Goodbye 2007, hello 2008!

The Times Square Ball brings in 2008

Little #7 is Ready for the Playoffs!

Holiday Fun Shared with Friends

Pittsburgh Holiday Night Streets

The end of the holiday season, and the year, is upon us here in Western Pennsylvania. New Year’s eve is the last of the festive days, which are an adult happening that comes in various colors and sizes. The New Year is going to be very special in these parts, as 2008 is the 250th birthday of Pittsburgh; many events large and small are planned yearlong. I will keep you up on the important events so you remain connected to home.

Keeping connected has taken big steps forward for the local reserve military families in a big way. The 99th Regional Support Command Headquarters in Moon has provided video conferencing between there and the members of the 316th Expeditionary Sustained Command somewhere in Iraq … no need to give the location, as some have done. I feel that the less “they” know, the better.

________**________

SPORTS UPDATE:

The PITTSBURGH STEELERS ARE IN THE PLAYOFFS, despite a loss to Baltimore today in the last regular season game.

‘Big’ Ben Roethlisberger was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week last week.

Big Ben completed 16 of 20 passes for 261 yards and three touchdowns during Pittsburgh's win over the St. Louis Rams … 41-24; he had a perfect passer rating for the third time in his career tying him with Peyton Manning.

A local boy does well: Jeannette quarterback Terrelle Pryor took his team to the PIAA and WPIAL Class AA titles. He was selected by USA Today as the offensive player of the year. He won the coveted annual award ahead of many great players because USA Today selected him as the best of the best. Well-done Mr. Terrelle Pryor! May you have a great college career and beyond!

_______**________

Although I cannot officially speak for others, but I am going to do just that on this night. I, and the majority of this country want to give everyone of you, over there protecting us over here, so we have the privilege and the freedom to celebrate the New Year, an award … THE PROTECTOR OF OUR FREEDOM AWARD.

I speak from the heart as I know that you hear accolades all the time with a hollow ring to them from folks who have never served, but I speak in deep appreciation, and at the same time I am very much concerned for your situation over there. May this year bring you all home safely.

________**________

January 1, 2008, 0001 hours UPDATE:

WELCOME TO 2008! The New Year is now just this year… Celebrate making it, and those who are not over there please take a moment to not take it for granted that you did, in respect for all of those over there where making it is not taken for granted.

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania.