A Message On Thanksgiving Eve

My recent embed with American and Afghan SOF in Afghanistan was an amazing trip, and I can't wait for everyone to read the long form pieces that I have forthcoming. I hope to embed with US forces again in the future, no matter what part of the world they are in.

That being said, I love the line of work I have found myself in. I get to travel to interesting places, talk to fascinating people, and witness history in some cases.

It's taken me a while to wrap my head around what exactly it is that I do, as I've worked as a journalist, a blogger, an author, a filmmaker, a television co-host, and more recently a photographer. I think I can now sum all of that up into one job I am passionate about: Storyteller.

I hope to become a great storyteller some day. Someone who is capable of telling stories through multiple mediums and across a wide variety of outlets. Stories that are compelling, that inform or entertain, stories that maybe even stir the soul.

That's not an easy road; there are very few that can say they have been successful in that endeavor.

But a hard road is much easier to travel when you genuinely enjoy every bump in the road, every turn and every curve. Whether I make it into the same conversation as the great storytellers some day or not, I know it's a pursuit I love and will have no regrets about someday when I look back on what I've done with my life.

This Thanksgiving, I'm thankful for the opportunity to pursue my passion. For the support I receive from my friends and family, readers and viewers of my work, and for those who've taken a risk on hiring me.

I'm thankful that I live in a country that is founded on a free press; a country that largely embraces artistic expression. I'm thankful for those who continue to keep watch both at home and abroad and allow me to live in relative safety.

I don't take for granted the blessings in my life, and after I spend the day with family tomorrow, I'll be back at it pursuing great stories with every bit of vigor I can muster.

Here's to a great Thanksgiving and being thankful for those who make the great pursuit all possible.