I never used to take Thanksgiving too seriously. It was just another day off of work; an opportunity to stuff myself with Mom's buttery mashed potatoes; and a chance for some serious football time on the couch over beers with friends. But since I got back from Iraq, things have changed. Somewhere along the roads of Al Anbar province, I learned to value the thousands of basic things that Americans too often take for granted.
A little bit about me: I joined the First Battalion of the 133rd Infantry of the Iowa National Guard three years ago when I was 23. At the time, I was barely scraping by, working as a plumber in Dubuque, Iowa. I wanted to do something more productive; be a part of something bigger than myself. And the recruiters convinced me that joining the National Guard was my chance. In a lot of ways, they were right. It just didn't happen as I expected.
It wasn't until the middle of basic training in Shelby, Mississippi--back in October of 2005--that I learned the 133rd Infantry would be heading out to Iraq. You see, you always have to be ready for the unexpected in the National Guard. All you can do is show a stiff upper lip and do your best to rise to the occasion. I suppose I did that. Before I knew it, I had spent my 23rd, 24th, and 25th birthdays away from home, serving my country. Now that's a lot of birthdays spent trapped in green army fatigues without access to a slice of cake--not to mention family and friends!
In Iraq my platoon was in charge of guarding trucks of transport supplies along the roads in Al Anbar province. I was the telephone and radio operator (RTO) and usually served as the gunner commanding a 50 caliber machine gun in a three-person M-1114 Humvee. It was our job to watch out for anything suspicious--potential suicide bombers, roadside bombs, and unusual gunfire. Often, while I was wearing my full body armor and the desert sun was beating down on us, it would get up to 130 or 140 degrees in the Humvee. And we worked long hours--it wasn't unusual to clock a 17 hour day before returning to base camp for some grub and a chance to crash out in our bunks or cots.
There is no doubt about it--life was hard, intense, and lonely in Iraq. And while I'm still processing all the lessons I learned from my time there, one thing stands out: I am more thankful than ever before for the simple things in life.
These days, I am so thankful to have a bed to sleep in by myself, without 60 fellow guardsmen snoring away. I never thought that I would so appreciate having an indoor toilet, clean drinking water, and the opportunity to call in sick when I don't feel well. I no longer have to wait in line to use the phone or check my email. So long as it fits in my budget, I can eat whatever I want for dinner, wear blue jeans, and if I feel like going to catch a movie or some drinks with friends, I am free. You really don't realize all the little things that people take for granted in life until they are taken away from you.
Of course, these perks all seem inconsequential when compared to the bigger sacrifices that service men and women make for their country. Without a doubt, the hardest thing for so many of us is that we are all alone over there. For 16 months of my life, I was completely isolated from friends and family. I cherished every letter, every care package, every phone call, and every email. I can't tell you how many times I longed for a good old fashioned dinner with my family.
Today, I think a lot about the men and women who are still over there this Thanksgiving. I know what they are going through. You probably have no idea how thankful they are for your support. I remember getting notes from local school kids and care packages from volunteer organizations like Family Readiness Group. While there is no replacement for family and friends, when you are overseas, these gifts are priceless.
So here I am. It's been two years since I spent Thanksgiving at home, and I am feeling luckier than ever before. I am also wiser with a whole new appreciation for the gifts of life in America.
The contrast is enormous: last Thanksgiving, I ate dry, overcooked turkey and starchy, instant mash potatoes at the Al Asad Air Base in southern Iraq. I toasted my fellow guardsmen with sparkling grape juice (a special treat) and said a prayer of thanks for getting through another day alive. This year, I will enjoy my mother's outstanding mashed potatoes, rich turkey, and special Iowa sweet corn. I will toast with family and friends over a beer. And I will say a special prayer for all the men and women who are still serving our country oversees.
I hope you will join me.
James Gallagher is a member of the First Battalion of the 133rd Infantry of the Iowa National Guard. In July, 2007 James returned to his hometown of Galena, Illinois, after serving an extended 16 month tour in Iraq. Today, Gallagher has four more years to serve in the Iowa National Guard, and it's any one's guess whether he will be deployed a second time. In the meantime, Gallagher is planning to get his EMT license so that he can become a fire fighter and keep serving his country.
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