# Stop In and Express Thanks To All Who Will Be On Duty This Holiday Season **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [December 22, 2002, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-in-and-express-thanks-to-all-who-will-be-on-duty-this-holiday-season/144410 "2002-12-22T18:59:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![False\_God](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ee7513/32.png) [@False\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/False_God)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2002, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-in-and-express-thanks-to-all-who-will-be-on-duty-this-holiday-season/144410/21 "2002-12-24T12:05:29Z")
I’ll be on duty today (half-day by Executive Order), carrying the pager in case anything blows up in South Asia and I have to brief the Undersecretary. Gotta love being junior and on temporary duty. Tomorrow I have off, but haqve to stay within shouting distance of a TV and a phone. And I have forty-five pages to translate and learn the verbs and vocabulary so I can be prepped for my classes on January 2. ---
**Author:** ![jacksen9](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ce73a5/32.png) [@jacksen9](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jacksen9)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2002, 12:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-in-and-express-thanks-to-all-who-will-be-on-duty-this-holiday-season/144410/22 "2002-12-24T12:17:54Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by False\_God \* > \*\*I’ll be on duty today (half-day by Executive Order), carrying the pager in case anything blows up in South Asia and I have to brief the Undersecretary. Gotta love being junior and on temporary duty. Tomorrow I have off, but haqve to stay within shouting distance of a TV and a phone. > > And I have forty-five pages to translate and learn the verbs and vocabulary so I can be prepped for my classes on January 2. \*\* This sounds like very important work. I would like to be able to throw that phrase around. “I’m due to brief the Undersecretary at noon”. Neat. Sounds better than West Wing.😃 ---
**Author:** ![Mac\_Guffin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/2bfe46/32.png) [@Mac\_Guffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mac_Guffin)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2002, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-in-and-express-thanks-to-all-who-will-be-on-duty-this-holiday-season/144410/23 "2002-12-24T12:33:37Z")
Thank you to all who toil while others celibrate! More to the point, Thank you to my assistant, who hasn’t quit yet, and by being here is allowing me NOT to have to work this christmas. (He is the sixth assistant i have had in two years. I really need to lay off the cattle prod.) ---
**Author:** ![Francesca](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/9fc348/32.png) [@Francesca](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Francesca)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2002, 12:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-in-and-express-thanks-to-all-who-will-be-on-duty-this-holiday-season/144410/24 "2002-12-24T12:51:21Z")
I’m here at the ambulance control centre on christmas eve, controlling ambulaces. Do I count? If I do, then thanks! ---
**Author:** ![jacksen9](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ce73a5/32.png) [@jacksen9](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jacksen9)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2002, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-in-and-express-thanks-to-all-who-will-be-on-duty-this-holiday-season/144410/25 "2002-12-24T15:44:36Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Francesca \* > \*\*I’m here at the ambulance control centre on christmas eve, controlling ambulaces. Do I count? If I do, then thanks! \*\* You count big time! We don’t want those ambulances running around out-of-control. 😃 Seriously, I hope you have a quiet day and that you are working with some neat folks that are fun to be around. Have a good holiday and we really appreciate you. ---
**Author:** ![Siege](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dbc845/32.png) [@Siege](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siege)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2002, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-in-and-express-thanks-to-all-who-will-be-on-duty-this-holiday-season/144410/26 "2002-12-24T16:38:17Z")
One last thanks. To anyone working suicide hot lines and crisis lines this night and every night, thank you. If you ever wonder if your work makes a difference, believe me, it does. From someone whose life one of you saved once. ---
**Author:** ![Elenfair](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/cc9497/32.png) [@Elenfair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elenfair)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2002, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-in-and-express-thanks-to-all-who-will-be-on-duty-this-holiday-season/144410/27 "2002-12-24T16:38:34Z")
To add to the list: Thanks to the “Nez Rouge” (lit.: Red Nose)volunteers back home who will sacrifice their evenings for those who have had a little too much to drink over the holidays. (Basically, they work in pairs. If you’re at a party and have taken your own car, but shouldn’t drive, you call them up. They will drive to you, one of the volunteers will drive you (and your party)home, then hop into his partner’s car. Lather, rince, repeat. It’s a wonderful system - and a solution for those who shouldn’t drive, but took their cars, and don’t want to leave them behind - often one of the reasons why people drive home even when toasted.) ---
**Author:** ![Jake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f475e1/32.png) [@Jake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jake)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2002, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-in-and-express-thanks-to-all-who-will-be-on-duty-this-holiday-season/144410/28 "2002-12-24T19:04:01Z")
Gopher, very good site. I sure sent my support. Thanks ---
**Author:** ![WillSantini](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/ed8c4c/32.png) [@WillSantini](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WillSantini)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2002, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-in-and-express-thanks-to-all-who-will-be-on-duty-this-holiday-season/144410/29 "2002-12-24T19:15:03Z")
Semper Fi ---
