We have a lot to be thankful for this past year: Our health, family and friends, Fortune magazine finally announcing that Verizon’s getting the iPhone– you fill in the blank. Regardless of what it is we’re thankful for, the holidays are a good time to reflect on all the blessings and great people around us, and to remember and thank those who afford us the freedom to celebrate – sacrificing their time with family and friends, and sometimes their lives to serve our nation.

One exciting perk of video conferencing is the chance to reconnect families who are miles apart due to deployment. Organizations like the Freedom Calls Foundation have been incredibly generous, and do a great job of bridging the gap during the holidays.