Give thanks all year long Published Nov. 19, 2012 By Tyler Grimes 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- It's that time of year again. You can feel it in the air; the temperature is falling almost as quickly as the leaves from the trees. On Thursday, many of us will be gathering with family and friends to watch football, have a delicious meal and be thankful for the people and things we have in our lives. To be sure, Thanksgiving is an important holiday to celebrate and give thanks but it's also important to show appreciation as well. Saying "thank you" is one of the simplest yet profound words we can speak. It's an acknowledgement of others and what they do for us. As people, I believe we have an innate desire to help those around us and when what we do is appreciated; our actions are validated and repeated. Be liberal with your gratitude. Notice the little kindnesses people show you each day. That neighbor who calls when the power goes out just to see if you need anything. The co-worker holding the door open for you when your hands are full. The store clerk who calls in a price check just to make sure you're not overpaying for an item. Remember, when appreciation is given it is often returned. There are few feelings as nice as sincere gratefulness. Also, our deeds must reflect our speech. As President John F. Kennedy once said, "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." So on this Thanksgiving Day and for the rest of the year give thanks in what you do and in what you say. In closing, I'll simply say thank you.