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Thanksgiving Reflections from Deployed Soldier

Dec- 9-2005 » Filed Under: 172nd SBCT

Link to Full Article with Photo
Spc. Thomas Evenson
C, 2-1st Infantry

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM — I was sitting in my shack surfing the Net and planning on chilling out after a 12-hour detainee guard shift. Some friends came in and asked if I was going to dinner.

“No, I’m just grabbing some pogy bait and taking it easy.” Pogy bait is a term used to describe snacks and candy sent to the Soldiers by family and friends.

“Do you know it’s Thanksgiving?” they asked.

“It’s Thanksgiving? Well I’ve got to go get some turkey on Thanksgiving.”

I quickly changed and we rolled out. The chow hall put on quite a feast with all the trimmings.

An hour later, I was in my shack preparing for the post Thanksgiving dinner nap. As I lay on my bunk, I started thinking about what I was thankful for.

I was glad I could have a nice dinner with good friends; for being able to relax in my warm bunk.

The mail and the hot showers are nice. I am thankful for that.

Not getting all shot up or killed or to have to pull dead bodies out of rubble, I am thankful for that.

I am glad I was not there (at the Nov. 19 battle in which two American and several Iraqi soldiers were killed), but at the same time I wish I was.

I joined the Army to fight, to see how I would react; to test myself in battle.

I am also glad I missed it.

The memorial service for the two American Soldiers, Master Sgt. Tony Yost and Pvt. 1st Class Chris Alcozer, was impressive and powerful.

My eyes glassed over with tears that I would not let fall. Chills ran up my spine during the “Role Call” and the “Final Salute.”

We are all putting our personal pieces back together. The war is not over, and we still have plenty of work to do.

As the saying goes, “Drink water and drive on.”

That is what we are doing as best we can.


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