What are you most thankful for?

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 17:13:52 -0500

For just a moment let's turn our focus to those things in our lives and careers that we have to be thankful for. In spite of the many challenges we face there are likely many more blessings to count, so... what are yours? What are those things that you most thankful for? It could be your family, educational opportunities, or perhaps a great community, or even a really awesome coach or mentor figure. So, let's take just a moment to reflect on those things we're most thankful for, share our gratitude, and any associated stories. Please feel free to share any text, photos, links, or anything else needed to tell your story. So, fasten your seatbelts, pull up a keyboard and let's get this thing started; thank you for all that you do, and... see you all in the discussion threads! 

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2013 6:23 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 18:23:15 -0500

I am thankful to not being homeless and for a sense of where my life is going at last.  I am thankful for my own daughter and our family and most of all,  thankful I live in the best country in the world.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2013 6:24 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 18:24:20 -0500

Sir, at this point in time I'm thankful that as Vet and reservist I have a job, and a family that cares about me. It may not be the greatest job because of lack of benefits involved but I do make a paycheck every week.

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Nov 28 at 2013 4:15 PM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 16:15:23 -0500

Sir I'm thankful for joining the Military when I did. It made me a better person.I'm thankful for having the career I have now, it's something that started out as a hobby.I'm thankful for all the people whom I meet in my life, each where and still are, Teachers, doers and learners.I'm thankful for being here in RP, 2 months ago I knew nothing about this, but now that I do know, it is really wonderful to share my experiences, thoughts and aware that we all perhaps something in common.I'm thankful that I was homeless and have meet allot of wonderful people during that journey in my life.I'm thankful I have my family, even though I was elected to cook the turkey, I find that with them it is very enjoyable to show them that me dad, husband is very level headed and can handle any situation with ease. Even if I have to be iron chef  lol.I am very, very thankful for my little one, my only son Jonathan whom is 4 years old now and entered my life. When I look at him, I see myself when I was his age, he is very close to me and perhaps far closer then anyone else, but he teaches how to be a better person and father.  With the amount of energy he has I can connect with him and understand him were many others aren't able too.I need to check up on the turkey now, because Jonathan said he's not going to eat until the turkey is done  lol

Response by Maj Walter Kilar made Nov 28 at 2013 6:19 PM

Maj Walter Kilar — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 18:19:06 -0500

I am thankful that no matter how bad I have it, no matter how angry I get with my government, no matter how much I get annoyed with the little things in my daily routine, that I am still living in the greatest nation on earth. I was born overseas and spent half my life outside the States, but I am always thankful for what we have here in America.

Response by MSG Martinis Butler made Mar 16 at 2014 5:44 AM

MSG Martinis Butler — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 05:44:30 -0400

Hands down I am most thankful for my family. Despite what goes on at work despite working long hours, despite hearing the complaints from people I can always be happy to see my family and know that they appreciate me.

Response by LtCol Garret Whiteside made Jun 13 at 2014 11:16 AM

LtCol Garret Whiteside — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 11:16:03 -0400

I am most thankful God sent my buddy's who are and were heros. I am also thankful for all the brave men and women who protect us today. I am equally thankful for my family and our beloved country. Semper Fi

Response by SSG Steven Borders made Jul 8 at 2014 2:42 PM

SSG Steven Borders — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 14:42:29 -0400

No matter what is going on this this great nation of ours, or what is going on with me. I am constantly thankful for my supporting wife and children. They are what drive me every day to do my best. Without them I would not be where I am today.

Response by SrA Eric Olsen made Jul 8 at 2014 6:23 PM

SrA Eric Olsen — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 18:23:49 -0400

Great question. I am most thankful for the support that my wonderful wife has given me these last 4 years while I was in school. However she is not alone. The list includes my parents, a small handful of former high school classmates as well as a friends from my service days. Finally there is my ViSalus family and the leaders and mentors including Dena Brock and her family, Rachel Jackson, and Tara Wilson. Every single one of these people has helped me grow as a person along the way or challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and grow.

Response by COL Randall C. made Jul 8 at 2014 7:04 PM

COL Randall C. — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 19:04:22 -0400

Two words - my family

Response by SSG Maurice P. made Nov 24 at 2014 2:08 AM

SSG Maurice P. — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 02:08:35 -0500

Im thankful for my family my country and to the women and men on rally point that i can call sisters and brothers..............

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Nov 24 at 2014 6:50 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 06:50:26 -0500

RallyPoint and all the friends I've made here.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2014 6:53 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 06:53:07 -0500

What I love more than anything.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Nov 24 at 2014 6:56 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 06:56:06 -0500

Its easy to forget, especially going through the tough times, just how much we are blessed with and how much we have to be thankful for.

God above for his blessings
Life - almost lost it twice
My parents and my brother for the family I started with
My wife and 3 children for the family we've now become
Who I am and what I've done in 47 years - when one looks at their life it's amazing at the things one forgets that they've done and the places they've been

Response by SSG Robin Rushlo made Nov 25 at 2014 7:14 AM

SSG Robin Rushlo — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 07:14:28 -0500

The Military.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2014 8:39 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 08:39:41 -0500

I am thankful for GOD, my beautiful wife, and 3 wonderful children. I am also thankful for all the Soldiers I have had the opportunity to lead, mentor, coach, and train to be the next leaders in this great Army

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2014 7:31 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 19:31:32 -0500

Boots on the ground!!!

