Martin Issues Thanksgiving and Holiday Message to troops, civilians and families of Afghanistan Engineer District-North

Photo By Mark Rankin | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Afghanistan Engineer District-North Commander U.S. Army Col. Christopher Martin carves and serves turkey to USACE employee Amy Holmes during their Thanksgiving meal Nov. 23, at the Qalaa House compound in Kabul, Afghanistan. Martin and his AED-North staff served food to troops and civilians.  

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

11.23.2011

Story by Mark Rankin 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Transatlantic Afghanistan District

KABUL, Afghanistan – Col. Christopher W. Martin, the commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in northern Afghanistan, offered his gratitude to deployed service members, civilians and their families in a holiday message he delivered, Nov. 23.

Here’s the commander’s message:

Hello, I’m Col. Christopher Martin, Afghanistan Engineer District-North commander. Holiday greetings to you, the men and women of the Armed Forces and civilians, as you gather to celebrate this time of thanksgiving, friendship, remembrance and worship. We are thankful for your service and for your steadfast commitment to keeping all of us safe.

Some of us are spending our Thanksgiving Day far from home, standing watch for freedom and serving our country in towns and cities throughout Afghanistan. Wherever you are, I want you to know that your country is grateful for your service and for your sacrifice. Each of you is in our hearts and our prayers as we give thanks today for the blessings in our lives.

In Afghanistan, you and our USACE forces are helping defeat the terrorists by helping rebuild a torn nation, and liberating people. You are in the battle zones defending our freedom and putting your lives on the line.

All Americans can give thanks that our freedom and way of life are defended by the strongest and most skilled military and civilian force in the world. Your country is grateful and each of us can also give thanks for the American people, whose steadfast support is helping us accomplish our mission in the global war on terror.

I salute each of you for your patriotism, your sacrifice, your dedication. Our thoughts and prayers will also be with your families, whose love, support and sacrifice are essential to our success. Have a wonderful happy holidays. We have a great deal to be thankful for and may God bless you all.

• Date Taken: 11.23.2011
• Date Posted: 11.25.2011 15:17
• Story ID: 80558
• Location: KABUL, AF