01/12 — Hi, Jets fans!! It's Laura D. from the Flight Crew! Hope everyone has a happy and healthy new year!

I can't believe how quickly this season has gone by. It feels like yesterday when I was filling out my application to try out for the team! It’s been a great journey and an unbelievable experience.

Being on this team has really made me grow as a person. I have met so many wonderful people and had the opportunity to be involved with many amazing appearances. From visiting children’s hospitals to flying out to Seattle to meet our troops, everything has been rewarding.

When I was chosen to be a part of the Seattle trip in December, it really hit home. My brother has been serving in Iraq for the past year and won't be coming back until the end of February. When we saw these men and women in Seattle at Fort Lewis who were leaving for Iraq in the next couple of weeks, I could definitely relate to their families. There will always be a constant worry about your soldier, but they are the few that stand strong to fight for our country no matter what.

Every time I am able to talk to some of the soldiers, I always remember that these men and women are the people who make me thankful that I am an American. Without a complaint, they stand up for our nation and give their all to try and bring us peace. They are our fathers, daughters and even little brothers who now have grown into our heroes.

Being a sister of a soldier has made me realize that the daily stresses of life are nothing compared to what those men and woman go through overseas. Our everyday pressures seem minuscule to the problems the soldiers have to deal with. I make sure each day I remember how hard those men and women are working for us and nothing is compared to their life in Iraq.

Every time I am on the field with 80,000 fans around me, I am so thankful for this opportunity to be a member of the Flight Crew. But as I stand there, I keep in mind the strength and courage my brother has and I admire him for that. I know he is very proud of me for chasing my dreams, but I wouldn’t have been able to do it without him. He is my hero and makes me want to accomplish all of my goals to my best ability.

Thank you, fans, for an amazing year! I can’t wait to start practicing for the '09 season! Just a few short months and it will be here before we know it! See you all soon!

Sincerely, Laura D.