2012-The Best and Worst of Times--but reason for HOPE

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to heaven, we were all going direct the other way - in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.

 -Charles Dickens (A Tale of Two Cities)

When the clock chimed in 2012, 365 days ago, I was with family at my grandparents farm in Portland, MI. It has been our traditional gathering spot for as long as I have been alive. It was a special moment for me because of my 27 New Years Eve celebrations only a handful of them were spent in other places. I knew 2012 would take me to war, but I had no idea what beyond that 2012 had in store. For me personally, and for my family and our nation it was a year of both tragedy and triumph--sometimes the latter being a result of the former.

Personally it was a year of growth. Julie and I prepared for a long time to be separated during my deployment to Afghanistan. She excelled at George Washington University, and I spend 9 months defending American interests and ideals in Afghanistan. It was the most trying time of my life, but I am a better man because of my experiences there. Not a day goes by that I do not think about the guys I know that we lost over there, especially SPC Philip Schiller, one of my close friends. I try to stay in close contact with the guys who were injured. They are an inspiration to me. We experienced the best and worst of times together. That sort of brotherhood they talk about in war movies--that really does exist.

For my family it was an awesome year. My little sister married her best friend, as did a close cousin. Our families continue to be close and a source of support through good times and bad. The next generation is growing up, and the older generation continues to be a solid rock that we build on. I am 28 years old and am fortunate to have 3 of my grandparents alive. They are great grandparents and even a great-great grandfather--they inspire me to work hard to provide for my family, just as they have for so many years!

Last week I was visiting my grandfather and he reminded me that he was married to my grandmother or 63 (I think) years when she passed a few years ago. When he mentioned that in that time they never had a real over the top fight, I asked him for the secret to happiness. His response: "You know she's the boss. The sooner you realize that the better your marriage will be." Well said.

So how has America grown in 2012? Where are we headed in 2013?

I cannot remember a year in America with so many dramatic ups and downs. The year began with great hope and confidence. Our economy was growing, jobs were being created, the war in Afghanistan was drawing down. Life was good. Then the violence hit a staggering pace and suddenly nothing else matters much.

The awful events that plagued our country over the last few months of the year have taken some fun out of our festive holiday celebrations. And at the same time, the most popular words in America right now are "fiscal" and "cliff." Safety and economic stability are two things that we have to be focused on improving if the United States is to remain the greatest country in the world moving into 2013 and beyond.

I am not here to focus on the negative, however...Let's take a look at the good.

I read a billboard here in DC this week that says "America is the land of the free because it is the home of the brave." It has soldiers, sailors and airmen in the background. As a soldier myself, I agree with this...however we are not the only brave.

If there is one single event this year that has restored my faith in America and the American public (which I have very loudly voiced my displeasure in) it is the response to the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. It has been estimated that the storm caused up to $100 billion in damage. That is a giant number. However the greatest number that stands out to me is the number of people that have stepped up to help those in need along the Atlantic coast. Americans always seem to rise to the charitable occasion when called upon in times of local and global distress.

There is much more we can do on a day to day basis to make our country a better place. But for every story of sadness like the events in Aurora CO and Newtown CT or Atlantic City NJ, there are a dozen stories of Americans doing wonderful things to help their neighbors. The American Dream is alive. I think 2013 has the opportunity to be great, as long as we are all willing to get our hands a little dirty and work together to continue taking care of each other!

Happy New Year!

Chris