**Author:** ![False\_God](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ee7513/32.png) [@False\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/False_God)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-in-and-express-thanks-to-all-who-will-be-on-duty-this-holiday-season/144410/30 "2002-12-25T01:00:22Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by jacksen9 \* > \*\*This sounds like very important work. I would like to be able to throw that phrase around. “I’m due to brief the Undersecretary at noon”. Neat. Sounds better than West Wing.😃 \*\* The work itself ain’t that important, it’s the placement. I’m TDY (temporary duty) on a task force. Largely because I’m young, here, and expendable. The reward is that the Undersecretary gets _my_ briefing because my superior officers want to be home with their families. 20.00 hours and all’s well–only one call all day, from Karachi asking if we were going to get snow tonight. I’m off watch but still have the pager, and that means I can crack open the 10 year old Evan Williams I got from my desk officer. ---
**Author:** ![jacksen9](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ce73a5/32.png) [@jacksen9](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jacksen9)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-in-and-express-thanks-to-all-who-will-be-on-duty-this-holiday-season/144410/31 "2002-12-25T01:18:00Z")
Well… enjoy and thanks again. ---
**Author:** ![Ruby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/13edae/32.png) [@Ruby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruby)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-in-and-express-thanks-to-all-who-will-be-on-duty-this-holiday-season/144410/32 "2002-12-25T01:22:36Z")
with **Mr. Ruby’s** deployment looking imminent, I would like to extend a special thanks to all of our soldiers that are not able to be with their families this year. Keep the faith and come home safe. ---
**Author:** ![TVGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/82dd89/32.png) [@TVGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TVGuy)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-in-and-express-thanks-to-all-who-will-be-on-duty-this-holiday-season/144410/33 "2002-12-25T01:33:10Z")
The most important people are, of course, the public servants, health care workers, soliders, sailors and airmen out there keeping us safe and protected. A most happy holiday to all of you! While we’re sending greetings along to those who don’t get many holidays or days off, think of your local neighborhood news person, reporter, TV or Radio engineer, and others that keep your entertainment, news, hazardous weather information and all coming into your homes. We’re out there covering it so you don’t have to be! You may not think much of us most of the time, but when the floods come … Have a happy one. ---
**Author:** ![Mockingbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c68b51/32.png) [@Mockingbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mockingbird)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-in-and-express-thanks-to-all-who-will-be-on-duty-this-holiday-season/144410/34 "2002-12-25T01:38:38Z")
_kneels to TVGuy in appreciation_ … I mean **BOWS**. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![DoctorJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctorj/32/2904_2.png) [@DoctorJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DoctorJ)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-in-and-express-thanks-to-all-who-will-be-on-duty-this-holiday-season/144410/35 "2002-12-25T01:40:29Z")
As I’m slaving over hot patients from 7AM to 10PM tomorrow, I appreciate the sentiment from everyone. All I ask in return is that if you’re in Greensboro or the surrounding area tomorrow, don’t get sick! (At least, don’t get sick enough to get admitted to the hospital…) Dr. J ---
**Author:** ![evilbeth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/evilbeth/32/2268_2.png) [@evilbeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/evilbeth)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-in-and-express-thanks-to-all-who-will-be-on-duty-this-holiday-season/144410/36 "2002-12-25T12:15:35Z")
As I sit here doling out what seems to be nothing but bad news to families and friends of ill people (“He’s still listed critical.” “Her condition has not changed.” “I’m not showing him as a patient any longer. You might want to contact the family at home.”), it’s nice to know I am appreciated. Happy and safe holidays to all of you–no matter what you do. Yes, even if you’re a telemarketer! 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Siege](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dbc845/32.png) [@Siege](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siege)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 12:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-in-and-express-thanks-to-all-who-will-be-on-duty-this-holiday-season/144410/37 "2002-12-25T12:26:37Z")
I’m looking at my first white Christmas in years, grateful that it didn’t turn into one until _after_ I got home from church last night. I’d like to thank the people who are out there plowing and salting the roads and generally keeping things safe to travel, not to mention the people manning the tollbooths, etc. ---
**Author:** ![Rayne\_Man](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/df705f/32.png) [@Rayne\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rayne_Man)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-in-and-express-thanks-to-all-who-will-be-on-duty-this-holiday-season/144410/38 "2002-12-25T19:36:37Z")
And don’t forget the gas and electricty workers who will be working, or on standby this Christmas. Without them you would be eating cold turkey and watching television by candle-light. I work in the natural gas transmission industry and am sometimes on standby. luckily the only day this season I have copped for this duty is New Years day. ---
**Author:** ![Olentzero](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/90ced4/32.png) [@Olentzero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Olentzero)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-in-and-express-thanks-to-all-who-will-be-on-duty-this-holiday-season/144410/39 "2002-12-25T20:30:25Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Rayne Man \* > **Without [gas and electricity workers] you would be eating cold turkey and watching television by candle-light.** Umm… you sure about that TV bit? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Ruby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/13edae/32.png) [@Ruby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruby)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2002, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-in-and-express-thanks-to-all-who-will-be-on-duty-this-holiday-season/144410/40 "2002-12-26T01:32:04Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Rayne Man \* > \*\*And don’t forget the gas and electricty workers who will be working, or on standby this Christmas. Without them you would be eating cold turkey and watching television by candle-light. I work in the natural gas transmission industry and am sometimes on standby. luckily the only day this season I have copped for this duty is New Years day. \*\* Well the friggin Cable workers have the day off. My “Extremely Expensive Digital Cable Service” is on the fritz and do you think I can get anyone to come fix it? Well, I guess I’ll just have to pop in _A Christmas Story_ one more time…aaaaarrrrrrggggghhhhh! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-in-and-express-thanks-to-all-who-will-be-on-duty-this-holiday-season/144410.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-in-and-express-thanks-to-all-who-will-be-on-duty-this-holiday-season/144410.md?page=3)