Thanksgiving Tribute

by Debby Giusti

Last year, in preparing for a Veteran’s Day talk I gave to the Spouses and Civilians Club at Fort Knox, Kentucky, I did a Google search and typed in the words “military heroes,” thinking the search engine would pull up accounts of famous soldiers from days past, such as Patton or Eisenhower, perhaps Pershing, or even Sherman or Lee. But when I clicked on the various URLs, those weren’t the names I found.

Instead I read stories about people who aren’t in history books.
I found WWII Staff SGT Archer Gannon, who plowed through hip-deep snow on foot to knock out a machine gun and its crew in order to save his platoon…Sgt. Allen James Lynch, who carried wounded comrades across open ground in Vietnam, through withering enemy fire to safety…Sgt First Class Tricia Jameson, who rushed to help injured soldiers in Iraq and was killed when her Humvee hit an IED ... and Specialist Jason Mike, who saved the lives of men in his convoy when he single-handedly stood off an enemy ambush.

Specialist Mike later said, “I didn’t go to Iraq to be a hero. I went to do my job and do my part for my county in a time of need.”

The stories I found were of men and women who in the course of doing what was expected of them went beyond that call of duty because they understood what love of country and service to our nation really mean. I’m sure you join with me in offering our heartfelt thanks to our military heroes who give up so much to keep our country free.

On a lighter note, I want to thank the Southern Magic Romance Writers in Birmingham, AL, for hosting a great Readers’ Luncheon last Saturday. The photo shows the ladies who sat at my table (l to r front) Susan Vickerstaff, Becky Romeo and her daughter Nicole Romeo, (l to r rear) Debby Giusti, Linda Ellzey, Leslie Woodson and Lorraine Heron.

Dana Crosslin won three baskets, including mine. Hope you enjoy all the goodies packed in the traveling case, Dana.

Thanks to President Laura Hayden and Luncheon chairperson Carrie James and all the other Southern Magic members who did so much to make the day extra special.

As always it was great seeing old friends such as Julia Muscari, Carla Swafford, Maria Campbell, Christy Reese, Jennifer Echols and all the gals from Huntsville—Kim and Lynne, Danielle and Kira, Sherry, Jean , Stephanie and Kathy. I’m looking forward to the Heart of Dixie Luncheon in May.

So many things for which to be thankful. Most of all I’m thankful for all of you.

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy writing! Happy reading!

Debby Giusti

http://www.debbygiusti.com/

http://www.seekerville.blogspot.com/

Watch for Debby's December release, CHRISTMAS PERIL, where you'll find two great suspense stories in one book: Merry Mayhem, by Margaret Daley, and Yule Die, by Debby Giusti.