This year my wife, Lori and I will spend Thanksgiving in Kosovo with soldiers from the Ohio National Guard.  Next week I will write about that trip.  This week I am writing about a few of the many things that I am thankful for this Thanksgiving.

I am thankful to the voters of the third district for demonstrating their trust in me by reelecting me to Congress earlier this month.  To be reelected with in excess of 60 percent of the vote, a greater margin than in 2002, is a tremendous honor.   I consider it a privilege to serve the citizens of Ohio’s Third District.  Thank you for entrusting me to be your advocate in Washington.  I am determined to continue to protect our country and guard the interests of Clinton, Highland, Warren and Montgomery Counties.

Like you, I am grateful for the return of our television and radio stations that can once again run free from the barrage of political commercials, now that the election is over.

I am thankful that after a vigorous debate, the nation returned President George W. Bush to the White House for another four-year term.  The nation demonstrated that leadership requires strength of convictions and a sense of moral courage.

I am thankful for the progress we’ve made in the war on terror and hopeful for the continued progress we’ll make in the year ahead.  I am thankful that Saddam’s regime of terror is no more.  Saddam is now in prison and awaiting trial for the crimes he committed against humanity.  In the past several weeks U.S. troops have put down the insurgents in Fallujah and begun to clear the way for elections in January.

I am proud and thankful for our brave fighting men and women in Iraq, Afghanistan and all over the world.  These fearless and unselfish individuals are spreading freedom and democracy across the world and making America safer.  I look forward to having Thanksgiving dinner with troops from Ohio keeping the peace in Kosovo and thanking them for their dedication, courage and sacrifices.

At home we have seen the economy turn the corner this year.  We have now had 14 consecutive months of job growth.  In that period nearly 2.4 million new jobs have been created.  The gross domestic product (GDP) has grown for six consecutive quarters now, at a 4 ½ percent annual rate.  That is the strongest growth in five years and one of the strongest continued growth rates in 20 years.

I am most thankful for my family.  My wife and two girls are proud of my service to the people of Ohio’s third district, in Washington, D.C. 

At Thanksgiving, as we gather with our families, I know we are all thankful for the opportunities we have in America.  We will also remember those who serve our country and are keeping our families safe.