Wednesday, November 11, 2009

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
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.

9 comments:

Debby Giusti said...

I hope all our veterans and members of our military have a wonderful day!!! Thank you for your service to our country!

Anonymous said...

What a great tribute. Thanks.The
Military & their families don't get enough praise for all they do. We seldom hear all the stuff.Thanks. I have a nephrew in the Air Force.Have a safe and happy holiday.
tarenn98[at]yahoo[dot]com

Pamela Tracy said...

I have quite a few students in my English classes on the GI bill. Their essays usually knock me to my knees.

Anonymous said...

Enjoyed the tribute! Just found this web and will visit often....really like it.
Please enter me for free books.
Thanks.
jackie.smith(at)dishmail(dot)net

Debby Giusti said...

April,
Please thank your nephew for all he does to keep us free!!! I always remember the military in my prayers each day and your nephew is included in those prayers. As we know after what happened at Fort Hood, whether deployed or not, they're often in harms way.

Debby Giusti said...

Hi Pam,
I applaud our military families as well for the sacrifices they make. Deployment after deployment is so hard. Yet the military guys and gals never complain.

Debby Giusti said...

Hi Jackie,
Thanks for stopping by the Craftie Ladies of Suspense blog. Hope you'll be back soon!

Lynette Eason said...

Lovely tribute, Debby! Thanks for sharing. My grandfather served in the Navy in WWII and my dad was in the Air Force. Veteran's Day means a lot to my family.

God Bless!

Giveaway Lady said...

Very nice post!! Thank you very much:)
esterried[at]yahoo[dot]com