(November 22, 2005)

In order to further improve the lines of communication and to respond to the concerns between the National VA Council and you our members, I have established a National VA Council Briefing. This NVAC Briefing will bring you the latest news and developments within DVA and provide you with the current status of issues this Council is currently addressing. I believe that this NVAC Briefing will greatly enhance the way in which we communicate and the way in which we share new information, keeping you better informed.

Alma L. Lee

National VA Council, President

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Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday, when we gather with family and friends to celebrate and give thanks for the bounty that has been provided. We all know that the Thanksgiving holiday dates back to 1621, the year after the settlers arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts.  Those settlers endured severe conditions and nearly half of them perished. Neighboring Native Americans taught the settlers how to plant corn and other crops in order to thrive. As a result of that help, the next fall there was a bountiful harvest that inspired the settlers to give thanks by holding a feast.

This tradition was the foundation of what we continue to celebrate every fourth Thursday in November. Like the pilgrims, we continue to show our thankfulness, and we have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.  We are thankful to have our families and friends safe and out of harms way.  We are thankful to live in a country that is free, and where freedom is a right and not just a privilege.

We are especially thankful for our troops who serve this country honorably.  We must also remember those service members who duties prevent them from being home during this Thanksgiving holiday.

Also, let's not forget those who are less fortunate and provide for them where we can.  Let us remember those who have just sustained hardship in the Gulf Coast and other regions and hope for a speedy recovery. 

On behalf of the AFGE National VA Council, I would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!