Well, the holidays upon us, and with that, all the last minute shopping for gifts, groceries and party supplies. For many, this year’s festivities will be more humble than years past, because so many people are cutting back due to the economy. And although there are many people in America who are struggling this year, I recently came across a story from one of our teammates in Afghanistan that just reminded me of how much we have to be thankful for, and how spoiled we really are. It’s so easy to take things for granted, because we are so blessed to live in this great nation.

I hope that you take a moment to check out this story by clicking here - it’s about some of our dedicated servicemembers and civilians serving overseas who are part of a group called “Volunteer Community Relations” (VCR), a command-directed outreach program that provides clothing, blankets, school and other supplies to Kabul’s poor and displaced, and Afghan refugees who are returning from Pakistan. VCR distributed 900 blankets and more than 500 bags filled with toys and school supplies to 300 families in need on the day of this story.  Here are some of the photos to give you a taste:

Volunteers distribute blankets to needy Afghan refugee families. The blankets were made by widows of Afghanistan National Police members. The Volunteer Community Relations program purchased them with proceeds from a donation to help the widows with their small business. (USACE photo by Hank Heusinkveld)

Young Afghan girls, excited by the arrival of their American guests, run towards a line where they'll find bags of toys. (USACE photo by Hank Heusinkveld)

It’s a great little holiday (or any day) pick-me-up.  I hope that your holidays are filled with all the blessings that can only be found by giving of yourself to others. Be safe out there and have a great holiday and a very happy New Year!

ltg.van Afghanistan, Miscellaneous "neat stuff" Afghanistan, Holidays, volunteers

My wife, Paula, and I want to extend our warmest greetings and best wishes to you and yours.

This past year has been exciting for the Corps, with a historical workload in our Civil Works, Military Programs and research and development missions. Our Corps Family can take pride of the integral role that we’ve played in helping the Army improve the lives of our Soldiers and their Families. We’ve worked diligently with our local, state, and federal partners to reduce risk to Americans through key flood control and coastal projects, and we provided our Nation with critical engineering expertise.

Our Corps employees served selflessly in assisting the good people of Louisiana and Texas recover from Gustav and Ike during a very active hurricane season. I am especially grateful to our Corps’ Civilians and Soldiers who will spend this Holiday season away from their loved ones- many in harms way. Please join us in praying for them and their families and giving thanks for their selfless service and sacrifice. Have a safe and joyful Holiday season and a prosperous New Year.

ltg.van Miscellaneous "neat stuff" deployed civilians, deployed servicemembers, Holidays