COMMENTARY>>What do you have to be thankful for?

By Col. David Kasberg
19th Operations Group commander

As I spent some time with my family last weekend watching football, I was reminded of all the blessings that we as Americans have been given. We live in a country where we are free to worship as we like, choose our professions, marry who we wish, live where we want and speak our minds as we see fit. We have clean cities, low taxes, beautiful parks, an extensive interstate highway system, unlimited shopping opportunities, safe water and plentiful food. We have free and fair elections, freedom of press, and, most importantly to those of us who live and work at Little Rock Air Force Base, the greatest military force the world has ever seen.

It’s easy to take our lives for granted, but we must remember that our parents and grandparents grew up in a very different world, and that even today most of the world doesn’t enjoy the same freedoms or standard of living we do here in the United States. We are a beacon of hope for many, and we must remember that it was the hard work and foresight of our forefathers that got us to this point. Government leaders, business leaders, veterans and many more played an important role of getting us where we are today. We share in that burden in that we are playing an equally important role in shaping our country for the future.

The critical point to remember is this: As difficult as it is to believe, we can lose much of what we have if we aren’t vigilant.

Many a great civilization has fallen to the wayside due to corruption, incompetence, weakness or divisiveness. We’re one indivisible nation under God, and our commonalities far out weight our differences. So, for all the political wrangling on TV or in the newspapers, we’re all Americans working to make our country the best it can be. Keep the faith, stay the course, keep moving the ball down the field. We can and will overcome today’s challenges.

As we approach Thanksgiving, take time to reflect on what you have and why. Remember those who have passed on and sacrificed for the common good, and take time to thank those still with us. Never forget those who got you to where you are today, because none of us got here by ourselves. Whether it was our God, parents, siblings, teachers, friends, spouses, supervisors or commanders, we all have someone we can thank for guidance, mentorship, support or help. We’re stronger because of their help, and we make the Air Force stronger everyday when we mentor and lead our personnel.

I’m especially proud, humbled and thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the leadership team here at Little Rock. I truly believe our personnel are our most valuable resource and the reason we are the most feared and respected Air Force on Earth. Thank you for all the great things you do every day for our base, our, Air Force and our country.