for our lives’ only purpose. The next revolution is within the hearts of men. I hope that more and more of us wake up and join the fight.
One last thing: a special note to my nephew Mason. I read your book report about me; how you were proud of me for joining the Army to help others, and how much you enjoyed spending time with me. It was an excellent paper and it meant so much that you feel that way, since you and your brother are a big reason for me wanting to build a better world. I hope and trust that that as you and your brother grow up to become young men, my actions might inspire you to live more conscious, deliberate lives of service to those in need. If that were all I could ever be, it would be enough.

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!