Airman Matt and his airmen return safely home in December 2010, just in time for the big Christmas party where they are greeted like returning warriors. Airman Matt turns 21 in Iraq, but he waits until he is in limbo in Germany for a few days on the return home before he enjoys his first legal beer. He is now Airman 1st Class and is back to his Security Forces job at Davis Monthan. Later this year he goes to Texas to attend canine school where he will likely get a bomb dog -- he's hoping it's a German Shepherd since our family once had a beautiful Shepherd named Maija who remains a beloved memory in our family.

Such is the nature of the military life that our son and the sons and daughters of thousands of Air Force parents live. All I know is that we're proud of all of them. And personally speaking, I don't worry if other nations love America, I ask only their respect, even if it is begrudging respect for this is sufficient to acknowledge this exceptional nation of ours which does in deed make mistakes along the way, but also a nation who leads and has no apology to offer for being the United States of America.

Best wishes to all of our troops and their families who stand behind them.