To the 2nd Stryker Brigade This Holiday

Happy Holidays.  Even though retail America has been readied for this day for a while, today is the “official” first day of the holiday season.  The one day that most retailers renew their hope that this will indeed be a good shopping season and their bottom line for the year will turn black … hence “Black” Friday.

As a mom, I try to keep my kids focused on others – reaching out to our community, giving back, thinking of others first — knowing that there are others who don’t have as much.

Over on Twitter, I learned that Friday (today) is the last day to participate in the Holiday Cards of Care 2008 – a program to send holiday cards to the 2nd Stryker Brigade, who were deployed to Iraq in November 2007 and are still there.   That’s approximately 4,300 soldiers.  HCC08 is an effort to provide each solider with a holiday card “from home”.

Having never heard about the program, I did some research.  What I read about HCC08 instantly turned into one of those “teachable moments”.  I gathered the kids, showed them the website, provided the materials and off to work they went.  For the last couple of days, they have proudly created cards that expressed their thankfulness.

Because we don’t all believe the same or celebrate the same, the site offers some advice on not including specific sentiments.  So – with this in mind, I penned the following and included it in each of the cards.

“No matter what your faith, I hope you celebrate.  Because this year, with my family, I will be remembering & celebrating you.  I will be praying for your friends and family that you left behind to protect the thousands you have never met.  I shall be thankful for your sacrifice and your commitment.  In honor of your service and dedication to me, my family and our country, I will go to church, light a candle and pray for your safe return.  For while you are there protecting me, take comfort in knowing that I am here supporting you.

Today, we mail the cards.  Even though the deadline is coming quickly (it’s today), I hope you’ll consider dropping a card or two in the mail.  Pre-paid phone cards are also a need, so if you’d like to include one in your card, it would also be very appreciated.

Here’s the address:

LTC Mark Knox
HCC08 Project
2-25 Stryker Brigade Combat Team
HHC BDE #6260
APO, AE 09378

Be sure to check out their website for more information. Enjoy your holidays!