Response by SrA Marc Haynes made Nov 25 at 2014 8:54 PM

SrA Marc Haynes — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 20:54:50 -0500

That I live by Ferguson?

Response by SrA Marc Haynes made Nov 25 at 2014 9:01 PM

SrA Marc Haynes — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 21:01:20 -0500

I must however be serious for a moment because I have so very much to be grateful for TODAY:
God
Sobriety
Family
Job
Country
In a nutshell for my entire life because there is nowhere else that I would rather be than right here, right now.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 24 at 2015 2:13 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 14:13:16 -0400

I feel a great sense of contentment when I help a Veteran with PTSD, or tell them about significant benefits they are missing out on.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 26 at 2015 7:26 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 19:26:40 -0400

I have the most gratitude for the second chance in life after PTSD. I can truly understand the loneliness it made me feel in this universe, and the unmitigated pain it caused me to think that darkness applied to my mind as well.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Jun 26 at 2015 7:48 PM

LTC Bink Romanick — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 19:48:12 -0400

My wife, my family and the fact that I survived a near fatal infection that kept me away from home for 4 months. You learn to be thankful for things that you take for granted.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2015 9:10 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 21:10:26 -0400

Sir,
I am thankful for a loving, supportive and understanding wife and kids that happily make the everyday sacrifice so that I can pursue my military career

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 29 at 2015 5:44 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 17:44:39 -0400

I am walking on my path and have not quit, although I don't know what the destination is.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jun 29 at 2015 5:51 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 17:51:58 -0400

This little girl and God's grace...not necessarily in that order.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 17 at 2015 3:07 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 15:07:04 -0400

I am thankful that my finances were taken care of before I transitioned out, which makes me feel bad for those who are fighting a brick wall.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 29 at 2015 8:35 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 20:35:23 -0400

A reprieve to live my life mostly on my terms.

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made Aug 29 at 2015 8:42 PM

PFC Tuan Trang — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 20:42:10 -0400

Family and my brother and sister in arm.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2015 9:14 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 21:14:20 -0400

My God, My country and My family

Response by PO2 Jonathan Scharff made Aug 29 at 2015 9:31 PM

PO2 Jonathan Scharff — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 21:31:51 -0400

This motley crew...above all else.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 2 at 2015 1:29 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 13:29:48 -0400

I am thankful for my MED board going smoothly from the Army, VA, and to SS.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2015 4:00 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 16:00:54 -0400

Col Private RallyPoint Member Being thankful has been on my mind a lot lately and this is a sincere post about that. This is not about any political statement or about women's rights. It's about me and my story.

I am thankful to the woman that did not want my Dad but instead of choosing abortion chose adoption. I don't know who she is and I never will but because she chose life, I was blessed with some of the best grandparents a kid could ask for.

That day when she made her decision she not only saved my Dad's life but she saved mine and my three siblings. She saved my children's lives. She does not know me but I am grateful for every day that I look into my children's eyes because I know how close I could have been to never being born.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 12 at 2015 11:00 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 23:00:26 -0400

I am changing mine to my life experiences. I had artistic and educated parents who were good to me. My first girlfriend and I were 9 years old. I played football and she cheered. Later I wrestled and played soccer. I immersed myself into the Japanese culture and saw the Northern Lights in Minnesota. I struggled and finished college. I built a family, and I served the US Army.

Response by SGT Mark Halmrast made Jul 8 at 2017 8:16 AM

SGT Mark Halmrast — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 08:16:24 -0400

God's love
Beautiful wife and kids
America

Minnesota summers
and Colorado mountains

Sunrise with a cup of coffee
A day's work
Dinner as a family

And you guys

Response by LTC Orlando Illi made Jul 8 at 2017 10:13 AM

LTC Orlando Illi — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 10:13:57 -0400

My wife Ms. Brenda and being financially well off in retirement to enable us to travel end enjoy our golden years

Response by CPO Gerald Burns made Nov 21 at 2021 2:30 PM

CPO Gerald Burns — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 14:30:31 -0500

I am most thankful for my wife, Betty. She always has stood by me and helped with most anything that came up during my active duty time. She basically raised my twin boys, especially when I was deployed with the corps. She also knew how to fold and care for my different Navy and Marine uniforms. Without her support, my experience would have been less enjoyable.

Response by PFC Angie Nickels made Nov 25 at 2021 5:21 AM

PFC Angie Nickels — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 05:21:58 -0500

I'm thankful for surviving the days that I thought I couldn't.

I'm thankful for surviving the nights that I shouldn't have.

Finally I'm thankful for my tribe. The biggest lie I was told as a child is "blood is thicker than water"! I disagree immensely. My tribe of water has done more for me than my tribe of blood. A lot of you here don't know it but you are part of my water tribe. Thank you

Response by HN Shelby Weaver made Nov 25 at 2021 8:22 AM

HN Shelby Weaver — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 08:22:06 -0500

Saying no more this yeah. I have let go j. Several drai j g activities this year and made my own.

Response by SPC Lyle Montgomery made Nov 25 at 2021 10:24 AM

SPC Lyle Montgomery — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 10:24:09 -0500

I am thankful for my Catholic Faith, My loving wife of 49 years, My kids and grandkids My getting through Vietnam OK. I thank God for every day That I'm alive and lots more.

Response by SFC Randy Hellenbrand made Nov 25 at 2021 2:21 PM

SFC Randy Hellenbrand — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 14:21:23 -0500

No war this thanksgiving for the first time this century. Good job Brandon.