Royal Purple

Issue date: 11/20/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Brad McAllister

Thanksgiving is a particularly important holiday for veterans returning from overseas who haven't seen their families in a long time.

"After Iraq it was great to see all my friends and family," said senior Chris Stachel. "I had this preconceived notion that things were going to be different. But it hadn't changed much and I fit right back in."

Although family is important, veterans also enjoy the feeling of civilian life.

"Thanksgiving is a big thing for me," said senior Peter Idzikowski. "Overseas is different and coming home to family, it felt good to get in the routine again."

Some veterans might say that they have a greater appreciation for things in life.

"You realize how thankful you are and having things available to you," said junior Casey Derksen said.

Thanksgiving here at home is a welcoming treat compared to the holiday traditions that are overseas.

"They try to make sure that we have a little better than average food," Stachel said. "Generally it's a little more elaborate. And plates are made for soldiers that are away from the base and sent out."

Apart from food, events taking place on the holiday also differ.

"There was a five [kilometer] run on Thanksgiving," Derksen said. "In the military you don't have time to do physical stuff like that."

Even though it might be a holiday in the United States, overseas there is still a war going on that doesn't take a vacation.

"Thanksgiving was my first day in Kuwait," Idzikowski said. "You're still given tasks and objectives to do. The same with Christmas, we were out on a mission."

Veterans home for the holidays are grateful to be back but are quick to remind others that there are still soldiers overseas who are not as fortunate.

"There are people who aren't coming home for the holidays," Stachel said. "So maybe stop and be thankful and think of those people."

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