I am happy to let you all know that my time here in Kuwait is coming to an end. My unit will be departing theater soon and I see the excitement in all the troops everyday now. Unfortunately we won't make it back in time for Christmas and we've made peace with that but we're all hoping to be home before the New Year and I'd be really happy if we could. Before I leave I just wanted to thank you wonderful people for all the love and support you've shown me and my troops we all appreciate it very much. It has been a great year and I'm thankful that I've had this opportunity to serve with the fine men and women in my Unit. I've learned a great many things this year and have had a chance to grow as a soldier and as a person. I've learned to be more patient and have learned to learn new things further. I've learned to be more grateful and content for all I have, my family, my friends, my health, an opportunity to work and serve and to receive such love and appreciation from new friends as yourselves. I've also had the opportunity to mentor some of the young soldiers and I feel good knowing that I have made a small difference in their lives for the better. Overall I am going home a better person than when I left and I am grateful for that. I am going back to New York so not really looking forward to the frigid temperatures that we get but I am looking forward to the warmth of my home and family. The summer here was long and most of it was over 125 degrees so I never expected this place to be as cool as it is right now. We have 45 degree mornings and evenings and a soothing 65 degree afternoon right now, it's surprisingly nice but we're ready to go home now. Lastly, I want to reiterate on behalf of everyone who were able to enjoy the care packages and letters you guys sent, Thank you very much, it has been a blessing. I wish you guys Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, hope you all get to enjoy it with your loved ones.

Best Wishes always,

Cordially,

Samrat S. P.