Merry Christmas, Tony

Base Dining Hall, Bagram, Afghanistan

"Santa doesn't come to Afghanistan. No one sane comes to Afghanistan." Navy Petty Officer First Class Anthony McCloskey

If you didn't get exactly what you wanted for Christmas, please read this: So this is Christmas... (for a 403 Error, click on bypass this message)

Then go hug someone in your family. Put on the scratchy sweater, the ugly tie, the dumb looking hat. And be damn grateful you're here instead of there.

I've written about Tony McCloskey, a Philly guy--correction, Hero--serving in Afghanistan and I'm so glad he mentions in his Christmas post he'll be coming home soon. Not soon enough for his mother and sister. But still. He'll be home.

Wouldn't it be great if Tony somehow got a chance to see the Eagles-Dallas game? Or at least read about it. I'd like to think we can hear him cheering halfway around the world.

Happy New Year, Tony. I hope you spend 2007--and beyond--right here at home.