MERRY CHRISTMAS TO OUR MILITARY

Barring anything that drives me to the point of bashing my head against a wall in disbelief, I’m going to take a break from writing for LRRP’s World for the Christmas weekend.

(I'm sure what you all meant to say was "Awwwwww." .... Regardless ...)

I can remember spending three Christmases in Viet Nam during the Southeast Asian War Games. Two — as I recall — were in the woods, and I distinctly recall spending one Christmas being chased by the NVA somewhewre in the A Shau. Of course there was a Christmas truce going on, but … well, anyone who has been in combat knows what that means.

I also remember my last Christmas in the RVN was spent in a village outside Qui Nhon bringing some Christmas cheer to the locals. I remember less of that than I do the two combat Christmases, but … well, those of you who haven’t been in combat while in a combat zone know all about THAT as well.

Anyway … to all the men and women in Iraq, Afghanistan and wherever around the world and the US you may be stationed, I wish you all a safe Christmas and hope you’ll be home with loved ones — or at least home away from sand, IEDs, terrorists, foreigners, unfamiliar turf, etc., for the next one.

As aside, I especially want to wish those of you in the special ops business a safe Christmas.

Know that all of you — no matter where you serve or what branch of the service you’re with — Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and even Marines (just kidding, guys) — will be in my and my family’s prayers over these next two days.

We’ll be sitting down to good chow in a safe and warm place.

And the reason we’re able to do that is because of you.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

Gary P. Joyce