Services offers events to bring people together this Thanksgiving

  • Published
  • By Maj. Patrick Sollami
  • 35th Services Squadron commander
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Thanksgiving, for many of us, marks the end of autumn and the beginning of the winter season. It is a time when we begin to reflect on the past year, on what we've accomplished professionally, and even more importantly, what we've accomplished personally. Thanksgiving is a special time of year because we allow ourselves to gather together and take pleasure in the much needed quality time that we tend to put off. It is for this reason that Thanksgiving is so meaningful. It's the chance to show our friends, co-workers and neighbors how much we care, whether it's with a kind word or friendly gesture. It means opening our home to the single and unaccompanied servicemembers or those who have nowhere else to go and making them a part of our family, ensuring that not one person is left alone. In the military community, our friends are our family. 

In the 35th Services Squadron, giving thanks means taking care of the Misawa Air Base community and providing them with the opportunity to celebrate the holidays by opening up our facilities and celebrating with them. In Services, there is always a place to go and something to do or see. On Thanksgiving Day, the Grissom Dining Facility will open its doors to all enlisted and retiree personnel and their families. Community members are also invited to the Collocated Club's Thanksgiving Day Feast Buffet. For some Friday morning shopping, community members can head over to the Outdoor Recreation Center for its "After Thanksgiving Sale" and then to the comedy show at the Collocated Club for a night of laughs. Finally, on Saturday evening, community members are invited to the Air Force Family & Teen Talent Contest where they can show support for Misawa Air Base's most talented singers, dancers and musicians. Bring your family and friends and make this Thanksgiving weekend with Services a memorable one. 

Thanksgiving is about togetherness, warmth and bounty. We are thankful for every day of the year, thankful for our mentors, our co-workers, and for the people who come into our lives, even if only for a short time. 

Thanksgiving is not just about feeling blessed this season; it's about knowing we are blessed, not only during the holiday season, but throughout the year. We are blessed to be Americans and blessed to be ambassadors in Japan. From the 35th Services Squadron family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!