Happy New Year to you too Michael! I read that Time issue as well, some heartbreaking as well as uplifting stories there. The American GIs never cease to amaze me in their ability to evaluate, adapt, and overcome in almost any situation. They are average Americans who volunteer to serve their country and as volunteers will always have an advantage over non-volunteer forces. Their esprit de corps and belief in what they are doing sustains them through Hell. I read an article just before the war began in which it was stated that many Europeans did not believe it possible, given the size of our forces, that they were all volunteers.

This is not to diminish the contributions of all the other nations fighting with us, we are grateful for every one of them. I am just glad to see them treated in our press with respect and admiration for once and very proud of them. Let's hope this new year begins bearing the fruit of their efforts.