During my time in the United States Navy, I spent many holidays far from home. Whether standing watch, deployed aboard a ship, or stationed in war zones, I came to understand what it feels like to be away during those special moments.
I’m thankful for the experiences that shaped me. My time in the Navy allowed me to see the world and witness the struggles of people, not just in the United States but globally. I often think of my grandfather, who spent all 96 years of his life working tirelessly in the Philippines to provide for his family. His efforts ensured they had food, education, and necessities—things we often take for granted.
I’m also thankful because I’ve met people who grew up without the same support I had. Some didn’t have families or had difficult relationships with their loved ones. Their stories reminded me to appreciate the environment I was fortunate to grow up in.
One Thanksgiving in Iraq stands out in my memory. A few months into my deployment, the holiday arrived. Unlike being out to sea, where bad news followed the special meals, Thanksgiving on base felt like a momentary reprieve. They brought out good food, and for a while, it felt almost normal.
But then, the first distant thud broke through the evening calm. Insurgents had begun firing rockets at the base. The alarms blared, urging us to take cover. The C-RAM system—a counter-rocket, artillery, and mortar defense—sprang into action, intercepting most of the 18 rockets fired that night. Two got through, with one landing near the chow hall. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the experience gave me a profound sense of perspective.
I wasn’t afraid for my life—it’s part of the job—but that night made me truly appreciate the peace of everyday life. It was a moment that deepened my understanding of gratitude.
As rockets exploded around us, I couldn’t help but think of the lines from the national anthem:
The rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air.
For the first time, I fully grasped the weight of those words. I felt a deep appreciation for the freedoms we have—freedom to make choices, wise or unwise, and to celebrate without fear of reprisal. Even today, there are places where such freedoms are not guaranteed.
This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful to be home with my family. I can visit my in-laws, share a meal, and eat far too much good food. The peace of these moments, surrounded by loved ones, is something I’ll never take for granted.
Photo by William J Wallace