This holiday season is unique for Generation X and Y. For the first time in our lives, our nation is at war during Christmas. It was an email from a sailor on the USS Theodore Roosevelt that really touched me. The sailor only asked to get on the TFN newsletter. He did not have access to the internet on his ship but did have email. He simply wanted to keep up on his Star Wars news.

In past holiday seasons, we are asked to remember the less fortunate. This year, that just does not seem to be enough. I think everyone who makes us more fortunate deserve our attention as well.

I thank God I live in a country where I am free to worship as I choose. I thank the police department for working for the local community. Thank you to all the firemen for running into the building that I am running out. Thank you to all the doctors and nurses for learning how to save my life. Thank you to the British people for always supporting the United States in a time of crisis. Thank you to Canadians and Mexicans for being good neighbors.

And especially, thank you to all the soldiers, airmen, seamen, and marines for defending our great nation and our way of life.

Jeff Yankey
Dec 7, 2001