Many reasons for region to give thanks

We surely have editor and poet Sarah Josepha Hale to thank for what she envisioned as “our Great American Festival of Thanksgiving,” which President Lincoln set as a fixed national holiday with his 1863 proclamation. The opportunity to pause and gather together in gratitude, reverence and unity on a Thursday in late November is a blessing in itself.

Among the reasons for our region of Kansas to give thanks:

▪  The service, skill and dedication of our active-duty military and reserves. With peace still so elusive around the world, and especially in the terrorist-infested areas of the Middle East and northern Africa, the nation continues to ask its defenders to deploy on its behalf. The active-duty and reserve units at McConnell Air Force Base support the mission while fueling the local economy, as McConnell prepares for the exciting 2016 arrival of the new KC-46A tankers. And the 451st Expeditionary Sustainment Command, a Wichita-based U.S. Army Reserve unit, will have its first overseas deployment in 2016. Wherever the war-fighting takes these and other brave personnel, our gratitude and prayers will go along.

▪  Brightening prospects for local job seekers and less-cautious optimism among aircraft manufacturers. Wichita’s unemployment rate was 4.3 percent in October, with The Eagle able to report that “companies are finally adding workers at a good clip.” Keith Lawing, executive director of the Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas, said: “I see it all across the board, from entry level to higher level positions. It’s more than just replacing attrition. We are seeing growth.” Meanwhile, Spirit AeroSystems has been hiring and is preparing for higher production rates on the Boeing 787, and Textron Aviation is aggressively developing new products. A Flightglobal commentary about “Textron Aviation’s bold advance” noted that “the entire business aviation industry benefits if Wichita’s finest engineers are busy, emboldened and united.” So does Wichita.

▪  The generosity of south-central Kansans. Though the United Way of the Plains fell $700,000 short of its goal, the fall campaign represented an impressive $14.3 million investment by donors in the needs of their neighbors and the health and well-being of the region. Acting on concern for others knows no season, but is sure to surge in the coming days of food, coat, blanket, cash and gift collection and distribution. Many nonprofit organizations and those they serve will be counting on us.

▪  The start of construction of a new interchange at I-235 and Kellogg at last. The 1950s-era design has tested drivers’ nerves long enough, though getting through the transformation’s ramp and lane closures won’t be easy either. Commuters’ patience will be rewarded, though, with a modern interchange and lowered risk of accidents in summer 2019.

▪  The Kansas City Royals’ run to their second World Series championship, and the first in 30 years. Manager Ned Yost’s tenacious club showed how a small-market franchise can deliver on big dreams, sweeping up all of Kansas in the excitement.

Low gas prices, enough turkeys to go around after all, a new Adele album, December’s promises of six Garth Brooks concerts at Intrust Bank Arena and a new “Star Wars” movie – the reasons to give thanks are as numerous as south-central Kansans.

Happy Thanksgiving.

This story was originally published November 25, 2015 at 6:05 PM with the headline "Many reasons for region to give thanks."