A Call To Arms

Penn Hills V.F.D. spread treats and love in the neighborhood on a wintry day

John and Valerie celebrate, McDonald Pennsylvania

Amidst the storm signs of Christmas are everywhere I go. It is beginning to look a lot like a famous cliché. I even ran across the Penn Hills (PA) Volunteer Fire Department engine out in the neighborhood with a red suited and bearded man throwing treats to the kids from atop the Fire Engine. Families, friends, and others are gathering together for the annual Christmas parties. I hope they all take advantage of the holiday spirit to take a break from all the negative energy that is all about lately. We all need a break from it all with a little time for peace in our lives; no one needs such more so than you over there serving our country. This is the main point of this week’s column.

I can feel your loneliness over there on the other side of the planet, as I have been there. There is nothing that impacts the heart, and which can paint even the brightest heart in the darkness of loneliness more than being away from home on Christmas. This loneliness exponentially grows with the distance, and with the threat of never seeing it again. The sad fact is that those so lucky to not be there cannot see how terribly wasteful their lack of appreciation of what they have is to those who do not. There is nothing that I can do for you who are over there serving, but there may something that I can do for those who are back here.

Tomorrow in your honor, I am going to do what I can to start my “Adopt a Service Member for Christmas” volunteer citizen program. I will be looking to facilitate the meeting of service members who are stationed away from home with families who will have a Christmas dinner or celebration at their residence. No matter how nice a dinner your base facility may provide with the best of good will, Christmas is not Christmas unless you are in a warm home with others celebrating in a common sharing of the day together. I feel strongly that most folks in this country are still deeply concerned about you who are protecting our country, and they would happily share their Christmas with you. It would only be my shortcomings if I cannot get it done, as such, it would not be a reflection on them. I will do my best…

If anyone reading this anywhere, knows of any service member that does not have a family to share Christmas with, please leave a comment below and I will see if I can find the appropriate city, town, or community to assist.

I am asking anyone here in Pittsburgh or Pennsylvania that knows of either a service member in need, or families willing to participate, please leave a note at the end of this column with detailed information. This is a call to arms, to in turn, serve your service men and women. You can also send me an Email at: henryohill@gmail.com

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania