For many of us, Thanksgiving involves a hearty turkey dinner, football, pumpkin pie, and undoubtedly ends with a stomachache. And let us not forget the annual ritual of watching the horrible Detroit Lions get destroyed on national TV. But Thanksgiving also marks a time to pause and reflect on what the year has brought. 

Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have faced unprecedented challenges, but we also have some things to be thankful for this year. In June, IAVA helped pass the largest increase in educational benefits for veterans in 64 years with the landmark new GI Bill. Like the World War II GI Bill, this new law will allow the men and women of our Armed Forces to become the new Greatest Generation. Our generous supporters also helped raise $20,000 to send two injured Iraq Veterans, Carlos Leon and Scott Winkler, to represent the United States at the 2008 Paralympics Games in Beijing, and honor them here at home at IAVA's Second Annual Heroes Gala. And just a couple of weeks ago, our member veterans and supporters gathered together to participate in over 200 events nationwide to celebrate Veterans Week, marking our largest Veterans Day celebration to date.

But we are also incredibly appreciative of all of you who have taken the time to share with us your gratitude. Two weeks ago, I told you about the historic PSA campaign that IAVA launched with the Ad Council. Since then, we've received emails, phone calls, and letters from veterans across the country, thanking us for this campaign.

Here is just some of the feedback we have received:

Your new ad posted on the IAVA and CommmunityofVeterans.org site is magnificent. Your work is exceptional and I, for one, am so very appreciative of your vision.  Thanks for making such a great difference to veterans across our country and around the world.  Keep it up, Brother.
--IAVA Member Veteran

I was brought almost to tears watching [your] commercial. Please extend the sincerest gratitude that my family and I feel for these courageous sacrifices of these men and women and those of their families. God Bless your efforts… and make them all know that they are welcomed home and thanked heartily.
--Vietnam veteran, Father of three OIF veterans

But none of our successes this year would have been possible without all the hard work and dedication of concerned citizens nationwide -- and countless Military.com readers. I am grateful to all of you who have stepped up and shown real support for our troops.

As we sit down to Thanksgiving dinner this year with our friends and loved ones, please think about the men and women who are still serving in harm's way in Iraq and Afghanistan, and think about those who gave their lives. And please remember to say thank you to all those who have bravely served our country in uniform. Their courage and service is something we should all be thankful for.