Dear Mom and Dad,

I, as most would of thought, was expecting a very homesick Thanksgiving.аAlthough I wish I could have been home, my Thanksgivingа was filled withаmotivation and inspiration.

To start off, the unitа got together and the COаsaid a couple of words to the unit.а He complemented us for our hard work,аand was extremely impressed with the plans we have for the future.а

We then had lunch with some MRE crackers, popcorn, and SPAM. Afterwards, like we doаmost days, we prepared for the convoy into the city. It was a good convoyаand all went well.а While we were in the city, we were asked to get togetherаbecause the General wanted to talk to us — the General, being General Casey,аa four star General in the rmy who is in charge of all Coalition Forces inаIraq.а

He again complemented us on the good work and sacrifices we areаmaking.аHe told us that our hard work had paid off and there is no longer aаsafe haven for insurgents in Iraq.а He then said something that wouldаinspire the weakest of heart.а He said, "The enemy was willing to die forаthere cause, and you gave them their wish".а He told us that next year whenаwe are home for Thanksgiving we will be truly grateful for all the gifts inаour life.а We can look back at this Thanksgiving and be proud of what we areаdoing.

Filled with juice and energy, we convoyed back to Camp Fallujah. Asаwe came to the first gate to the camp, I was in shock because a MarineаCorps Major was standing at the post.а Along with the Major was a 1stSgt.аIаreported to the Major what convoy we were and how many packs we wereаcarrying. He told me to proceed and have a Happy Thanksgiving.а

As we cameаto the second gate, a Marine Capt and a SgtMaj were standing the post.аThere was not a PFC or LCpl to be found.а None of the posts had youngаMarines at them;аofficers and Staff NCOs manned them all.а

The command decided that the youngаMarines were going to have the night off to get some good chow.а

It wasаunbelievable, and a wonderful sight.аThe leadership took charge and tookаcare of the younger Marines.а

This filled me with a pride indescribable withаwords.аI am so honored to be apart of an organization like this. Marinesаtaking care of Marines with such unselfishness.

As I went to Thanksgivingаchow with my brothers and sisters, the IMEF Commanding General LtGen Saddlerаand the IMEF SgtMaj, SgtMaj Kentа were serving chow.аThe amazing part wasаthat they were so enthusiastic about it. Everyone was in a great mood, andаready to take on anything.а It makes you think that if a 3 star general inаthe United States Marine Corps can serve turkey to a bunch of 18—20 year old Lance Corporals, then you can suck up whatever you have to do and stopаcomplaining.а

So, as I went to bed, I felt very Thankful and indeed blessedаfor a great life.аTomorrow, I am sure will be full of fighting and disaster, along with the added stress of little sleep and cold days and evenаcolder nights. But for tonight it's Thanksgiving and everything is okay.

One Motivated LCpl,

Jessica

аLCpl Jessica Kane
а4th CAG HQ S—6
аUnit 43555
аFPO—AP 96426—3555

аDulce et decorum est Pro Patria mori

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