Christmas Colors.

It was the Christmas season in 2006.  Long day, in transit, heading “home,” after dark, half asleep and I just wanted the day to be done.  I had my ear buds in, Christmas songs playing on my iPod, trying to get in the spirit of the season. 

Looking out the window I saw splashes of color:  Christmas colors, red and green, and smiled.  Drifting along, enjoying the show, listening to the carols, and then my brain engaged.

Our helicopters had just lifted from LZ Washington in Baghdad, headed for Camp Liberty, and the read and green colors were decoy flares being fired by the two Blackhawk helicopters in our flight.   Decoys, as in countermeasures against surface-to-air missiles.

For me that was a long time ago, but this holiday season American troops are still in harm’s way, still able to see red and green Christmas colors that are not holiday decorations.  This holiday season, among the feasts, parties, and gifts, please pause for a moment to honor those who are giving you the gift of their service in our nation’s military.

 I wish you a Merry Christmas, and hope that you remember those who help make it possible.